CLASS OF 2016 | 2023 | SPRING ISSUE

Hello Class of 2016! I’m happy to report the following updates from our classmates:

Deren Ertas has been pursuing her PhD at Harvard University in history and Middle Eastern Studies since 2019. She is working on a dissertation that deals with the history of mining in the Southeastern Taurus Mountains from the 18th century onward. This year, she became a Fulbright-Hays Fellow, which will bring her to Turkey, France, and Germany throughout 2023. She would be happy to connect with other alumni who live in these places!

Gari Francois is in an expansive and healing chapter of her life. She has been traveling the United States for the past year, hosting community gatherings and workshop/dialogue spaces and getting to experience different ways of living in America. She is currently back in NYC, but soon to be in Miami, Florida, for the winter. She does not enjoy the cold—LOL. Recently, she landed a role she had always asked for but never thought would come to fruition; she is a care coach for a virtual IOP provider, where she gets to serve and support kids in their journey toward mental wellness, which she describes as really fulfilling and gratifying work. She is also looking to begin her studies as a death doula in 2023. She is also currently brainstorming/creating in person gathering spaces that invite participants to engage in experiential learning and somatic healing.

Ellen Paik and Melissa Leung are enjoying their blissful grad school vacation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, over hot pot dinner followed by bottles of wine. Since it is cold AF, Melissa does seek snuggles from Ben Romero when he returns from the woods of New Hampshire and Ulysses Estrada ’17, who is her neighbor! She has yet to cuddle with Chase Knowles but is hopeful they will meet soon after this update publishes.

Kellyn Maves and Sarah Mi are surviving intern year and were able to have a little reunion in San Diego when Kellyn went to visit Sarah on a coinciding weekend off. Kellyn also recently cut down a Christmas tree and just finished decorating it!

As for me, I am busy with medical school but have to say this has been the best year yet with exploring all these different specialties and departments. Most exciting is that I have decided to apply to ophthalmology next year, so if anyone has any advice or words of wisdom as I embark on that journey, they will be well received!

I hope for a great start to the year!

Stay well,

Mariam