One Step At A Time: The Process of Retaking Pre-Med Courses

It's been such a long while since I've written a post but I have been so busy. I am also so so happy.

Following the undesirable outcome of my Caribbean medical school application and Masters applications, I went back to the drawing board. I cried a few times and asked myself if I really wanted to continue putting myself through this torture. The pill of rejection is not an easy pill to swallow after all. After much contemplation, I decided to continue. My goal is to become a doctor and NOTHING will stop me.

I wrote to each school and asked why my application was rejected. Ross University gave me the most in depth reply and told me to retake all grades lower than a C. I spoke to UMDNJ (now Rutgers) and they pretty much told me the same thing. Now I felt scared. Where in the world will I find the money to take these courses all over again on my own? As a non-matriculated student, I have to pay out of pocket. I thought about how bad I wanted to be a doctor and made it happen. Remember, where there is a will, there is a way.

I registered for Organic Chemistry and Physics in the fall semester. I had to take these classes in the evening since I am working full time. I paid in full and could not wait for the semester to start. Low and behold I was dealt a blow. The school dropped me from the classes because I did not have my immunization records on file. Can you believe it? I rushed to send the records but it was too late. I had to go on the waiting list for the evening course and register for the morning courses. In the end, I got into the evening class for Physics but had to take the Orgo in the morning. I now had to beg and plead with my job not to fire me so that I can take this morning class. Lucky for me they compromised. I just had to take a pay cut now (keep in mind I just purchased a new car in order to get to school and work on time SMH). Mountains of headaches on this journey I tell you.

Anyways, after all was said and done--studying, sacrifice of sleep, stress, broke, tears, etc.--I am pleased to share with you all that I passed both classes. A grade of "B" in Physics and "B-" in Orgo. You just don't know how much hope this has given me. It also made me realize even more that when you believe, you can achieve. I will be taking Orgo II in the Spring along with Anatomy and Physiology. I know I will pass and I aim to get an A in both courses now that I have definitely figured out my way.

Stay tuned...

On to Plan B: My Next Course of Action

The writing was on the wall. I cannot say that I am surprised. I applied to 4 Caribbean Medical Schools: American University of Antigua, American University of the Caribbean, Ross University, and St. George's University. Unfortunately, I was not accepted into any of these schools.

AUA: We like you but not enough for our medical school. Instead we will offer you a spot in our pre-medical program. If you do well, then you can join our medical school. Oh! And by the way, we don't qualify for government loans and we just lost ties with our private lender. Good luck finding the money to finance this!==I REJECT THIS OFFER!

AUC: Sorry but your MCAT grades are too low. You have 2 weeks to let us know that you have re-registered to take it. Once you have taken it again and scored at least a 25, we will reconsider your application.==NO WAY CAN I MAKE UP MY MIND IN 2 WEEKS ON WHEN I WILL RETAKE THE MCAT. GUESS THIS APPLICATION GOES DOWN THE DRAIN, TOO!

Ross University: We regret to inform you that our program is not the ideal path for you. We don't think that you can handle living in Dominica while studying medicine. Try getting more credentials then apply again for reconsideration.==MORE CREDENTIALS? DID YOU BOTHER LOOKING PAST MY GRADES AND AT MY CREDENTIALS?! I AM IN THE MEDICAL FIELD, LIVED OUT OF MY SUITCASE FOR A YEAR, TRAVELED TO AND STAYED FOR WEEKS IN A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY ALMOST 4 TIMES A YEAR TO PROVIDE HUMANITARIAN AID, VOLUNTEERED MY WHOLE LIFE, AND YOU DON'T THINK I'M FIT?! SMH MAYBE NOT ACCEPTING ME IS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE! PEACE OUT!

St. George's University: We were founded on the principle that medical school rejects will be given a chance but we now only accept 3.4 and above averages. We have forgotten our past and where we came from. We now consider ourselves the Harvard of the Caribbean and cannot accept a below average student like yourself. Complete a Master's program then maybe we will consider accepting you.==I WILL TAKE YOUR ADVICE ALRIGHT! I WILL COMPLETE A MASTER'S PROGRAM AND CLOSE THE BOOK ON YOUR SCHOOL. WITH A BETTER MCAT SCORE AND MASTER'S DEGREE, I WILL  FIGHT HARD TO GET ACCEPTED TO THE SCHOOL THAT ALLOWED ME TO EARN MY GRADUATE DEGREE. SINCE YOU DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE ME THAT CHANCE, I'LL JUST SCRATCH YOU OFF OF MY RADAR ALL TOGETHER. THANKS BUT NO THANKS!

