You’re the first Ursuline student accepted into the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Program, meaning you’ve been accepted to medical school, and you’re still a sophomore in college. How did you feel when you found out?
When I first found out, I instantly called my parents and my uncle. I ran over to tell my best friend about it too. Those four are the first people I go to for anything. Although there was excitement and many congratulatory messages, I realized later that night that it had not fully dawned upon me what exactly I had accomplished!
When did you first decide to become a doctor?
At a young age, I had wanted to be a doctor. (Later) however, I told myself I was going to go into nursing, since that is what my mom does. After talking with some of her friends who started as nurses and went back to become doctors, I changed my mind. I also liked the challenge it presented; I was never one to shy away from something that would challenge me. Now, I am almost done with my second year here at Ursuline College, and I cannot imagine myself majoring in anything else or pursuing any other career, no matter how hard the course load can get.
How do you manage all these studies plus playing on the Ursuline Arrow Soccer Team?
Honestly, I try to keep myself really organized. I try to get assignments done in between classes and before soccer practice/games. If I can't get it all done then, I do it after practice/games. At this point, I know what I need to get done and generally how long it will take me to do it, so my time management has gotten better.
Have you received support and encouragement from your Ursuline professors?
I have received a lot of help from my advisor Dr. Ulatowski. She is a superstar. Thanks to Dr. Ulatowski and Dr. Scott, I was able to add a minor in Exercise Science. Dr. Ulatowski was the first to present this idea about LECOM and all the opportunities it presented. Dr. Beth Kavran was very encouraging and always shared her excitement with me. Dr. Yu, another professor I have had in many courses and also as an advisor, had reached out to me to congratulate me, which put a smile on my face. All in all, I can't think of anyone along my path that hasn't been encouraging towards me, which makes me appreciate the atmosphere at Ursuline College more and more. Without the encouragement of my family, friends, advisors, professors, and past high school teachers, I think I would have had a much harder time trying to go through with this, so I am very thankful for all of them.
