Summers in Undergrad
I’m sharing my blog for the first time during July, so I thought it would only be appropriate to write some thoughts on how to utilize your summer months during undergrad.
If you need a pause and are able to take one, then take a well deserved break! Don’t feel pressured into filling your free time if that’s not what you want.
I think we often underestimate how important it is to take advantage of pauses in our schedules, especially when we’re trying to be “the perfect medical school applicant” someday. While we may look at each others’ social media and then judge ourselves harshly, don’t forget that social media is just a highlight reel, not reality. Most of us wouldn’t post a picture of ourselves in our pajamas binge-watching Netflix, but that doesn’t mean our down time is something we should feel guilty about. If taking a break during your summer to spend some time outside, with friends and family, or doing absolutely nothing is going to help you feel well-rested and prepared for fall, then absolutely relax away! I personally loved having more time to spend with my dog, friends, and family.
Working is necessary for many of us, and is a great use of your time regardless of the job.
Due to the pressure we put on ourselves, I know we can get anxiety about spending a majority of our “free time” working. Speaking from personal experience, and talking with other medical students, many of us had various types of jobs, and whether they were in the medical field or not the experience continues to help us in countless ways. Several doctors I’ve met learned a second language by learning from their co-workers each day. Others gain unique life experience that in the long-run helps them understand patients on a better level. I personally worked in a restaurant as well as in an Emergency Room as a scribe during undergrad. I was fortunate to have a job that doubled as clinical experience, but that is definitely not the only option. We all have our own life requirements, and if yours includes spending most of your summer working to pay bills, tuition, or whatever else, you are not at a disadvantage, and hopefully you’ve found a job you enjoy.
Take advantage of extra time and volunteer!
While volunteering is somewhat of a “requirement” for premedical students, those who are genuinely invested in where they volunteer absolutely stand out from those who may have just been checking something off their to-do list.
I personally feel very passionate about this because my volunteer time during undergrad is what confirmed I was on the right path and continuously kept me motivated. I volunteered with hospice patients on a weekly basis, visiting in their homes. We mostly talked about their lives, my life, or whatever else they wanted, and it was something we both looked forward to once or twice a week. Seeing what a difference my time could make in someone’s life, especially at some of their most vulnerable moments, is largely what enabled me to articulate what drives me towards being a physician.
I’m also passionate about the work Phi Delta Epsilon does for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and during undergrad and now medical school, I have remained involved in my chapter’s service events. This experience during undergrad was different because I was part of a team, a fraternity, all working towards a common goal. Having this experience of collaborating with so many other amazing people was extremely rewarding and helped me learn many valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start volunteering, my advice is to find an organization that stands for something you’re genuinely passionate about, and I promise you’ll get so much more out of the experience than you could ever put in.
Consider taking 1-2 summer classes to make the following year easier.
As any premedical student probably already knows, sophomore and junior year entails a difficult schedule with mostly upper division science classes. Something I did, and I know several of my peers did as well, was take classes during summer. This enabled me to focus on just one subject during the condensed course, and also lightened up my schedule for the coming year. I personally took Physics 1 and 2 in eight weeks during one summer. Physics wasn’t my favorite subject, but this is still a decision I’d make again as I believe having less work during the following school year helped my GPA stay in a competitive range.
If you have the opportunity for any new or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, say yes!
While I didn’t personally travel abroad during college, many of my friends did and they loved every minute. Don’t forget to check things off your bucket list, travel, and have fun as much as you can. You’re still a “college kid”, not just a premedical student, so take advantage of any unique opportunities that may come your way.