This goes out to the thousands of people going in to college proudly proclaiming they intend to go to medical school, but not just freshman. This goes to anyone in the journey so that you can learn some things it has taken me three years to figure out. Some things may seem simple, others may seem strange because you haven't encountered them. Either way: take a look and see if just one of these speaks to you.
Don't let "Pre-Med" be what defines you.
Some of you may be thinking "FOR SHAME! THAT IS MY LIFE GOAL OF COURSE IT DEFINES ME!"...but it shouldn't be. I know in the first weeks back everyone asks what's your name and what's your major and you are constantly reminded of the path that seems set in stone. The truth is it isn't. Let the crazy things you get into and the amazing people you meet be what defines you.
Pro Tip: Don't Tell People When You are Taking the MCAT/ a Practice Test
In the end the only person that should hold you accountable is you. I know it seems tempting to moan and groan and tell people how stressed you are BUT DON'T. I seriously did massive amounts of points higher when I committed myself to shutting my mouth and getting to work before a practice test. Keep your battles to yourself because in the end this goal is yours and no one else's.
"Pre-Med" Usually Isn't a Major for a Reason
At least at Mercer, Pre-Med isn't a major and thank God it isn't. It is the classes I took that had nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with Biology that opened my mind and really made me work. You are more than a profession that is way in the distance. Don't take the easy road and do only what is required. Rather, be responsible and become the well-rounded human that college can make you.
Try and Say These Words as Little as Possible: Pre-Med, MCAT, Organic, Medical School
The less you focus on the negative road blocks, the more you can focus on the endless opportunities that will come forward. Everybody goes through what you are going through, so feel connected to that shared experience instead of alienated by negativity. Also, it can make you feel a lot better if instead of the word MCAT you say "fluffy" or instead of organic you say "sparkles". You'll quickly realize how fixated you are on these words and maybe quit letting them rule your life.
Your friends on other paths may not understand. Be patient and embrace them as much as possible.
Don't feel like because you are Pre-Med you have to only hang out with similar people that you can commiserate with. Broaden your friend group and stay close to those that break you out of your shell and force you to enjoy something new every now and then. These people are worth a million times more than any review book or set of note cards.
Don't Do Things Just Because They are a Logical Pre-Med Thing to Do.
Don't feel obligated to do things like honor societies and clubs just because they seem like something every other pre-med does. Just because you want to be a doctor doesn't mean you can't do student government, be on the dance team, or start a book club. These things will keep you busy and keep you sane. Doctors are members of communities so why not be an active member of your college community? You need to have a strong portfolio that you feel passionate about and excited to spend your time developing. Try everything and if you're lucky you'll find a true passion.
If You are Pre-Med Because of Something You Saw on TV...You May Want to Make Sure This is the Path for You.
Before you commit yourself to this path you need to go out and really experience medicine. I hate to say this but its not all glamorous days in the OR and crazy days in the outback of some distant land. A lot of the time doctors have to get through the nitty gritty of paperwork and hoops and bureaucracy to be able to practice the profession they love. Go out and experience that through volunteering at a hospital or if you're lucky shadow at a clinic. Mission work and high profile internships are great but you really need to experience medicine at every level to know what the daily life of a doctor means. You need to touch and feel the daily life of a doctor and know that when all of the school is over and all of the tuition is paid that you are doing what you love.
I hope this helps someone out there and I will defiantly add more as I learn more about this crazy process. I know it seems scary but embrace the unknown and absorb every single experience so that some day you can be the best you can possibly be. It's a long journey but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
