Any Progress is Some Progress!
Hello everyone! My name is Alondra Castillo and I am an incoming psychology and biology senior at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Being pre-med, I feel that I often doubted my capabilities, not because I don't think I can do it, but because I am going to be the first one in my family to graduate from college. It's scary and half the time I don't even know if I am doing everything I should be, but I can finally say that I am finally at ease with the path I am on.
I, personally, love school and am planning to get my masters in an MBA/MPH dual program here at UTSA, and will then apply to medical school. This will give me enough time to study for my MCAT, get additional clinical hours, and take advantage of the free housing I get as a Resident Assistant. Although a lot of my experiences haven't been as medically related as I would have liked and have instead been focused on other things (volunteering, leadership positions, cycling, study abroad, running, etc.)… I am still happy! It is through those experiences that I have been able to grow into the person that I am and it is how I met the amazing people I get to call friends.
If I could offer any advice, I would say to not be constrained by who you think you should be but instead focus on who you can be. Your journey might have many twists and turns, or it might be direct, either way you will be okay in the end. I compare it to my running habits. I would beat myself up if I only ran a mile when I could go so much further, but I failed to notice that one mile was still a mile and would overall contribute to my progress.
I'll take the opportunity to shoutout medical interpreters! As we all pursue a career in the medical field, please do your best to offer professional medical interpreters. Everyone should be entitled and is deserving of having a conversation with their doctor or healthcare staff in a language that they can understand. And no, a family relative or child does not count! If your facilities have the services, offer them!
Anyways, if you made it to the end, kudos to you. I wish everyone good luck on their journeys and although we are all resilient, never be afraid to ask for help. Sending warm hugs!