Ariela Maya Shortt Sanchez

Proudest Moment: Receiving the 2018 Homecoming Royalty Award

I am a passionate and curious individual who has developed a love for science through understanding the human body. My curiosity has led me to explore biology at the ecological, evolutionary, physiological and molecular levels but as a woman in STEM the most important skill is applying that knowledge in ways that dismantle systems of oppression and uplift communities and voices. I have spent my time at UW understanding my own identity but also the stories and complex identities of my peers. Becoming educated is one of the most special gifts in life and I could do so while also creating a community of amazing, bright, kind-hearted activists, artists, scientist, philanthropists and storytellers. I would not be graduating today if it weren't for staff and faculty who created safe spaces for curiosity and self-discovery. I could name a million folks working in UW Honors, ECC, EOP, OMAD, IC, La Raza, PISC, UW Arts Diversity Council, UW Biology, Burke Museum and Anthropology department. Just amazing people who really invest and believe in their students most importantly actively uplifting black and indigenous voices. My next steps are preparing for and applying to medical school with hopes to become a physician in the future. I hope to continue to center art forms, especially dance, as a platform in creating community, I hope to inspire more youth to pursue higher education and discover their purpose and power. I also hope to get more involved with the greater Seattle area to understand what issues people face and how to create a more caring and inviting space within healthcare. My goal is to provide healthcare to black, indigenous, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities in which health disparities most strongly affect, I hope to collaborate with other professionals who believe in human rights and incorporate communities needs in my everyday practice.