The Road to Becoming a Medical Student

Lilly Olsick
Nov 15, 2024
2 min read

Looking back, my journey to medical school was anything but straightforward, yet each step along the way was woven with a purpose I couldn’t fully appreciate until now.

The Spark of Curiosity

Even as a child, I was endlessly curious, always asking questions, especially about how things worked. I remember reading books about anatomy and trying to understand what makes our bodies tick. I didn’t know then that medicine would be my calling, but looking back, those moments planted seeds.

Choosing the Path

By high school, my interest grew from curiosity to something deeper. I volunteered at my local hospital, shadowing doctors, and meeting patients from all walks of life. Each experience felt like a tiny preview of what a life in medicine could look like. I remember one particular doctor who explained not just what she was doing, but why. She showed me that medicine isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about compassion and the courage to be there for people when they need it most. That memory has stayed with me as a reminder of what I hope to become.

Overcoming Challenges

Deciding to go to medical school was one thing, but the path to get there was its own test. I threw myself into pre-med courses, each one as fascinating as it was demanding. Organic chemistry, physiology, and hours in the lab sometimes made me question why I put myself through all this suffering. There were moments when I wondered if I was cut out for this, but every time I faced a setback, I would look beyond the surface of what I was feeling. There are patients that need me.

Applying to Medical School

When I finally reached the application stage, it felt like a rite of passage. Crafting my personal statement, preparing for interviews, and finding ways to communicate why I wanted to become a doctor—it all felt surreal. The waiting, too, was an emotional rollercoaster, but with each interview, I gained a little more clarity and confidence.

The Moment I Got In

I still remember the day I received a call of acceptance. I was on my way to the Notre Dame football stadium to graduate when I saw a New York number pop up on my phone. My heart sank because I knew. It was as if every struggle and every late-night study session had led to that moment. After ending the call with admissions, I let it all sink in: this was really happening. That feeling of pride and gratitude is something I carry with me, even on the hardest days.

Looking Forward

Now, as a second-year medical student, I know that the journey is far from over. But reflecting on everything that brought me here keeps me grounded. It reminds me that this isn’t just a job I’m training for—it’s a calling that’s been years in the making. Every day, I’m grateful for the experiences that led me here, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.