In June, Michele Davis graduated from Drexel’s Burlington County College Campus with a bachelor’s in biology—a major she chose as the first steps on her path to medical school. As a member of the NJSTARS program, Davis had her pick of colleges—she could attend any New Jersey college without paying tuition. The convenience, level of education and co-op experience is what set Drexel apart from the many excellent options available in New Jersey, she said, and ultimately led her to Drexel at BCC.
Davis said she appreciated the small class sizes and extra attention from professors for more than one reason. Not only were professors helpful and encouraging through her time at Drexel at BCC, they were also always available. “I developed great relationships with my professors because they were always available…This also allowed them to write personal recommendations for me because they knew me as more than just a face in the classroom.”
Davis has taken quite an interesting route to medical school, gaining a wide variety of experience in jobs and volunteer opportunities outside of the traditional purview of a pre-med student. For instance, she completed a co-op at the Franklin Institute, where she developed and supervised a science and research based summer program for sixth- to ninth-grade students. She currently works as a pharmacy technician and continues to volunteer in the emergency department at Virtua Hospital in Mount Holly, N.J.
After her June graduation, Davis decided to take a year off before beginning medical school. In August 2011, she went on a mission trip to South Africa for 10 days—she loved her time in South Africa so much that she made plans to return there. This month she is volunteering there as a kids’ camp counselor in poverty-stricken areas. When she returns to the United States, Davis said she plans to dive head-first into preparations for medical school.
