2002 Uniondale grad chooses retail over medicine

MABEL JIJON

THEN
Age: 18
Year graduated: 2002 Uniondale High School
Interests: Reading, community service.
What’s ahead: Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education

NOW
Age: 27
Current residence: Uniondale
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biomedical education, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at City College, 2009
Occupation: E-commerce manager for U.K.-based online retail company

One year away from graduating medical school, the 2002 Uniondale grad realized that the life of a doctor just wasn’t for her. Now she works in high-end retail for a United Kingdom-based e-commerce company, which she declined to name.

“I always did retail during the summer when I was off from school,” she said. “I love my job.”

Throughout high school, Jijon focused on reading and giving free healthy-living lessons to members of her community. Now she oversees six employees who process orders at the company’s e-commerce facility. She recently moved back home with her parents to be close to her family.