So, on to Plan B I go. I will continue to do my volunteer EMS. Assuming I do not get accepted into a Master's program, I will take graduate courses as a non-matriculated student. I will take the Princeton Review course for the MCATs and blow the test out of the water. Complete my AMCAS application and hope to matriculate into a US Medical School in the Fall of 2014.

Heartbroken? Yes! Mentally broken? Absolutely NOT! Life goes on! On to the next one!

Applying to Medical School...It's The Climb!!

After a few rejections, I almost lost all hope. I thought to myself, "What did I just set myself up for?" I mean I knew going into this that the odds were high against me. Then I logged into my student account to see what grade I got in my statistics course. Low and behold I saw a grade of "A" staring at me. A slew of emotions stirred inside of me. Once again I proved to myself that I am no idiot. I am still that genius student that began reading 5th grade level at the age of 4 and started college courses at the age of 15. Sure I got lost along the way and slipped. However, I did not stay down. I kept on moving and climbing. I will get accepted into a medical school. I will become a doctor. I will be one of the greatest physicians to have practiced medicine. While this application process has taken me for a roller coaster of a ride, I remain motivated and determined. Like the Miley Cyrus song says, "I gotta keep trying! Gotta keep my head held high! There's always gonna be another mountain. It ain't about how fast I get to medical school. It's the climb!" All together these lyrics hit my situation right on. May you find some inspiration in the lyrics and music, too.
THE CLIMBMiley Cyrus
I can almost see itThat dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I, I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down but
No I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I gotta be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah! 
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes you gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah! 

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep your faith, keep your faith, whoa

Holistic Review: The Changing Face of Medical School Admissions

Today I stumbled upon an article in the New York Times that really brought some much needed encouragement. The article, "The Changing Face of Medical School Admissions" speaks about more schools willing to adopt a holistic approach when reviewing medical school applications. The translation for this: A little less focus on MCAT scores & GPAs; and a little more attention towards personality and philanthropy. This one quote from the article pretty much says it all:

“It’s time for us to take some risks,” said Dr. David Muller, author of one of The New England Journal of Medicine articles (Reforming Premedical Education — Out with the Old, In with the New) and dean for medical education at Mount Sinai. “We need to push the limits on what we’ve been complacent about for too long.”

Dr. David Muller joins many other medical doctors who believe in the holistic approach and adopting new methods to medical school admission. Dr. Robert A. Witzburg and Dr. Henry M. Sondheimer are 2 more medical doctors who make a strong case for the holistic approach, too, in The New England Journal of Medicine article here: Holistic Review — Shaping the Medical Profession One Applicant at a Time

I am so happy that more schools are willing to give this a try. With the support of the AAMC, too, I believe that this will give more students like myself a chance at medical acceptance. The AAMC is actually hosting a workshop for medical schools' admission committees to discuss this: Holistic Review in Admissions: Challenging Conventional Thinking and Practice

News like this makes me stay positive. I know that I am going against the odds but God is good. I know that I have the heart, compassion, and mental capacity to be an excellent physician. I am not an idiot nor am I slow. One slip on the road will not stop me from pursuing my medicine goals. I will continue to bang down the doors of as many medical schools I can until one of these schools decide to take a chance with me. I tell you this, that school will be forever grateful.

"I have failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."--Michael Jordan

SCHOLARSHIPS GOING TO WASTE: AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING!

Scholarships Going to Waste

by Patricia Smith

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING!

Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated monies for scholarships use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest.

No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it. Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one , you probably already know how useful additional money can be. Our youth really could use these scholarships. 

Thanks!

