My Summer in Bali! #SBAGiveaway

hananib4
hananib4 SBA Posts: 1
in Pre-Med Success Community

Hey everyone! It's Hanan from University of South Florida (Go Bulls!). I am currently in Bali, Indonesia for the summer (I still feel like I'm dreaming), doing NIH-funded research on HPV and cervical cancer in women living with HIV. On Instagram though, I'm always at the beach 😅. I'm a rising senior and I have just started studying for the MCAT using Kaplan's on demand course. I'm hopefully looking to apply for medical school the next cycle. This summer has definitely taught me to balance fun with working, although recently I've been having a little too much fun 😆. I'm extremely grateful to be able to travel abroad for my research and talk with different people and learn about different cultures while working. Bali also has a really big coffee and cafe culture so I have also been trying to incorporate some fun into my studying and working by visiting and doing work in different coffee shops.

It's crazy to think a year ago I was trying to figure out my life plans and rush to take the MCAT so that I could apply this cycle but I've realized that sometimes taking things at your own pace is necessary to truly find your passions and reasons as to why you want to pursue a specific career path. Applying next cycle and taking my time studying for the MCAT will allow me to take a year off of school and do cool projects like the one I'm currently doing now.

My best advice would be is be in a race with yourself, not others. Whether you're applying right out of undergrad or you're taking a year or couple years off before applying to medical school or really any graduate school, do what will be best for you and your long term goals and enjoy life! Enjoy your experiences and really take the time to get to know yourself and what you want and why you want it.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! Good luck to everyone studying for the MCAT or any graduate school exam, and good luck with this application cycle!!

Comments

  • Pej
    Pej Posts: 12

    Hey Hanan! It's fantastic to hear about your exciting experiences in Bali and your dedication to health research. Your positive attitude towards finding the right pace for your journey is truly inspiring. The balance you've struck between work and fun is commendable, and your advice about being in a race with yourself resonates deeply. Wishing you all the best as you continue your MCAT prep and work towards applying to medical school next cycle.

  • AaliaArshed
    AaliaArshed SBA Posts: 2
    edited July 18

    Bali sounds magical, seriously. I really enjoyed what you discussed because this summer I realized the important of divine timing and how we all have our unique timeline/path to take. I am taking a gap year after undergrad to not only take my time on applying to grad school, but to become my own best friend! I grew up with a big family and have always had someone by side. A sibling to go to the mall with, my mom to cook with, my dog to walk with, the list can go on. Even during undergrad people like to say my roommate and I are attached at the hip. I unfortunately am also a HUGE people pleaser, so I tend to do what pleases the group. This is nice sometimes but doing it forever can make you lose yourself in the journey. During my gap year I plan on going to every city I have dreamed of visiting. Seeing all the sights that interest me, and eating the food I've been saving on Instagram for 5+ years. Thanks for sharing about Bali, good luck on everything! #SBAGiveaway

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