With graduation just around the corner, the members of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV Class of 2025 took a moment to reflect on their medical school journey. The class of 2025 commencement and academic hooding ceremony will be on May 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. For those unable to attend the event in person, a livestream will be available.

Nicholas Burpee

Matched in General Surgery

Medical school has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. I gained a ton of knowledge, developed real clinical skills, and grew in ways I never expected — both personally and professionally. It was challenging, no doubt, but I genuinely enjoyed what I was doing day in and day out.

Some moments were surreal, like working on the labor and delivery floor at Sunrise Hospital —the very place I was born 29 years ago. This journey has been full of growth, gratitude, and a deepening sense of purpose that makes me excited for residency and a career of service.

Jared Diaz

Matched in Family Medicine

Medical school was not anything like I expected. I fully experienced every emotion that existed within just the first month.

But after these four years, I wouldn’t trade the growth, the wisdom, and the friendships I’ve made through this journey for anything, unless that anything was clearing all of my student loans.

Brisa Escobedo

Matched in General Surgery

These past four years have challenged me in ways I never could have imagined. Every experience and person I’ve met has helped shape me into a more confident and compassionate physician.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being the strongest, it’s about showing up for your team and your patients every day even when it’s hard. Most importantly, I’ve discovered that my purpose in medicine is rooted in human connection, and it’s those moments with patients — especially those whose backgrounds reflect my own — that remind me why I chose this path.

Jessica Fields

Matched in General Surgery

Medical school has been an incredible journey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. Along the way, I’ve learned the power of resilience, the importance of prioritizing wellness, and, most importantly, to truly believe in myself and my potential.

While this path was far from easy, it shaped me into the physician I aspire to be, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. What carried me through was always remembering my “why,” which is to become the best doctor I can be for my future patients.

Gemma Lagasca

Matched in Family Medicine

I remember coming to Second Look and being blown away by how welcoming and supportive the school felt. Medical school has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There were challenging moments, but the community I built — with classmates, friends, and faculty — lifted me up and brought so many meaningful highs.

As graduation approaches, I feel a mix of emotions: sadness to leave, excitement for what’s ahead, and deep gratitude for how far we’ve come. I’ve grown so much through this experience, and I’m trying to appreciate these final moments with the people who made it all matter.

Hannah Murawsky

Matched in Internal Medicine

Looking back on medical school, it's had its challenges, but more than anything it’s been an incredible journey of growth, both professionally and personally. Over the past four years, I’ve had the chance to develop my clinical skills, nurture a sense of lifelong curiosity, and see medicine in action in ways I never could’ve imagined as a pre-med.

During clerkship especially, I found myself constantly inspired — not just by the science and innovation, but by the privilege of witnessing the full spectrum of the human experience. My time in medical school has also helped shape who I am as a future physician and as a person. Most importantly, I’ve also gained lifelong friendships; ones that have supported me through the ups and downs, and that I know will continue to be a meaningful part of my life well beyond graduation.

Mayra Repetto

Matched in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Medical school wasn’t easy, but it was full of moments that made me more certain of why I chose this path. Every challenge deepened my responsibility to advocate for my community and care for patients with honesty, empathy, and heart.

I’m grateful for the people who lifted me when I doubted myself and believed in the future I couldn’t always see. This journey didn’t just shape me into the physician I wanted to be, it really gave me a purpose bigger than myself!

Daniel Villegas

Matched in Interventional Radiology

Over the past four years, I’ve built friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician, and I look forward to growing alongside my colleagues as we develop into exceptional physicians.