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Alumni Spotlight: Rohit Khanna '09

Catching up with Rohit Khanna, Class of 2009.

Where have you been since graduation from SC in 2009? 
 
Since 2009 I have earned a B.S. in health promotion disease prevention at USC in Los Angeles.  I worked at the Apple Store in Century City for a short period and then started medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. I graduated from medical school on May 24, 2019 and will be completing my Internal Medicine Residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego as of June 2019.
 
Tell us about you SC experience. When did you come to SC? What courses, school activities, classes or teachers greatly impacted you?
 
I joined the Sierra Canyon community in the fall of 2001, as a 5th grader. I spent the next 9 years as a Trailblazer and graduated with Sierra Canyon’s inaugural high school class of 2009.
 
While it is difficult 10 years out, to recall specific details from my academic curriculum, I will never forget my time with a few incredible teachers: Mr. Tom Fennell, Ms. Deborah Whitlock-Trotter, and Ms. Alison Brown. I had these three teachers for many classes, including history, Spanish, and math. These teachers inspired me to excel in my studies and motivated me to pursue degrees in graduate education.
 
What was it like for you to be a member of a class that started a school?
 
Being part of the inaugural class was a unique experience, particularly since we were “seniors” for 4 years. Laying the foundation of the school was a challenging and incredible experience. We got to pick the school mascot and the school chant. We helped design school uniforms and even decided the lunch menus. We requested and fostered the creation of certain classes and electives.
 
Do you keep in touch with SC classmates? Is that important to you?
 
I do keep in touch with my SC classmates. Sierra Canyon played a crucial role in my childhood/adolescent life. There are many classmates that contributed to my growth. Although our careers have taken us to different parts of the world, I still make time to stay in touch with my high school friends.
 
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in medicine? What lead you on that path?
 
I want to be a doctor because it is the best career for someone who loves solving complex problems, and for someone who is a curious investigator of science and data. I find medicine fascinating and I enjoy the endless pursuit of trying to better understand the human body and the role that technology and pharmaceuticals play in improving quality of life.
 
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
 
In 10 years, I see myself as a pulmonary and critical care physician working in the ICU. I enjoy working in high activity and fast-paced environments. I find this section of medicine to be the most challenging, yet the most rewarding field.
 
What advice would you have for our current juniors and seniors who are facing college choice and other things that will shape their futures?
 
Stay focused and don’t be intimated by hard work. If you’ve always dreamed about pursuing a career in medicine, give it your best shot! It will require hard work and some sacrifice, but it will be worth it in the end.
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Middle and Upper School: 20801 Rinaldi Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311  | 818.882.8121
Sierra Canyon School is a private, independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12 located in Chatsworth, California. The highly cosmopolitan campus community is reflective of the Greater Los Angeles area and the world at large. Students are empowered to realize their greatest creative, ethical, intellectual and physical promise through small class sizes, a diverse student-teacher culture and a family-like environment.