Navigating Life as a Pre-Med Student

UCI is a university that prides itself on its STEM education, especially in regard to its top ranking medical program. With research labs galore, a world-renowned medical center, and pre-health advising available, there is no shortage of opportunities for those hoping to study at UCI while on their way to becoming part of the next generation of health professionals. As such, many undergraduate students set their sights on studying pre-health or pre-med at our university; it comes as no surprise that the most popular major at UCI is our biological sciences degree, with about 4,000 undergraduate students, 70% of which are pre-health.

To get the best inside scoop on this seemingly daunting realm of health education, I looked to my close friend Francisca (Fran), who passionately studies at UCI on a pre-med track.

Hi Fran! Thank you so much for joining me! So to get started, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi Jalen! Thank you so much for having me. I am Francisca. I also go by Fran. I am a second year biological sciences major here at UCI.

What are your career aspirations, and what would you say has inspired you to pursue this journey the most?

I didn’t realize what I wanted to do until my senior year of high school. I took a biology class and realized that I wanted to do something in the medical field. I also enjoy working with people, so I wanted to do something where I can express both my love for biology, as well as my love for helping people, all while making their day. My goal is to one day become a pediatric doctor.

That’s so exciting! Have you gotten yourself involved with anything on campus to help you toward your goals as a future pediatrician? And is there anything unrelated to pre-health that you also enjoy?

Yes! Actually, I’m what some may call “over-involved,” but I love it. I am a part of three clubs on campus: Nigerian Student Association, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS), and Black Innovators Collective. I really enjoy it because I get to be in groups of people outside of my classes and create things for our audience. It makes the college experience a lot less stressful.  

What about off-campus activities? How did you get started with those?

I am a COPE Health Scholar at Kaiser. I honestly love it, because not only do the patients make my day but I also get to learn and experience a work life in the hospital.

I needed to get this experience so I knew for sure that I belong working in a hospital. As college students, we tend to focus on school but never on the experience… No matter what major you are, I believe that you should get experience in your field to see if it is truly the right fit for you.

Besides that, I also make videos on YouTube and Instagram! I really don’t know how to explain it haha... At first, it was just for fun, but then people started sharing positive feedback on my content, and so I decided to continue creating because it brought me joy that I was able to make such an impact.

As a student planning to attend medical school after your time in undergrad, how did this influence your decision in choosing UCI?

Honestly, I didn’t choose medical school until I got to UCI. The groups of friends and the people that I have met influenced me to look into going to medical school. As a first-generation student, I had no idea of what to expect before coming to college. I didn’t even know the process of applying and getting into med school. There are people such as myself who lack this valuable information, and so I am glad I came to UCI, a school that provided me with different types of career paths to learn about and explore.

Do you have any particular resources you would recommend to students looking to explore the world of pre-med and pre-health?

I definitely recommend joining any medical clubs on campus! That’s what introduced me to the pre-med/pre-health world. The Minority Association of Pre-Health Students helps minority students achieve their goals in obtaining higher education in the medical field, as well as provides resources to our members.

I also believe talking to older students and first year medical students is a good source for their experiences and advice. That’s what I did my freshmen year, and it really benefited me and helped me gain greater connections! 

Are there any particular mentors that have influenced you the most while on this journey that you would like to shout out?

I would like to thank Folake for being an older sister to me, and helping me through my freshman year. Honestly, if it wasn’t for her helping me and checking up on me, I think I would have changed my major.

I would also like to thank my friend Zara, as she inspires me every day to one day be as great as her when I prepare for medical school.

I would also love to thank all my friends, and even all the people I have met here at UCI that have influenced me to be the person I am today. The community that I have made at UCI really has influenced where I see myself in the next 10 years.

Lastly, do you have any parting advice that you would like to give to any current or future anteaters seeking to be the next generation of doctors and pre-health workers?

I would say IT IS NOT A COMPETITION. This major may seem very competitive, yes, but don’t make competitors, make friends (and make study groups)!

Work together among your peers. We are the “next generation” of doctors and health workers for a reason! Our goal should be to create a community, so we can take care of our potential patients!

Lastly, if you ever get discouraged, always look back to those who encouraged you to reach your goals in the first place. 

Thank you so much again Fran, I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day for this!

Thank you Jalen for having me, I really appreciate it!