Part One: How Did I Get Here?!

Well, if ‘here’ is UCLA, as it is for me, then the answer is probably ‘on the 405’. What some of the locals don’t realize, however, is that you can’t take the 405 all the way from Philly, which is where I’m from. I had the pleasure of flying for six hours to get here, and now that I’ve arrived, I’m excited to share some of my wisdom (and photos!) with my fellow pre-med undergrads that combine my two true loves – life science and the outdoors!

So, let’s take a step back. If you got into UCLA (or any college, really, congrats!) as a life science major, envision yourself at the trailhead of a long hike, which you’ve heard leads to a beautiful peak.

But, what made you pick your particular trail? Which college trailhead (UCLA for me) and hike (life science major) were the best choices for you? (For literal hikes near UCLA, check out Modern Hiker for some great suggestions.)

Figuratively speaking, my long history of medical issues and the inspiring doctors who changed my life by helping me heal started me on my trail to studying life science.

Second grade marked the year when I went from being a normal elementary schooler to ‘the girl in the cast’. Over the next four years, I injured my right ankle six times, to the point where it needed immobilization for multiple months.

However, in sixth grade, my miracle doctor, Dr. Ganley, diagnosed me with an osteochondral defect of my right talus bone and suggested I have surgery to try to fix the problem for good. Although the thought of Dr. Ganley cutting me open horrified me, he explained everything so calmly and clearly that I became comfortable with the idea. And I had missed too many pool parties and field days to put up with the injuries any longer. The surgery turned my life around, as I could then swim, play, and live normally with my friends and family.

I have an extensive list of doctors who have touched my life in equally incredible ways, and I owe them immense gratitude. To the nurse with the soft tissues who helped me relax my breaths when I had to have an IV put in before my wisdom teeth removal – thank you. To my family physician’s assistant, Meggie, who gave me her cell phone number so I could call late on Friday nights when I thought I had strep throat for the third time over winter break– thank you. To Dr. Feerhey, who operated on my tonsils, adenoids, sinuses, and septum, all in one morning so that I could avoid the dangers of anesthesia as much as possible– thank you.

To the therapists who helped my mom, who is my best friend in the world, cope with her depression– thank you.

To the counselors and psychiatrists who supported my brother and many of my close friends through their struggles with substance abuse and addiction– thank you. To all of the medical professionals, with your understanding smiles of reassurance and sharp scalpels of change, who have parted the clouds for me when things were looking dark—thank you. You are the ones who have inspired me to want to shed a positive light on someone else’s life.

Part Two: To Start Uphill or Downhill?

This trail is a loop, and you better be ready to start going Up!

Some may see this challenge as a reason to give up on their dreams of becoming a doctor, but you just have to be willing to jump right in to the difficult courses. Don’t be afraid to pick a major that sounds challenging if it interests you. Once you begin the coursework, you will quickly become accustomed to the pace of the classes and hopefully they’ll be about topics for which you are passionate!

Part Three: A Fork in the Trail

Everyone experiences classes that make or break them. For a lot of people its organic chemistry. Don’t stress about that fork in the trail until you get there. Once you arrive, you’ll have to decide whether or not to take the path that loops back to the entrance. Remember, you’re probably not that far from the start yet. So if you’re really struggling, it’s ok to turn around – you haven’t wasted too much time. But if you are still feeling strong, grab a Cliff Bar and keep going. But take it slow!

Take time to enjoy your college life, make new friends, study hard for your classes, and don’t overload yourself.

Part Four: Take a Side Trail!

Take as many side trails as you can. There aren’t tons of flowers in Los Angeles, but take time to stop and smell the sage bush, or pose with some cool cacti, like me!

These side trails may include applying for internships, getting to know your professors, doing undergraduate research, joining medical clubs, or getting CPR certified! All of these steps take you closer to your destination and provide valuable insight into what specific parts of the medical field you may or may not like. And you might even find an abandoned ski lift, hidden waterfall, or adorable turtle on the way!

I personally chose the Care Extenders internship at Ronald Reagan as my first side trail. After a vigorous application process including a formal business-professional interview, I was thrilled to start volunteering on the cardiothoracic unit. However, my primary duties actually included answering patient calls and delivering cups of ice water. This detour was definitely flatter than the incline I’d been trekking, but the views were not what I had imagined. However, I still benefitted from the experience. I got to see how the doctors, care partners, and nurses interacted with the patients and each other behind the scenes.

My rotation has led me to volunteering on the oncology unit, and the views have definitely improved. I got to observe two stem cell transplants in one shift, and have yet to spend more than twenty minutes answering the phones!

I can see a continuously brightening horizon in the distance with the Care Extenders program, which “promotes” you after each unit rotation. So overall, my side trail has value!

Will I stay here forever? Certainly not! There is so much more exploring to do – but part of the journey is going through the trials and tribulations of experiencing numerous programs to see what you like and dislike. So don’t rule out any job, internship, research/volunteer position, or program until you’ve tried it! Every side trail has at least one pretty patch of wildflowers 🙂

Here’s an example of a hidden treasure you might find if you take a side trail – this puppy, Bubbles, was volunteering at the hospital one day when I was working. Such a sweet surprise! Check out what he does when his owner says, “Say your prayers!”.

Part Five: The Summit!

Finally, what we’ve all been waiting for! Whatever you consider the summit – getting your PhD, saving a life, taking a step toward curing a disease – keep your eye on that prize. The more personal, the better! If you want that thing badly enough, the experience will be worth the result. If not, there are other beautiful trails out there that you should explore. This one is surely not for novice hikers.

I hate to quote Hannah Montana for fear that the readers will lose all respect for me, but hey, I was a 13-year-old girl not too long ago and I’m not embarrassed about that. So here it is – “Life’s a climb, but the view is great.”

Are you an adventurer? Explorer? Thrill-seeker? Are you an aspiring medical student? I think of them as one and the same; my answer is all of the above! We are the ones responsible for discovering new frontiers. We are the ones people count on to keep them and their future loved ones healthy. We are the ones who have to press on even when our legs are burning from the incline. And we can do that by remembering that the reason we’re sweating is not because we’re not strong enough. It’s because the sun is shining down on us on this beautiful day!

So do you have what it takes? I bet you do – now let’s hit the trail!