Her Story
About Kylee
Kylee Svancara is a full-time student at UC San Diego pursuing a degree in neurobiology on the pre-med track as she enters her sophomore year. In addition to her studies, she engages in advocacy work focused on eating disorders. She served as an ambassador with the National Eating Disorder Association for approximately one year, during which she helped organize NEDA Care Fairs and spoke at three community events sharing experiences of recovery. Svancara received an Award of Excellence at the Future Medical Leaders Convention. Her own recovery from an eating disorder during high school inspired her path, and she plans to conduct research on neuromolecular treatments for eating disorders after medical school. Svancara attributes her success to her past self and emphasizes the importance of passion and empathy in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kylee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my past self that didn't know if I was going to have a future. I do everything that I do for my past self, to show her and make her proud of what I'm doing now.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
People in the medical field told me you have to do something that you're passionate about so you don't get burnt out. That's why I'm moving towards doing eating disorder research, because that's something I'm really passionate about.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Even though right now it seems impossible for them to get better and recover, it is 100% possible, and there is a life after their eating disorder, and they will not be stuck in that forever.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the greatest challenges are seeing people that I've come to care about struggle with eating disorders. It's a very hard thing to go through, but it's also amazing that I'm able to know exactly what they're going through and be there for them in the ways that I know that they need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Passion is very important to me. Having passion for everything that I do, and putting my all into everything that I do. Empathy is also very important, because with advocacy comes empathy for the people that you are advocating for.
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