Since high school, I’ve known I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. When I came to Cornell, I knew that following the pre-med path would be challenging. Between the prerequisites and the pressure to gain clinical experience, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but I’ve learned that with the right support and mindset, Cornell was a place I could thrive. I can proudly say that I have been accepted into medical school, and here are some of the things that made that possible for me.

First, find people to work with! 

Surrounding yourself with people on a similar path and taking similar classes will make a huge difference in becoming comfortable with the class. Studying with classmates not only allows you to bounce ideas off of each other, but it keeps you accountable. I’ve met some of my closest friends studying for my pre-med classes, and they have helped me stay motivated and positive during even the most stressful prelim seasons. The Learning Strategies Center can help with this by matching you with study partners.

Second, know when you need help. 

Courses like chemistry, biology, and physics are going to be tough, and while you may want to try to figure it out yourself, it’s important to know when to reach out for more assistance. The professors, TAs, and Learning Strategies Center are there to help you, and they genuinely want you to succeed! Whether that means enrolling in a support class or consistently going to office hours, there are people to help you persevere and figure out how to succeed in each and every class. The Health Professions Advising Center is another great resource for exploring different health-related careers and has advisors that can help guide you through the pre-med journey.

Third, get involved! 

In your first semester, I recommend going to ClubFest and joining clubs that you find interesting! One of the first clubs I joined was PATCH (Pre-Professional Association Towards Careers In Health), and it helped me get involved with volunteering in Ithaca early on. It also connected me with upperclassmen who served as mentors for me and gave advice on what classes to take. Cornell has so many organizations, from pre-health societies to service clubs, where you can explore your interests and make a real impact. Beyond that, I pursued psychology research on campus, and it has really expanded my knowledge of the scientific method. There are so many professors with fascinating projects on campus, so reach out if you find one that sparks your interest!

Don’t forget to pursue your interests beyond your pre-med life. 

There’s no one set path to medicine, so study what you find interesting! Personally, I knew that I wanted to study both science and people, and my major, Biology & Society, has enabled me to do just that. I’ve taken a multitude of courses in psychology, public health, anthropology, ethics, and more. Outside of academics, I’ve also joined Club Swim and a Panhellenic sorority to stay active, social, and grounded. These communities have been important in helping me maintain balance and a sense of identity beyond my studies. Don’t lose sight of the hobbies and passions that make you you because they’ll keep you energized throughout this long process.

Despite the challenges, I’m proud to say that I’ll soon get to pursue my dream of becoming a physician after I graduate in May. Looking back, Cornell has challenged me, but it has also given me the tools and community I needed to grow. If you’re passionate about a future in healthcare, it will happen for you too!