1. Tell us a little bit about yourself  I am a student, a musician, a diplomat, a photographer/videographer, a scientist, a translator, a speaker, and my brother’s keeper. I’m an African American who grew up in suburban, Midwest America within the lower sector of the working class. Loving all humanity and challenging all injustice is a part of my agenda as well. I am contending to be a medical student because I want to give back to my community!

2. Who was your favorite teacher in school and how did he or she impact you? Mr. Martin was awesome. He impacted me by showing me how to enjoy discovering my identity. He was my honors biology teacher in 9th and 11th grade, and he noticed my passion for science and commended my volunteerism early on. He encouraged me to not allow the stigma from others to get in the way of helping people and aspiring for my dreams.

3. When did you first decide you wanted to become a doctor and why? Shadowing Dr. Wade was the clinical experience that had the largest impact on my decision to go to medical school. I found a role model in Dr. Wade that kept me motivated to strive to be a medical doctor. It also gave me insight on some of the pros and cons of the career. I had the opportunity to see what the job of a physician was like firsthand.

4. What area of medicine are you interested in? I love kids! So, naturally, pediatrics is of interest right now. Not only was it my first exposure through Dr. Wade, but I have had the pleasure of working with children in other volunteering experiences. No matter what my career looks like in the future, I do not see myself doing anything without having some involvement with youth.

5. What’s the coolest experience you’ve had so far on your premedical journey?   My volunteer work at Manos Juntas in Oklahoma City was SO cool, and so eye-opening. The mission was to serve low-income/homeless and diverse communities (i.e. various racial/ethnic backgrounds that spoke Spanish, Vietnamese, or English). Because of my experience with the Spanish language, I often served a high number of Hispanic patients that preferred Spanish and translated conversations between nurses/doctors and patients. It broke my heart that people from these communities did not have anywhere else to go. It inspired me to serve my community on a new level.

6. What is your favorite book? My favorite book right now is Unaccountable by Dr. Marty Makary. This work gave me valuable insight on how transparency in health care provides safety and economic benefits for patients, healthcare givers, and health administration. I learned about the book through my health economics class and decided to buy it and read independently.

7. Tell us on thing interesting about you that most people don’t know. Saxophone. It’s my thing. Most people wouldn’t guess it, but I have enjoyed playing in several churches and bands since a young age. However, I have also played for nursing homes, funerals, and weddings. I don’t’ charge because it is a God-given gift that I love sharing to make others happy!

8. If you couldn’t be a doctor, what would you want to do? A child/family psychologist would be a great option for me. Most of my education revolves around mental health, which research shows is becoming increasingly important for this nation. I know that I can offer valuable help for children and families because I have a brother with autism, have volunteered extensively with special need children and adults, and studied psychology in every degree I have earned.

9. What has been your biggest obstacle as a premed and how did you overcome it? It was the loss of my significant other. A tough question deserves an honest answer… This obstacle initiated tremors that would strongly affect me emotionally, academically, and financially. I nearly surrendered my premed journey. However, I overcame the situation by doing something I too rarely resorted to before- asking for help. Through wise counseling of those who had lived longer and knew more than me, I was encouraged to carry on. I am convinced that if I can do it, anyone can.

10. What do you like most about PreMed STAR? The posts that Dr. Dale and others share are my favorite part of being a PreMed STAR member. They give me something that is sometimes hard to find in the premed journey- POSITIVITY! Though the webinars have been valuable to my journey in the application process, the articles help me to stay motivated. The advice from PreMed Mondays and other shared posts from members has shown me how to look at the medical school application in a realistic, yet optimistic, perspective.

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