A career altering experience

I think that one thing that I forgot about, or just failed to realize when I “signed up” for SEP, was that it would be just like being back at school. Sort of like an extension of the spring semester. The program is hard. It’s not too over whelming, but I definitely spend a considerable amount of time studying -- probably more than I did last semester.

I can probably attribute that to the nature of the classes. I will say that being here has definitely helped me to identify bad study habits, and what does and does not work well for me. The program has also allowed me to reflect on what I like and definitely what I don’t like, and I’m starting to think that maybe medical school is not what I want to pursue. After talking to some of the medical students and being exposed to the curriculum, schedule and other careers in the health science field, I am not as interested in strictly attending medical school.

After sitting in the video conference on health and educational disparities, I realized that I am more interested in teaching and possibly pursuing a physician assistant degree program or graduate work in public health. I want to work directly with individuals and populations as a means of combating the disparities that exist between minority and low socio-economic populations and that of the rest of the general population. After all, that is the very reason why I was considering medicine in the first place. Well that and my interest in science.

Participating in that conference only reaffirmed and refreshed my desire to make a difference in the accessibility and quality of health care and educational opportunities available. I was familiar with a portion of the information presented because I did some research on the issue in high school, but the panel also introduced some new and profound information about the status of the issue. The panel also addressed some possible solutions and measures that should be taken in order to rectify the situation, which includes increased funding in order to increase accessibility and resources available to individuals, as well as schools and other agencies servicing communities with low socioeconomic status. They also cited that a willingness of students and other individuals with a vested interest to champion for legislation and increased accountability is crucial.

This idea is a reflection of my favorite quote, from Gandhi stating, “Be the change you hope to see in the world.” As I reflect on my experiences in SEP and make decisions about which career pathway best suits me, I am reminded that I am doing more than merely picking a career. Whatever I pursue, I am charged with the task of having a positive, and greater, long-lasting affect on my community.