This first person essay was written by Estrella Villalobos, a 2025 Lefteroff Intern.
I walk through the double doors, feeling a rush of wind blow through my hair. All I can focus on is the click of my black heels against the polished concrete floor. I smile nervously, trying to take in what will be the next two months of my life. As I head toward the bagels on the far side of the room, I hear someone call out a hello. Without thinking, I exhale the breath I’ve been holding since I walked in. Was I nervous the entire time—or just excited?
I take a seat in the growing circle of students, and the welcome program begins. As we take turns introducing ourselves, I quickly realize I am different—one of the very few students whose major isn’t engineering. Should I feel like an outsider? An imposter? Not as smart? But soon I understand that being different is exactly why I’m here. I am a communications major with a journalism minor, and my skills also play an important role in the medtech ecosystem.
As a liberal arts major, my experience as a Lefteroff Intern was different from that of many of my peers. But in important ways, it was the same: we all came to learn and grow. Here are some of my biggest discoveries:
I Like Marketing
Before this internship, I never considered marketing a potential path for me. I assumed it wouldn’t feel hands-on, which is what I enjoy. But during a Diversity by Doing HealthTech (DxD) event, we were asked to come up with a lead marketing concept around the impact of hip fractures in the elderly. I realized how important it is to properly design an app for its intended audience. That’s when I started considering the differences in patient groups as consumers and realized that an app for this audience needed to be as simple and intuitive as possible.
Differences don’t scare me
Being here has been one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced while pursuing my career. I experienced imposter syndrome more than once. But those feelings were short-lived because I realized the projects I was given were entrusted to me for a reason. I think differently than those around me, and that perspective is valuable. My career path shapes how I approach problems, see possibilities, and contribute to the team. Being different isn’t always easy, but it’s exactly what is needed.
It’s okay to be uncomfortable
I’ve felt uncomfortable throughout this internship—and I’m glad. It made me realize I’ll regret everything I don’t try. A few examples: taking professional headshots for the first time, covering events as a photographer (which meant moving around during presentations to get the right shot), editing photos to add visual depth to a story, writing LinkedIn posts for the company, and conducting audio-recorded interviews for project feedback. Each task pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow.
Hospital shadowing is cool
I spent two days observing surgical procedures at El Camino Health. The first day was difficult—I felt my throat tighten and my hands grow still as I tried to process what I was seeing. I even left before the last two procedures. But then I asked myself: when will I ever get this chance again? So I returned the next day and observed two robotic surgeries, which were completely different. This time, I saw inside the human body without blood or cutting into the stomach. It was fascinating—something I would never have known if I hadn’t tried again.
I also shadowed a rapid response nurse, one of the specialists called in when a situation becomes life-threatening. It was inspiring to see hands-on patient care, family support, meticulous paperwork, and the strong community among the nurses. Not many communications majors get the chance to witness healthcare in action, but I did.
Other standout experiences
The educational sessions offered more advice in eight weeks than I’ve received in twenty years. Many speakers shared their professional roles as well as their life journeys. I loved hearing these stories because they reminded me that every path is different.
Interviewing alumni to gain project insights was another highlight. It confirmed that I truly enjoy talking with people and made me realize how much I enjoy journalism. I’ve always loved photography, but now I want to pair it with writing.
By the end of the internship, I felt a real sense of belonging. Everyone here contributes to a community where all voices are valued. This isn’t school or a required work-study job—people want to be here, and it shows. When I speak, I feel heard; when others share, I listen. Our collective energy bounces off one another, making every day a joyful experience, like running across a freshly cut grass field.