Torrey Pines High School grad headed to Harvard Medical School

Amy O’Brien, a 2006 graduate of Torrey Pines High School, will begin her studies at Harvard Medical School this August. Amy graduated from Torrey Pines in 2006. While attending Torrey Pines, she was an active participant in the AVID program. Targeting students who are considered to be educationally disadvantaged, AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change.

Following her success at Torrey Pines, Amy went on to study biology at Brown University in Providence, RI. While at Brown, she was on the equestrian team. She began her studies focusing on creative writing, but went on to graduate from Brown University with honors in biology and immunology in 2010. She credits her change of direction to her experiences mentoring at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, where she found a desire to pursue medicine.

After graduation, Amy began work at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn. Founded by actor Paul Newman in 1988, and named for the secret, outlaw hiding-place from his film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has been serving seriously ill children with a remarkably empowering away experience for more than 20 years. Amy was a counselor at the camp last summer and plans to return this summer prior to her matriculation into medical school. Her experience at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp has solidified her desire to pursue a career in pediatrics following medical school.

Related posts:

1. Carmel Valley: Torrey Pines High School grad helps launch iPhone app for rec sports
2. Torrey Pines High School’s Advanced Math Open House is May 19
3. Torrey Pines High School Stadium gets spring cleaning
4. Torrey Pines High School Foundation’s ‘Pump Up the Volume’ fundraiser coming
5. Torrey Pines High School's Advanced Math Open House is May 19

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