From Uganda to medical school: 阿宾顿 graduate reflects on the journey

阿宾顿,爸爸. — Volunteering to work with young cancer patients at a hospital near his home in Uganda confirmed 14-year-old 埃德蒙Wekunga’s plans to become a doctor. 

“The connections I made with the children and seeing their strength in the face of such a tough disease inspired me to pursue medicine. It was those heartfelt interactions that showed me the profound impact a doctor can have on someone's life,他最近说。. 

In 2019, Wekunga moved to the United States to fulfill his dream. 他在 宾州州立大学阿宾顿分校 并获得了学士学位 生物学在脊椎动物生理学的选择，在2023年. He said his coursework and the impact of being selected as a 施赖尔荣誉学院学者, 大学的荣誉课程, 让他适应医学院的严苛, 他将于8月在德雷塞尔大学开始学习. 

“The faculty at 宾州州立大学阿宾顿分校 were exceptionally supportive, and I often relied on engaging discussions with my colleagues to enhance my learning experience. My undergraduate journey at 阿宾顿 was smooth and fulfilling,他说, 还要注意校友网络, resources and tuition played roles in his college experience. 

Several faculty and staff served as mentors to Wekunga including 克里斯·沃尔特斯学生成功高级协调员; 凯文大炮, professor of chemistry; and 克里斯汀Krewson化学副教授. 

“Each of them provided invaluable guidance in various capacities,他说. "Dr. Krewson played a pivotal role as the pre-health professions advisor. She highlighted numerous resources available to pre-med students such as the pre-health professions mock application, which was instrumental in helping me compile a strong medical school application."

The Schreyer Scholar designation led to Wekunga working with 大卫·露丝, 荣誉项目 协调员，副教授 历史.

“我加入施赖尔是为了挑战自我, 突破我的界限，提高我的研究技能,Wekunga说. "The journey was not without its challenges, and there were times when I was truly tested. 然而, I gained far more than I anticipated — a rich network of peers and mentors, 还有丰富的知识. The experience profoundly shaped my academic and personal growth."

除了管理具有挑战性的课程, Wekunga said he developed skills outside the classroom to enhance his medical career. He volunteered in the Hospital Elder Life Program at Jefferson 阿宾顿 Hospital, and he qualified to become a certified pharmacy technician at Holy Redeemer Hospital.  

在校园, he was a member of the Pre-Health Professions Organization and the African Student Organization, 他还在 查肯学生成功中心.  

“The opportunity to assist fellow students and observe their academic growth was gratifying,他说. "Witnessing their progression and the honing of their study skills reinforced my belief in the power of collaborative learning and personal mentorship. It was a role that not only allowed me to contribute to their success but also enriched my own understanding and interpersonal skills.”

Wekunga said he stayed focused on his goals but moving from Africa to the United States presented personal challenges, 他在支持下克服了什么. 

“我们来自不同的文化背景, 我发现很难与同龄人相处, and they often found it equally challenging to relate to me,他说. “然而, I am profoundly grateful for the support and community provided by the African Student Organization on campus. The students within this organization played a crucial role in helping me acclimate to U.S. culture, offering both comfort and a sense of belonging during a pivotal time in my life.” 

Wekunga recently completed a master of science through the Drexel University Pathway to Medical School program, 他将于8月份开始在那里的医学院学习.

回顾过去的五年, he encourages other students not to hesitate to ask for help when they need it. 

“For those pursuing pre-med, remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint,他说. "It's easy to become burnt out and frustrated on this demanding path. Prioritize self-care and understand that there's no need to rush through the process. Taking your time can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable journey."

关于宾大阿宾顿

威尼斯人娱乐信誉平台分校提供了一个负担得起的, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. 有3个以上,100名学生, 宾州州立大学阿宾顿分校 is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, 速成硕士学位, 本科研究, 施赖尔荣誉学院, NCAA三级田径和更多.