Growing up on a small island in the Philippines, Arwen Martin’s experience in a remote community without access to medical care inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Raised by missionary parents who were also environmentalists, Arwen was instilled with a profound sense of service, compassion, and dedication to others. At 13, she left home to attend a boarding school 16 hours away, a transformative experience that built resilience and deepened her connection to her community.
At PLNU, Arwen has thrived in a mentorship-driven environment, forging meaningful relationships with faculty and seeking opportunities to integrate academics with service. Her work with the United Women of East Africa stands out as a pivotal aspect of her time at PLNU, as it provided her with the chance to serve and uplift diverse communities. Additionally, Arwen contributed to faculty-led research on human trafficking, which deepened her understanding of social justice issues both locally in San Diego and globally. One of Arwen’s most notable projects was her leadership of a Menstrual Equity Honors project, during which she traveled to Eswatini and Malawi to empower women through education and access to menstrual resources. This experience, among others, has shaped her vision as a future physician, fueling her passion for advocating for vulnerable populations. With medical school already on the horizon, Arwen is eager to continue her journey of service and healing, driven by a commitment to make a lasting impact in the world.