A Launchpad to Vanderbilt: The Lasting Impact of 3DE

Keyla M Imbert Suarez, a 2024 alumna of Oak Ridge High School, has just completed her freshman year at Vanderbilt University, where she is majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society. Her path to this prestigious institution and her early experiences in college have been significantly shaped by her 3DE experience.

Keyla's introduction to 3DE was somewhat serendipitous. Having spent her freshman year learning remotely during the pandemic, she was randomly placed in a 3DE class as a sophomore. It was a pivotal moment. "I immediately loved it," she recalled, highlighting how different it was from her previous educational experiences. The case challenges and the connection to the real world resonated deeply with her.

Keyla firmly believes that 3DE fundamentally changed how she approached her academic journey. "I 100% think my high school experience was different because of 3DE," she stated, noting that 3DE students are held to a higher standard and given opportunities to develop important competencies like Cultural Agility and Critical & Analytical Thinking.

Her involvement with 3DE also opened doors to significant opportunities, including a paid summer internship with KPMG. She learned about this exposure internship through the KPMG partnership with 3DE and applied with the encouragement of 3DE staff. The internship provided valuable insights into KPMG's three branches—problem-solving, group work, and personal branding—through professional workshops. Visiting the KPMG Lakehouse facility, where training takes place, was a highlight, offering a fascinating glimpse into work culture.

Now at Vanderbilt, Keyla finds herself consistently drawing upon the skills she developed in 3DE, such as professionalism, presenting effectively, and confidence in engaging with diverse individuals. These have made her feel significantly more comfortable navigating various college settings. A moment when she clearly recognized 3DE's preparation was in joining preprofessional clubs at college. The model taught her how to market herself with a blend of humility and confidence, and her communication skills, honed by 3DE, have been invaluable.

Keyla's career aspirations and choice of college major are influenced by her background and experiences. Coming from Cuba, where healthcare access and quality were significant issues, and growing up in an immigrant neighborhood in the U.S. with limited healthcare access, she is driven to make a difference, whether through research or policy.

When asked what she would tell a high school student considering 3DE, Keyla's advice is unequivocal: "Do it. 100%. You are going to look back and say thank you."