Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Undergraduate: Tulane University, BS Cellular and Molecular Biology, Minor in Russian Studies
Accepted MD Program: Drexel University College of Medicine 2021
Q&A
Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you got interested in medicine?
I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and finished most of my lower classes in North Carolina. I went to Tulane for undergrad, and then I came to Drexel.
I got into medicine because of my mother who is a nurse practitioner. She always had to work really long hours, and I thought it was unfair that I didn't get to see my mom very often. She explained to me, "Yes, I am gone, but I am doing something that is really helpful." I feel like that was really important for me to hear at the time.
However, what really solidified my interest in medicine was volunteering at Ochsner Medical in New Orleans. I was shadowing Dr. Daphnis. He is a really great guy, and when I observed how caring he was with the psychiatric patients, I realized I could see myself doing this.
How did you hear about the Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) program?
One of my stepsister's bridesmaids had actually done Drexel Pathway to Medical School. My stepsister, who had finished medical school and was going into her residency, said her bridesmaid was at the top of her class. She advised, "If you really want to do medicine, do this program and you will get into medical school." So I applied, but I didn't hear anything until May when I was contacted for my interview. I did my interview right after graduation, and a week later on my birthday I got my letter of acceptance.
How do you like Philadelphia?
I like it. I had heard that the north is cold and mean, but everyone is really nice here.
What were the Drexel Pathway to Medical School faculty like?
The faculty were amazing. I found I could go to a professor's office whenever I needed support. The professors here really care about you and want to see you succeed. They really want to see us—people of color, women, other minorities—become doctors, and they will go to great lengths to help.
What was your relationship like with your classmates in Drexel Pathway to Medical School?
I feel like the Pathway program is a very hard program, but it really pulls everyone together. It's nice going into the medical school and already having a group of friends that I can turn to for help when I need it. It's great having people there who care, who also went through the same things you did.
How is your first year of medical school going?
Honestly, it's really nice. I'm not as stressed out as I was during Drexel Pathway to Medical School. I know what I need to do to do well. I just need to focus.
Do you feel like Drexel Pathway to Medical School helped prepare you for medical school?
Tremendously. Additionally, knowing the professors and not being scared to go to them for help has helped me a lot too.
What advice do you have for someone considering the Drexel Pathway to Medical School?
Do well on the MCAT. Try your best here. We're all here to help each other grow. If you need help, let someone know. We're all here to help you succeed.
Do you have a sense of what kind of medicine you would like to go into?
Right now I am thinking psychiatry or emergency medicine, but it could change.