Blog Post #gunby101

Blog Post 1

Hello my name is Kelli Christensen and I am a Freshman majoring in Public Health.

I grew up in Bishop, California and have lived there ever since. My mom is a Registered Nurse but is head of informatics and infection prevention. My dad is head of EKG and Respiratory Therapy. My sister who is 2 years older than me is in Australia to pursue her dreams of becoming a Pediatric Nurse. I also have two fosters brothers. Joey, who lives here, is 4 years older than me. Jake, who lives in Alaska, is 6 years older than me. They started living with us when I was 10.

In the future I plan to go be Physician Assistant or work in HealthCare Administration. I grew up in Medical Field environment which made me find my dream in health care. My parents are who created my dream of working in the medical field. Since my freshman year of high school I have worked at the Health Clinic in my town where I did clerical work like answering phones, creating appointments, checking in and out patients and more. Being able to work side by side with family doctors made my vision for being in the medical field more clear.

In highschool I participated in many clubs and events. I was in Associated Student Body, Leos Club, Interact Club, Language Club, link crew and many more. I graduated with over 100 hours of community service, when I only needed 20. I also graduated with CSF high honors. I also did varsity swimming for 4 years. I was also in Club team throughout every summer since I was 8 years old. In my  Senior year I worked at a Health Clinic as a front office staff/Student Trainee. This is where my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant grew.

I was born with achondroplasia which is a type of dwarfism. I have not let this stop me in any way. I have had over 20 surgeries which includes a major back surgery, major knee surgery and a major brain surgery.

Swimming is a big part of my life. I am registered under the paralympics and have two emerging times. I also have a coach down in Yucaipa, California who helps me work around my disability in swimming. He has taught me a lot and which has made my times much better. In 2017, I swam for USA at the Dwarf World Games. There I swam in 4 events and won 3 golds and 1 Silver. Swimming is something that has always kept me going even on the roughest times.

Other than swimming and school I also like to put my focus on skiing, cooking/baking, my family and my friends. I have gained many friends over my lifetime at little people of america conferences. Although we only see each other once a year we make it a goal to always keep in touch. I also go to a special needs camp called The Painted Turtle.  I have went there for 10 years and since I am now too old for it I plan to become a counselor and give children the experience I was given.

Kind Regards,

Kelli Christensen

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