Well, today I sat down and really looked at everything that needs to be done before school starts in September! I know that may seem far away to you, but to me that is close! I have to get all my medical clearances, my visa application, housing, police clearance, financial aid ( and scholarships!), along with scrubs, lab coats, stethoscope, books, figuring out my medicines, internet, flights, and all the extra stuff that goes along with this! As you know by know I am moving to the Island of St. Kitts. Anyone that knows me, can understand why this is a HUGE step for me. I have always lived in a small town, gone to small schools, and even went to a small college only a half hour from my home and family. I am now ready (or not) to start a new chapter of my life, step outside my boundaries, and push myself. I need to do this is achieve my dreams of becoming a doctor.
In July 2012 I got my MCAT results. For those close to me, you know what I got, for everyone else it is not important that you know my score. However, in the US it is critical to have a competitive score. For a girl like myself who has the grades (a 3.8 and dean's list), work experience, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities but lack that ONE single score, it can almost be impossible to gain admittance to a US medical school. I was really down, and had almost given up hope right away. However my amazing boyfriend stepped right in along with my family. I got an email one day from University of Medicine and Health Sciences (I apparently inquired a year before this and always deleted their emails when I was a junior). That same day Nicholas told me about these medical schools in the caribbean who look at students like myself. There is a stigma on these schools, and I will be the first to say I was skeptical at first. However after the information sessions, my interview, and reading other blogs like mine these schools should be praised. They given students like myself an opportunity to blossom, because they have faith in us (which is all we need). I believe I am a well rounded human being who has the personal interaction skills, and intelligence to become an excellent physician. I am going to prove the US medical schools wrong and show them who they missed. I plan on passing the USMLE Step 1 boards (with flying colors)! UMHS has given me the confidence back that I need to succeed and I am looking forward to my time there! Just so people understand this UMHS USMLE pass rate right now is 97% which is only ONE percentage away from Hershey Medical. I could gain a clinical OR residency position right next to someone who went to a prestigious medical school.
Well, that is enough for tonight.
Stay tuned for more updates!
XOXO - Future Dr. Emma Ruggery ;)
St. Kitts
