My name is Grace Sun, and I’m a first year at Wellesley College, studying biochemistry and economics on the pre-med track. Getting to where I am today has stemmed from countless experiences and challenges to figure out who I really want to be and what I want to contribute to the world. For me, most of my interests stem from my dual passion in the arts and the life sciences. I pursue these two interests and try to find an intersection between these two very different subjects, and how they can enrich our understanding and create bonds between people. Besides being a student, I am heavily involved in community service, scientific research, and creating art. In community service, my nonprofit Melodies for Remedies tries to bring the power of music/performing arts as a form of therapy for those suffering from dementia and memory loss. We strive to bring our performing arts and happiness to communities that may not have the resources to have this kind of life-enriching activity. Along with my community service, I am also an avid scientific researcher, interested in the workings of the immune system in fighting cancer. I recently completed and published a paper with UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center on the contribution of natural killer cells in fighting triple-negative breast cancer. Finally, I am really passionate about communicating the science that I do to the larger community through art. I have created a portfolio of paintings and mixed media pieces that describe the work that I’m doing in both Melodies for Remedies as well as my research and cancer. Through my several interests, I strive to be somebody that can create change through my own way, whether that is through art or research or music therapy.
About Grace Sun
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the only daughter of Ji Sun and Song Zhang. I was born and raised in San Diego!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I hope to attend medical school after my undergraduate time at Wellesley College. I hope to practice as a physician-researcher in the future!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Good things come with time!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself in medical school, hopefully serving people through improving healthcare and through art!
Grace Sun & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Girard Gourmet, Brick and Bell, Duke’s La Jolla, Jake’s Del Mar, Seasuf, Manna BBQ, Tasty Noodle House
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
17 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Kelsey Brookes, an artist that makes art to communicate science.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Souplantation was the restaurant that I grew up in. Every night after playing a golf round with my dad, I would eat the focaccia and chicken soup there. I wish Souplantation was still open because it’s a place that brings back a lot of nostalgia for me.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how the pace of life in San Diego is so relaxed. Being away in Boston for months at a time, I’m glad I have my home in San Diego to come back to enjoy the little things.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC. She is a very accomplished woman who has not only had a successful career in medicine but also led the frontlines in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. She is one of my role models, as she clearly demonstrates how female leadership/collaboration within medicine can affect decisions made by governments and international organizations. I would meet at Duke’s La Jolla for lunch!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Everything Everywhere All At Once, All of Us are Dead
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love thrifting! I like being creative with my clothing choices. Most of the time, I tend to wear solid color clothing but I’m always excited to try new fashion.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Everything bagels will always be 10 out of 10 for me, no matter what the spread (or lox flavor) is on it!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents, family, friends, teachers, coaches, scientific researchers, and doctors!
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Rancho Peñasquitos
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Getting brunch in the morning, playing a round of golf, and swimming in the ocean at sunset
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
San Diego, Ocean, “Mañana Será Más Bonito”
