At SMDEP, there was a significant effort to increase our diversity awareness. Besides the fact that our curriculum included humanities and health care disparities courses, we were truly a diverse group. In each suite, there was a different mix of cultures and ethnicities. I met people from all over the USA. I learned to become a better communicator, a better individual, and simply a better thinker. It was surprisingly sad to say good-bye. I didn't plan on seeing so many tears!
Most importantly, this program has made me SO excited about medicine. When I declared pre-medicine as my field of study, I had so many questions about a doctor's lifestyle, medical school, the application of medicine, etc. Now I am 1000% sure I want medicine, and I am extremely motivated about it. Before, I was just another pre-medicine student. Now I think of myself as a future doctor. SMDEP immersed me in a medical environment and allowed me to picture myself studying and working in a medical environment.
Each day, I was with medical students. At least once a week, I had the opportunities to ask doctors questions. I feel more confident pursing my medical aspirations because of SMDEP. I can't think of a more meaningful way to spend 6 weeks in the summer. I made good friends, stimulated my brain, and had fun. When people ask me, "What did you do in the summer?," I just won't know where to start. From Day One to Day Forty-Two...to medical school and beyond!