STUDENT PROFILES
MERCEDES HUMSKI
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND HEALTH ' S BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
Mercedes Humski is a student in the College of Science and Health ' s Bachelor of Biomedical Science program . She graduates in May 2024 and is also the current president of the CDU Student Government .
Humksi was born and raised in San Pedro , California and her interest in the medical field began at a young age . Growing up without medical insurance , she recognized the importance of maintaining one ' s health . Humski frequented the local library and pharmacy to research symptoms , the causes of illnesses , and available remedies for purchase .
“ Maturing in poverty you learn how to survive with the tools available ," said Humski . " Seeing people around me suffering from lack of knowledge of preventive medicine was heartbreaking and beget a passion of public service I have carried out throughout my life and careers .”
Before starting her journey at CDU , Humski worked in the hospitality and childcare industry . The experiences she had there propelled her with the courage needed to return to school .
When applying to schools , it was important for Humski to choose an institution that valued her culture or ethnic background . " What I was not expecting , was to find a school whose mission in public service allowed me to give back to my community and bring together all the knowledge I had learned in previous years into my health career studies ," shared Humski .
Humski believes her time at CDU has solidified her conviction that she chose the right university to pursue her undergraduate Biomedical Science degree .
“ I am so blessed to be surrounded by like minded individuals who are committed to public service and have erected lasting programs in our community that I have had the pleasure to be a part of , displaying leadership and efficiency in the past three years .”
Humski intends to dive further into a health professions career through applying to medical school . She would like to be a Geriatric doctor focusing on programs that will allow her to continue her work in public service and research current health problems in local communities .
SABRINA MONTGOMERY
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ' S 4-YEAR MEDICAL DEGREE PROGRAM
Sabrina Montgomery is a student in the inaugural CDU 4-year Medical Degree program . Montgomery , who graduates in Spring 2027 , is a proud Inglewood , California native . Her educational journey and formative years unfolded in Inglewood and South Los Angeles .
As she grew up in these communities , Montgomery witnessed the stark inadequacy of medical , educational , and economic resources . This observation instilled in her an unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities , particularly those of color .
" The passing of my grandfather from kidney failure during my childhood and my father ' s struggle with early-onset dementia , culminating in his recent passing , further fueled my determination to pursue a career in medicine ," explained Montgomery .
Witnessing her grandfather confined to an electric wheelchair and undergoing dialysis left a lasting impression on her life and ignited her curiosity about medicine . She was only in the sixth grade when her grandfather succumbed to his illness .
" As I grappled with the reasons behind his death and the necessity for dialysis , I began questioning healthcare disparities ,” said Montgomery . “ It became clear that individuals in underserved communities face disproportionately higher rates of poor health outcomes . This realization deepened my interest in the medical field , propelling me to seek answers to these questions and a commitment to learning how to prevent others from experiencing the loss of family members as I did ."
Attending CDU was a longstanding dream of Montgomery ' s . She recognized the striking alignment between the University ' s goals and the aspirations she held for her future as a physician .
" What drew me in was the prospect of attending a school where I would have close access to trailblazers who look like me in both the medical and public health fields — individuals actively engaged in transformative work within the Black and Brown communities I call home ," explained Montgomery . " I yearned for an educational experience where I could be mentored and trained by those who share my background and are making a tangible impact . Few schools could offer such a compelling appeal ."
She describes her time at CDU as being incredibly fulfilling . " From the very first moment I set foot on campus , and every day thereafter , I ' ve felt a genuine sense of belonging ," said Montgomery . " I am profoundly grateful that CDU recognized something in me and chose to invest in my potential in the way they have ."
The Inglewood native anticipates her future with boundless optimism . " My aspirations extend beyond personal achievement — I am excited about making a lasting impact in the communities that have shaped me into the person I am today ," shared Montgomery . " Specifically , I look forward to influencing the lives of women of color , aiming to develop initiatives that genuinely improve the health outcomes of Black women within the medical system ."
STUDENT PROFILES Annual Report 2023
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