What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a medical assistant. I am the person who takes the patient’s vitals, obtains their medical history, removes any splints, updates their chart and requests images, among other administrative tasks.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is interacting with patients and their families. I love being able to get to know our patients who come in frequently and talk to them about all the fun things going on in their lives. Being around these patients has made such a positive impact on my life and has inspired me in many ways.
What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is special to me because of the people I get to work with. I think anyone would tell you Scottish Rite has such a great work culture. I feel like I am coming to work and hanging out with friends, all while I get to do what I love. I am lucky to work somewhere that has such kind people!
What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I really like that my position is so versatile and hands-on. I get to remove splints and take vitals, but I also get to do tasks like brainstorm ways to make clinic run more efficiently and implement those ideas.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my two cats, Cami Anne and Penelope Anne. I take them out on walks in their pet stroller, and they love it! I also love spending time with my friends and going to different events. When I get in an artsy mood, I like to color or scrapbook.
Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
My dad was in the military, so my family moved every three to four years. When I was in eighth grade, we moved to Texas, and my dad ended up retiring here.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to go to Costa Rica. I want to hike and explore their beautiful rainforests and beaches. I love nature, so I think Costa Rica would be the perfect place to be immersed in nature. I have also heard the people are friendly and welcoming. I am hoping to go next year.
If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to choose just one, I would say sushi! There are so many different sushi rolls to try. I usually stick to my three favorite rolls, which is a yellowtail roll, shrimp tempura roll and a tuna roll. I am simple when it comes to sushi, but sushi is so versatile!
What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
I think everyone should watch this documentary called “My Octopus Teacher.” It is about a filmmaker who forms a friendship with an octopus in the South African kelp forest. It was such a beautiful story and was so moving. Don’t forget to bring tissues when you sit down and watch it because you may cry!
What is the first concert you attended?
The first concert I ever attended was a Ryan Cabrera concert when I was 13. After the show, he did a meet and greet. I was so nervous because I had the biggest crush on him. I was so excited to get his autograph! He only made music for a short period of time, but I loved all his music.
Favorite DFW hidden gem?
The only place I could think of is my favorite sushi restaurant, Fujiyama. The owner is really sweet, and the sushi is delicious! They also have great specials. I love going for their handroll specials.
If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would choose Nicole Richie. Some people would argue and say she is not an actress, but I think that she is so underrated and could have been a wonderful actress. She has a silly personality that I feel like is like mine. She is also mixed race like me, so I think that is a bonus!
What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
If I had to give my younger self one piece of advice, I would tell myself, “Shannon, you will figure it out. Everything will go the way that it is supposed to go, so just sit back and ride the wave.”
