Meet Irina Columbeanu | Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation® Scholarship Recipient

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Columbeanu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
When working towards challenging goals, it can be easy to question whether the result is even worth the effort and sacrifice. For me, I know with certainty that there will be moments in my journey towards becoming a doctor that I will doubt my abilities and be tempted to give up. While it’s impossible to know for sure, my philosophy is to always keep going. If there once was enough of a motive that inspired you to even start, then that must mean that the outcome is worth the time and dedication. Instead of giving up and regretting what might’ve been, I promise myself to keep going despite the obstacles and doubts I might face. Nothing extraordinary ever happened by stopping before reaching one’s objective.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I moved to the US from Romania in 6th grade, the teasing I got for my accent motivated me to excel academically and set goals for myself. As a freshman, I was named the Malibu Times Citizen of the Year for my contributions to the community through my volunteer work. I was the president and member of Zanmi, a club at Malibu High through which we helped Haitian women earn an income by crafting dolls and baskets made of the materials we sent them. I participated in mock trial during all four years of high school, working my way to the title of vice president and earning attorney awards by senior year. I have also led teams in GoBabyGo, a nationwide initiative that transforms toy cars into safe mobility devices for children with disabilities. I launched a suicide awareness brand with the goal of sparking discussions and teaching others about the importance of making people feel seen and worthy, and we raised $10,000 for the Wellness Center. The achievement I am most proud of, however, spurred from the fact that brings me the most pain. Growing up in Romania with my tati, we were inseparable. He took care of me for as long as financially possible, but at the age of 11, I had to move to the USA with my mom. As he lacked the financial means and I was missing a green card, we did not see each other for half a decade. When we talked over the phone, time seemed to stand still. However, when we finally reunited, my joy was quickly tainted by the unexpected confrontation with my dad’s declining health. His shoulders were hunched; his movements were slow. He forgot events that had just happened, misplaced belongings, and became confused as he tried to find the right words. Alarmed, I dove into medical journals and drew insights from health podcasts after he went to bed, trying to understand what was happening to him. As I studied, I became convinced that he was exhibiting symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. After months of pleading with my dad to seek professional help for a problem he refused to accept, his diagnosis was confirmed. This ignited a fire in me like no other. I sought out Dr. Newton Howard, a former Georgetown professor who had founded a startup exploring the use of wireless implants to treat Alzheimer’s. Researching Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, I became captivated by how electrical currents could enhance neuroplasticity and slow cognitive decline. The idea that a simple, low-cost, and minimally-invasive technology held the key to treating my dad and transforming global healthcare inspired me. I plan to continue fostering this spark of mine in college, medical school, and beyond.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Malibu and I wanted them to get the most immersive experience, we would start the day by grabbing coffee or a matcha at Cafe de la Plage, followed by a hike or a beach walk. We’d replenish afterwards by diving into some açaí bowls from Sunlife, prior to some shopping at Cross Creek, making sure to stop by Third Space to support local business owners. We’d then grab dinner at Zinque and end the night either by watching the sunset or going to a yoga class at one of the many local studios. The remaining days would look quite similar, except we’d experience other delicious restaurants, such as Taverna Tony’s, Tra Di Noi (my former workplace!), Nobu if we’re feeling extravagant, or a simple picnic on the beach with goods from Vintage Grocers or Whole Foods.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While I am sure dedicating my shoutout to my mother may be the most common answer I could give, I feel that credit must be granted where it’s due regardless of how cliche it may be. My mom, Monica Gabor, is the cornerstone of my hard work. She is my inspiration; the person I strive to embody in my actions; my best friend; my biggest teacher. She moved mountains to make it possible for me to move from Romania and live in the States, and thanks to her effort, I was given countless opportunities that made my journey exponentially smoother. She enrolled me in the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, an organization that is close to my heart because of all the support, opportunities, and sense of community they gave me including the Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation (JFG) Scholarship. She did not pressure me into academic excellence, but rather motivated me indirectly to be as accomplished as she was in her own schooling. She taught me the value of money and hard work, but also of family and self-care. She passed down her love for learning and public speaking, and my stepdad taught me everything I know about entrepreneurship and networking. My entire family and community contributed to the person I strive to become, but my mom is the number one piece of the puzzle that is my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/columbeanu.irina/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-columbeanu-5a8a75280/