Javiera Klenner has been very busy lately. She graduated Farmington High School where she was a dedicated student and an athlete. She was a four-year member of varsity cheerleading and served as Senior Co-Captain. She was also a member of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists and the Philosophy Club and was president of Dog Rescue Club and president of Bien ou Bien: a French Language and Culture Club.
Javiera has long hoped to pursue a career in medicine, as reflected in her Capstone project, which explored the impact of iron deficiency on pregnant women and their children. In addition to her studies, Javiera first interned and was then promoted to a medical assistant at The Better Medicine Company in Avon where she supervises its CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program under Doctor Nauman Mufti.
Javiera will be attending UConn in the fall to pursue a course of premedical studies and biology
What sparked your interest in medicine?
I realized that I wanted to definitely go into medicine my junior year of high school when I took biology and anatomy at school. I thought it would be a perfect career choice because I love the study of human beings, and I love helping other people, so I thought this would be an ideal choice. This was solidified when I began interning under Dr. Nauman Mufti at Allies Medical Walk In Clinic.
What was it like working with prediabetics?
Diabetes is caused by genetics and a lack of a healthy lifestyle. If there is a lack of exercise, unhealthy food choices, and large portion sizes, the risk of developing diabetes increases by 50% (cdc.gov). Our Diabetes Prevention Program was created to educate people at risk for diabetes how to change their lifestyles for the better. Working with these people helped me understand that there is a real motivation towards becoming a healthier person once you recognize the impact it can have on your life and your loved ones. We recently had a mid-year report for one of our groups, and they all showed a drastic improvement in their blood sugars, their weights, and the amounts of exercise per week.
Tell me a little about your family?
We are a small family that loves traveling and volunteering — especially during the holidays — and we are really close, which heavily influenced my choice in schools.
What made you choose UConn?
Aside from the incredible school spirit, I chose UConn because it has a great medical program and because it’s close to home. Since the Storrs campus is only an hour from home, I can come visit my family every weekend and enjoy being home.
What is your favorite thing about Devonwood?
Devonwood is safe and fun. Because we are a small family, it can be hard to ensure our safety, so I believe the best thing Devonwood is how safe it is. Additionally, it is really close to Winding Trails, and that’s where we’ve spent the greater part of our summer. I love the lake and all the activities there.
