Meet David Restrepo of Chapel Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Restrepo

Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is David and I grew up in New York. I moved to North Carolina at a young age. It was a big culture shock as my new town was not quite as inclusive or diverse. I am a huge advocate of self expression and creativity. I found myself able to do so through fashion, fitness, and music.

I don’t have a specific aesthetic to my looks, rather I pull inspiration from my mood, environment, movies, and other art. The most important criteria for my wardrobe is that each piece is timeless. I love to mix casual and dressy garments to give them a unique place in the outfit. Working in healthcare leaves me spending most of my time in scrubs. Consequently, I go out of my way to create occasions to dress up.

My passion for fitness began in my teenage years. Especially from what I experience in the healthcare industry, prioritizing health early is so important. Exercise and diet increase the longevity and quality of life. The majority of my workouts consist of weight lifting. I get plenty of cardio by going on runs with my Belgian Malinois, Sacha. Her energy never seems to end. My biggest motivation is personal growth. I love pushing my body to its limits and increasing its capabilities. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise is a form of therapy and improves my mental health.

I began playing instruments as soon as I could reach the piano keys. I picked up the guitar in elementary school and later the trumpet in middle school band. I also learned to play the drums and bass guitar with the dream of composing and performing in a band. That dream was never pursued extensively as I prioritized my academic career.

As previously mentioned, I currently work in healthcare. I am acquiring clinical experience meanwhile I undergo the application process for a Physician Assistant graduate program. My undergraduate degree was in Psychology on a pre-PA track. The job I’ve had for last few years is on a neuroscience unit. The experience I have received is far greater than what I could have ever imagined. It has given me a deeper sense of empathy for others and a strong desire to make an impact on as many lives as possible. In turn, it has made me much for grateful for my own health and fortune.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everyone goes through their own tribulations. Positivity and gratitude are the greatest qualities to help overcome adversity. Mental health was a big struggle for me. For many years, it was difficult to find purpose and meaning in my life. Working towards goals and doing meaningful work has helped pull me out of that state. I am blessed to have an incredible support system through my family and friends. It is so important to be picky and wise about those you surround yourself with, as they influence you more than we care to realize. Struggle will never go away. We can only just learn to handle each situation in a healthy way.

I’ve lost family members and friends. Most recently I lost a friend and coworker as the result of a drunk driver. I also lost another coworker and friend to suicide. On top of that, I experience death and other traumatic situations in my line of work every day. It is disheartening. Finding healthy outlets and a solid support system is so important during those times.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work as a Clinical Support Technician on a neuroscience unit. My role primarily involves patient care. The majority of our patient population is dependent on nurses and CSTs for all their care. It is the most challenging job I have ever had and takes a toll mentally. I have seen very traumatic situations just as I’ve seen incredible recoveries. Empathy comes easy when I remind myself that, for most patients, this is the worst situation they have endured. I am fortunate to be bilingual. Speaking to patients in their native language makes such a great impact. My goal is to become a Physician Assistant. This job is supplies me with the necessary clinical experience I need to begin a graduate program. I believing having prior experience before pursing higher education in health is crucial. It is certainly not a job for everyone. I have so much admiration for my fellow healthcare workers and use them as inspiration for my professional journey.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Fashion is ever changing. Trends come and go. Styles cycle through the decades. Fast fashion is detrimental to the environment and creativity. It chases the everchanging trends creating so much waste once the next big thing becomes popular. At this rate, in 5 years the thrift stores will only sell Shein and Forever21. I think we should all be more conscious about overconsumption. The best way to do that is to find our own personal style, only buy pieces that we absolutely love, prioritize quality garments, aside from basics buy unique pieces, and thrift as much as you can.

Science and technology are constantly improving allowing for innovation in healthcare. The biggest detriment to healthcare is the system. It is so expensive and inaccessible to so many. Reform needs to be made to make healthcare more affordable. Hospitals are constantly understaffed. Staff is getting abused and burnt out. We don’t have access to the best resources and technology because of underfunding. Healthcare should be made a greater priority in this country’s policies for the sake of saving as many lives as possible.

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