Junior Year

          This past academic year has been by far the toughest two semesters yet. Fall semester I had taken three courses that challenged me academically and challenged my time-management skills due to the intensive nature of the concepts taught. These three courses: Physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics, ended up being some of the most interesting courses I had taken. Although these courses challenged my mental fortitude, my dedication to learning more in science surged. Immediately after ending fall semester, I started on my MCAT studying journey.

          I always heard about people’s experiences studying for the MCAT, but I never really understood what they went through until I experienced it for myself. I was absorbing knowledge at an outstanding pace at the start of my studying, but I soon found that for each new thing I learned I would have to relearn something because I forgot or that I didn’t know something. Each new practice question brought up concerns about my readiness to take this major milestone exam. Not only was I studying for the MCAT, but I was also taking classes and conducting research in Dr. Mackenzie’s lab. I took the exam on April 9th. I left the test center feeling the most drained yet the most relieved since I started studying in January. The weight on my shoulders felt gone even without me knowing my score.

          Given just how many rigorous classes and studying I had done the past year, I still feel tired writing this a couple weeks into summer. I wouldn’t say I’m burnt out, but I definitely feel less motivated than I had at the start of the past fall semester. As a result, I’ve decided to take a gap year before applying for Medical school and give myself the chance to explore more classes outside of the realm of science. Since freshman year I’ve wanted to travel outside the US to experience other cultures and gain a better understanding of not only how medicine is practiced there, but broaden my global perspective. I am planning on applying for Medical schools in the summer of 2023 while working as either a Pharmacy technician or EMT.

          After gaining some experience in the clinical field, I want to travel and shadow physicians in different areas of the globe. I hope that as I near the next application cycle, I find my motivation again and cement my dedication to the medical field and lifelong learning. One factor that swayed my decision to take a gap year was my lack of exposure to the clinical health environment. COVID had inhibited, and continues to inhibit, opportunities for shadowing. I hope that by working as an EMT/pharmacy technician that I grow my skills and gain exposure to the various realms of the medical field before I embark on another journey to be a part of it.