Christopher Fernandes

At the age of 23, Christopher stepped onto the campus of Mesa Community College and was nearly overcome by emotions ranging from the fear of not being academically competent to attend college, to the excitement of achieving his greatest personal goal of returning to school. “I’d always felt a burning desire to study human health and medicine, but the pathway never seemed friendly.”

He proved otherwise, earning a 4.0 GPA and a place on multiple honors lists, after which he was named valedictorian of his graduating class. He transferred to UC San Diego where he’s maintained Provost Honors List status while holding down jobs as an ocean lifeguard and resident advisor for UC San Diego students. He’s also proud of his volunteer work as a mentor and tutor to underprivileged teens in San Diego.

Christopher was raised in South Africa near the Indian Ocean. “As a child, I spent countless hours immersed in the water. I quickly learned the tremendous power and fear that came along with what seemed to be the harmless activity of swimming. I found myself surrounded by wild animals like sting rays, massive dolphins and even the occasional hungry shark. While I could never rid myself of fear, I quickly recognized that I was talented in the ocean water.”

Christopher moved to San Diego in 2013 and has been an ocean lifeguard and EMT here for over five years, performing water rescues and medical aid services including CPR. At UC San Diego he’s merging his passion for the ocean with his studies, including assisting with research for the Surfer Biome Project at Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science. “I find myself as hungry as ever to understand the human body and how I can apply this to make a difference within my community.” Christopher is interested in creating more awareness of the nature of the ocean, and improving access to free swimming and surfing programs for the underprivileged – for example, children in foster care. “I believe we can significantly reduce the staggering drowning rates in the U.S.,” he says.

His sights are currently set on medical school and a career in emergency medicine on a broad scale. “As a future physician, I want to participate in the Doctors Without Borders program. I am committed to providing medical care for everyone, especially to those who don’t have access for basic medical needs.”