1) BELL LABS FELLOWSHIPS FOR UNDER REPRESENTED MINORITIES
http://www.bell-labs.com/fellowships/CRFP/info.html

2) Student Inventors Scholarships
http://www.invent.org/collegiate
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

3) Student Video Scholarships
http://www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html

4) Coca-Cola Two Year College Scholarships
http://www.coca-colaschola/rs.org/programs.html

5) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

6) Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
http://www.aynrand.org/contests/

7) Brand Essay Competition
http://www.instituteforbrandleadership.org/IBLEssayContest-2002Rules.htm

8) Gates Millennium Scholarships (major)
http://www.gmsp.org/nominationmaterials/read.dbm?ID=12

9) Xerox Scholarships for Students
http://www2.xerox.com/go/xrx/about_xerox/about_xerox_detail.jsp

10) Sports Scholarships and Internships
http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html

11) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
http://www.nabj.org/html/studentsvcs.html

12) Saul T. Wilson Scholarships (Veterinary)
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/mb/mrphr/jobs/stw.html

13) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund
http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/sk_v6.cfm

14) FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid Scholarships
http://www.fina/id.org/

15) Presidential Freedom Scholarships
http://www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/

16) Microsoft Scholarship Program
http://www.microsoft.com/college/scholarships/minority.asp

17) WiredScholar Free Scholarship Search
http://www.wiredscholar.com/paying/scholarship_search/pay_scholarship_search.jsp

18) Hope Scholarships &Lifetime Credits
http://www.ed.gov/inits/hope/

19) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Minority Students
http://www.apsanet.org/PS/grants/aspen3.cfm

20) Multiple List of Minority Scholarships
http://gehon.ir.miami.edu/financial-assistance/Scholarship/blackhtml

21) Guaranteed Scholarships
http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com/

22) BOEING scholarships (soma e HBCU connects)
http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/educationrelations/scholarships

23) Easley National Scholarship Program
http://www.naas.org/senior.htm

24) Maryland Artists Scholarships
http://www.maef.org/

25) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida)
http://www.jackituckfield.org/

26) Historically Black College & University Scholarships
http://www.iesabroad.org/info/hbcu.htm

27) Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
http://www.tylenol.com/news/subptyschol

28) Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students

http://www.beanactuary.org/minority/scholarships.htm

29) International Students Scholarships & Aid Help
http://www.iefa.org/

30) College Board Scholarship Search
http://cbweb10p.collegeboard.org/fundfinder/html/fundfind01.html

31) Burger King Scholarship Program
http://www.bkscholars.csfa.org/

32) Siemens Westinghouse Competition
http://www.siemens-foundationorg/

33) GE and LuLac Scholarship Funds
http://www.lulac.org/Programs/Scholar.html

34) CollegeNet ' s Scholarship Database
http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index

35) Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
http://www.aflcioorg/scholarships/scholar.htmarships/scholar.htm

36) Federal Scholarships & Aid Gateways 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel
http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

37) Scholarship &Financial Aid Help
http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm-sch.htm

38) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group)
http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

39) FAFSA On The Web (Your Key Aid Form &Info)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

40) Aid &Resources For Re-Entry Students
http://www.back2college.com/

41) Scholarships and Fellowships
http://www.osc.cuny.edu/sep/links.html

42) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies
http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm

43) HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships (for study around the world)
http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/packard_nomination.html

44) Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
http://ccmi.uchicago.edu/schl1.html

45) INROADS internships
http://www.inroads.org/

46) ACT-SO EUR Olympics of the Mind "A Scholarships
http://www.naacp.org/work/actso/act-so.shtml

47) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships
http://www.baeo.org/options/privatelyfinanced.jsp

48) ScienceNet Scholarship Listing
http://www.sciencenet.emory.edu/undergrad/scholarships.html

49) Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/list.phtml?category=MINORITIESIES

50) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS AT OXFORD
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html

51) The Roothbert Scholarship Fund
http://www.roothbertfund.com/

As Online Dating Grows Popular, STDs Soar for Senior Citizens (Social Media & Medicine)

As an aspiring/future doctor in family medicine, I believe that it is very important to educate the senior population about being safe when it comes to online dating. Social media holds a strong presence in our everyday lives. As a result, we must acknowledge that it will play a huge role in the field of medicine, too. This article below is a good example of that as STDs are on the rise for senior citizens with the increase in popularity of online dating. #foodforthought

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Online Dating Grows Popular, STDs Soar for Senior Citizens

By The (Ree)lationship Guide

Before you think about creating a dating profile for your parent and/or grandparent, you must encourage them to use protection once they decide to become intimate with their new companion.

