Commonwealth Medical School Narrative

Sitting on a school bus on a Saturday morning for a medical school program is far from how I envisioned starting my freshman year of high school. Why did I sign up for this REACH-HEI program? Who willingly volunteers to do schoolwork on a weekend? At fourteen years old, there were hundreds of other things I could have done. Any sense of annoyance I had was suddenly replaced with mesmerization once I saw a tall building covered with glass windows and large metallic words on the building that read "The Commonwealth Medical College." As I stepped off the bus, I felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety and slight intimidation. Realizing it was too late to turn back, I proceeded to the walkway. Once I opened those doors, I knew I had made the right …show more content…
His compassionate communication and empathy were truly fascinating. Witnessing patients come in looking defeated and leaving with smiles left me in awe. One particular moment that stood out to me was when a mother cried tears of gratitude while thanking him for saving her daughter, who up to that point went undiagnosed with a heart murmur. That moment solidified my goal of becoming a physician. It was not just a dream, but an all-consuming passion. I often found myself envisioning a future where I was a physician, interacting with his patients and providing them with the level of care and empathy I witnessed from my grandfather. I became fixated on turning this dream into a reality. However, I realized that in rural Ecuador, resources and opportunities for pursuing such a career were limited, making it seem like an unattainable dream. As life went on, I was lucky enough to move to the United States. One might assume that with the new opportunities, my desire to become a physician would reignite. However, the opposite is …show more content…
Through the program, I had guidance from medical student mentors, physicians, and staff who inspired me to set and meet academic and personal goals. I was fortunate enough to have a support system that brought light back into the flame my grandfather ignited. Life continues to be tough. However, I can now face my challenges with resilience and a strong support network that helped me overcome obstacles and meet my goals. I was blessed with an additional opportunity to participate in the Center of Excellence program (COE), which has allowed me to become a published student in medical academia at the age of nineteen. I learned medicine could help in more ways than just physician-patient interaction, but also through academic research and advocacy. After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I received a Master's in Biomedical Science from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM). During the program, I was elected to the role of class president where I was able to foster a positive educational environment among my classmates, whilst ensuring I remained focused on my studies. This role helped prepare me for a future where empathy and time management go hand in hand to provide the best care

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