Juan Magana
2nd year Public Health Major, UC Berkeley
by Sandra Takei, current BSP Member
On Family, Medicine, and Giving Back
Sandra: Where are you from?
Juan: Born and raised in Salinas, California.
Sandra: Did you come from a big family?
Juan: Yeah, I have 4 siblings. I have 2 older brothers, 1 older sister, and a younger sister. We're all really close because of our parents and the way we were raised.
My parents didn't go to college, but the least you can do for the people who gave birth to you and raised you is go to school and show something for your life. A lot of kids don't appreciate what they've got these days.Sandra: It sounds like your parents had a huge impact on your life. What were their expectations for you?
Juan: My dad wanted me to be an optometrist. He said it was a clean, well-paying job. I shadowed an optometrist once. I was bored out of my mind! He would say, "Read this line. Is this clearer?" it was like working at the DMV.
BSPer/Chem Tutor: What about ophthalmology, eye surgery? It's a little more hands on.
Juan: Yeah, my brother had laser eye surgery. The eye is just so small. That kind of work is just not for me.
Sandra: So what made you choose medicine?
Juan: My family didn't go to the doctor when we were kids. I like learning about how systems work and how to fix them when they go wrong. Plus, I saw the disparities in health care just in the community where I grew up. I just want to fix people. And its all about the people, people need it, and I will give it.
Sandra: What got you interested in the Public Health major?
Juan: When I first got to Cal I already knew I wanted to be a doctor. Basically, my older sister (who's studying nursing) picked my major for me. She said biology was the way to become a doctor. So, I started off as an MCB major, then I changed to IB, and when I found out there was a new Public Health undergraduate major I switched to that. Don't get me wrong, I love biology. But, I just enjoy the public health approach more.
Sandra: What kind of medicine do you think you'd like to go into?
Juan: I want to be a cardiologist. I've known I wanted to be a doctor for awhile now. When I was trying to figure out what kind, my brother was diagnosed with a heart condition. I kind of took it as a sign. Plus, fixing broken hearts is something I take in interest in. But no matter what, I'm going to work in Salinas. In Salinas, there are 2 hospitals: the public and the private one. The public hospital is where they send all the poor. It's horrible for people without insurance and the private hospital is even worse. When I go back, I'm going to subsidize my costs because nobody should be denied health care.
I'm a product of that city. I have to give something back!
Sandra: Wow, that's a really great goal. So, let's talk about how you're going to get there. How did you decide to go to Cal?
Juan: That's a good story. I didn't know that much about UC's when I was in high school. I didn't really think about it. I was only thinking about applying to Cal State schools, but when I received word in the mail that I was guaranteed a spot at a UC, I decided that I would settle for nothing less. I was later informed by my high school teacher that I qualified to compete for a scholarship at UC Berkeley. My sister and I were both finalists for the scholarship (she won it in the end). My first choice was UC Riverside, so then I thought, maybe I'll set my sights a little higher and apply somewhere like UC Irvine. Then I thought, maybe I'll go even better and apply to UCSD, and UC Davis. My dream was UC Davis. I wasn't even thinking about Cal but I applied because I had to in order to qualify for the scholarship.
My younger sister and I were applying to colleges at the same time. We've been in the same grade since 4 th grade in elementary school. And she has definitely been an inspiration to me; I always had her in mind when I was applying to schools. When I received the acceptance letter from UC Davis I was so excited, I got in. I was set. I knew where I was going. But things were soon to change, you see Berkeley always sends their letters after all the other UC's. It's pretty annoying. My sister got in but where was my letter? That was it I thought to myself. Berkeley didn't even think I was worth the ink to send a rejection letter. But the next day my letter came. I got in. So now my sister and I are both ended up at Cal.Sandra: Where did the rest of your siblings end up?
Juan: My older brother's at UCLA. He was transfer student in a program similar to BSP. (It's not as good though.) My older sister is at UCSF studying to be a nurse. And my oldest brother graduated from Cal State Monterey Bay not to long ago. I am VERY proud of them all.
On Berkeley , Cal , and BSP
Sandra: How did you find out about BSP?
Juan: When I was at CalSO I took a math test to see where I fit in and what math class I should take. John came in to recruit for BSP. John said that it was important to have a strong network of people who are in the same fields. John's a really inspirational speaker and when I heard the concept of BSP I loved the idea. I interviewed in the Fall and was awarded a spot in BSP.
Sandra: Do you do any other extra-curricular activities besides BSP?
Juan: In high school I did football, wrestling, and track all 4 years.
Sandra: Which high school did you go to?
Juan: North Salinas High School. Go Vikings!
Sandra: Have you ever thought about doing any of those sports at Cal?
Juan: Oh, I would definitely do wrestling if there was an intramural team at Cal. But I guess wrestling just isn't very big at Berkeley.
As far as other extra curricular activities at Cal, I've been involved with CHE and I volunteer when I can. Mostly, I volunteer with programs through CHE like the La Raza Health Fair and things like that. I was also a tutor at Longfellow Middle School, too. It was an after school program through work study.Sandra: What subject?
Juan: Whatever subject they needed. Basically, they just put all the Latino students in a room and said, "Do what you need to do." It was cool. I felt like we weren't just tutors, we were their friends.
Sandra: You're a second year now, what's you favorite thing about Berkeley so far?
Juan: I love this place. I love going to debates and football games. Berkeley has such a great atmosphere, it's very social. There's always something going on in Berkeley, protests, debates, and events, both on campus and off. I think I learn a lot more off campus. But I have to say BSP is the best, it's awesome.
Sandra: No arguments there. What's been your favorite class so far?
Juan: It's definitely not chemistry, I'll tell you that. It wouldn't be a regular academic class. I guess I have to say either John [Matsui] or Caroline [Kane]'s class.
Last Word
From the Shawshank Redemption: "Get busy living, or get busy dying."
