Maryna Chumakova

Maryna Chumakova is on her way to becoming either a neurosurgeon or a heart transplant specialist.  Maryna, who moved to Indiana as an exchange student from Belarus, graduated from MiraCosta College in spring 2008 and transferred to Cal State San Marcos, where she is studying biochemistry and preparing to apply to medical school.

“I’m already studying for the MCAT,” says Maryna. “This past semester I also interned in the emergency room at Scripps Encinitas and saw everything from strokes and heart attacks to car crashes and domestic violence patients. After this experience, I am sure being a doctor is what I want.”

When she is not preparing for medical school, she is practicing and competing in karate.  This international competitor earned her black belt at 16 and currently trains with the UCSD karate team.

“My dad took me to karate 13 years ago and I’ve been doing it ever since.  It is something I really enjoy; it takes the stress away.”

Maryna has competed in dozens of tournaments.  Most recently she placed first at the Ozawa International Tournament in Las Vegas.  Her competitive spirit is not without its pitfalls, however.

“I’ve had my tooth broken and my nose broken,” she explains.

Maryna also made an impact before leaving MiraCosta College; she was one of only 12 students selected as a Medal of Honor recipient, the highest award a MiraCosta student can achieve.  Maryna says she will look back at her MiraCosta experience fondly.

“MiraCosta is a great place to start out. It’s a great way to save money and get a great education.  Everyone here really motivates you and helps out and because of the small class size you really get to know your teachers.”