Elena Chesnokova:
"Learn to have fun while being busy. Medical school is HARD (things that are worth doing usually are), and there will always be something on your to-do list. However, it’s vital to make time for the activities and hobbies that bring you joy and keep you grounded. Balancing your responsibilities with what makes you happy is key to maintaining your well-being and preventing burnout. Remember, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed (I promise everyone will feel just as stressed and scared as you), but trust in yourself. You are capable. The hardest part of medical school is getting in, so you will be okay. Everything is going to be okay in the end. You will change and grow into a different person in the next four years and that is something to be excited about. You got this.”
Laci Turner:
“Med school will take everything you give it. Learn to set boundaries with yourself (and your time) early, and have time scheduled to do the things that refresh you. Staying in and neglecting yourself to study all the time may get you good grades, but it isn’t sustainable in the long run. Don’t think of med school as just “getting through the four years” but see it as a time to develop the time management and life skills that will serve you for the rest of your career. Yes, medical school will be hard, and you will have to study a lot - but don’t lose sight of all the things that make you you. Remember that your worth is not determined by test scores, and you are so much more than just a medical student. Take time to do whatever it is that fills your cup, since you can’t pour from an empty vessel. Good luck!”
Gavin Baker:
“It more work than you are expecting but easy enough to do if you just stay on top of things. So don’t stress too much and try to have fun when you can.”
Nayana Vuppala:
“Med school is a marathon not a sprint. Really know how to take care of yourself in all ways before you begin since it can feel tiring pretty quickly. I would always recommend keeping a schedule or planner to help organize what you can to stay on top of things, but also make time for what matters to you. This can mean planning a picnic, going to the gym to workout with some friends, or meal prepping for the week. Whatever you choose to do, feel good about it since medical school can be draining in more ways than one. While there are breaks scheduled in the fall and spring semesters, it can be hard to feel truly relaxed during them, and I’d recommend you maximize your weekends, especially golden weekends, to relax, reset, and recharge so you feel ready for whatever comes next. It can feel like you’re drowning under lots of things one week and like you’re floating on a cloud another, and to that end I’d recommend that you reflect on things that make you feel good so you don’t get burnt out too soon or too often. Remember that you have others in your class and others outside of your class to help and support you, so don’t be afraid to lean on others if you need! Medicine is a team sport and we won’t succeed unless we all feel our best! Welcome to UABHSOM, we can’t wait to help you get started! Go Blazers and good luck!!”
Kayla Baker:
“Remember why you came here. You are here for you and no one else. You earned your place and have every right to be here. It can be difficult sometimes so make sure to keep in contact with your support system to ensure that you don’t make everything about school. Yes, being a doctor is great but doctors are people too. So feel free to enjoy your hobbies and your life outside of medical school. It will get difficult sometimes but it is definitely worth it! Welcome to UAB Heersink future doctors! You deserve it!"