4 years ago, I started my premed journey. I felt so excited for everything ahead of me. I chose to major in chemistry, a subject I loved, and enrolled in my first college classes. 3 years ago, I took organic chemistry and received a B for the first time in my entire life. And it might sound silly, but that felt so scary to me. I worried I wasn’t cut out for this. But it was my dream. I pressed on. 2 years ago, I started preparing for the MCAT. For 7 months, I studied whenever I could while I worked two jobs and took classes full time. I realized how much it cost to apply to medical school. So for extra money, I returned to work at night washing dishes and mopping the floors at the same restaurant where I worked as a barista during the day. I felt anxious so often. I really wanted to do well on the MCAT. But I couldn’t study as much as I deserved to. And sometimes, that made me sad. But I wanted this so badly. I wouldn’t give up. 1 year ago, I applied to medical school with very little guidance and a whole lot of hope. I never wanted anything more than to be a doctor. The app cycle was stressful but my friends and family cheered me on every step of the way. I think they wanted me to get in just as much as I did. After multiple rejections and “we regret to inform you”s, I got the phone call. I cried happy tears as I was informed that not only was I accepted, but I’d also received an amazing scholarship. After an app cycle that felt absolutely gut wrenching, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I’m telling you my story not to receive any kind of praise, but so you know that you can do this, too. You really can become the first physician in your family. When your circumstances discourage you, keep going. When you’re exhausted, remind yourself why you started. And on your hardest days, remember your purpose. I believe in you. 🫶🏻 Lucinda (aka yourpremedbigsister ) #premed #premedlife #premedstudent #premedmotivation #premedical #premedicine #premedadvice #premedicalstudent #medicalstudent #medicalschool #prehealth #medstudents #medstudentlife #medschoollife