According to New York Post, STD rates among senior citizens are growing at a record pace. The number of 50, 60 and 70 year-olds that have Chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea doubled in the past decade, with cases of Chlamydia and syphilis in senior citizens growing to 19,000 and 2,500, respectively, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Internet is not to blame for the surge in STD rates among senior citizens, longer life expectancy, climbing divorce rates, and recharged libidos are behind the surge in online and offline love affairs.

Senior People Meet, Seniors Meet, and Ourtime.com are the three biggest and most reputable online dating sites for senior citizens.” Combined, the three sites share more than four million users. Ourtime.com’s membership increased from 1 million to 2.5 million singles in nine months. Seniors are embracing their right and freedom to find love. In a 2010 Senior.com article titled “Senior Citizen Dating Sites – Why They Are Your Best Ticket To Finding Your Dream Partner,” seniors are encouraged to embrace online dating. The author also tells readers that online dating is an opportunity for them to “open the door for getting back out into the relationship game.”

(Source: idatedaily.com)

My Vision Board

I am taking the time today to create my vision board. I know the question running through your mind and I have the answer.

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your dreams and desires. It is a powerful visualization tool that activates the universal law of attraction which states that we attract into our lives anything that we give attention to, whether it be positive or negative. Using the law of attraction in a positive sense, a vision board is a simple visual representation of the things you want to have, be, or do in your life. It is a great way to make you feel positive and begin manifesting your dreams into reality.  

From a psychological view, the law of attraction can be best explained by the information filtering system of the brain known as the reticular activating system (RAS). Vision boards serve the role of programming RAS to tune into external stimuli that can help us move closer towards our intentions. It allows you to begin to pull things from your external environment that will enable you to realize your dream. By selecting pictures and writing that charges your emotions with feelings of passion, you will begin to manifest those things into your life. 

Below I have the pictures that I will be focusing on daily on my vision board. Using the vision board concept, this positive law of attraction will open the door of a medical school for me.

Story Behind My "SuperWoman" Avatar

In case you did not notice, I have an image of a woman tearing open her white coat to reveal a superwoman logo. The inspiration behind this avatar is the song "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys. This song has some of the most powerful lyrics which has gotten me through many down times. It also hits the nail on the head, pretty much describing my current state of mind and situation. 
It's pretty hard to keep going when you receive so many "No's" on your journey to MD. It's hard to pursue other options when you know that this is the only career that will make you feel complete. You've been there and done that doing other jobs and activities. There's still that emptiness inside, however, that continues to burn a big hole through your chest. Lucky for me I have that S on my chest. I have the stories of many successful African-Americans, women, and African-American women to inspire me. Sure I have a so-called mess of an application but I believe that I will rise above it. I will fly. 
I share the video and lyrics to Alicia Keys' "Superwoman" with you below. May you be just as inspired, too.
*Singing out loud* Yes. I am a superwoman. 'Cause even when I'm a mess I still put on a vest with an S on my chest! Oh yes!
SUPERWOMANby Alicia Keys
Everywhere I'm turningNothing seems completeI stand up and I'm searchingFor the better part of me
I hang my head from sorrowState of humanityI wear it on my shouldersGotta find the strength in me
'Cause I am a SuperwomanYes I am, yes she isStill when I'm a mess, I still put on a vestWith an S on my chestOh yes, I'm a Superwoman
This is for all the mothers fightingFor better days to comeAnd all my womenAll my women sitting here tryingTo come home before the sun
And all my sisters coming togetherSay yes I will, yes I can
'Cause I am a SuperwomanYes I am, yes she isStill when I'm a mess, I still put on a vestWith an S on my chestOh yes, I'm a Superwoman
When I'm breaking down and I can't be foundAs I start to get weak'Cause no one knows me underneath this cloakBut I can fly, we can fly, oh
'Cause I am a SuperwomanYes I am, yes she isEven when I'm a mess, I still put on a vestWith an S on my chestOh yes, I'm a Superwoman, yes she is
Let me tell you, I am a SuperwomanYes I am, yes she isSee, even when I'm a mess, I still put on a vestWith an S on my chestOh yes, I'm a SuperwomanYes I am, said I'm a Superwoman, yes you are
Oh yeah, I'm tellin' youI'm super, so superI'm super, so superYes I am, yes we areYes I am, yes you are