This July, I had the incredible opportunity to spend part of my summer at Johns Hopkins University for a college level course called the Medical School Intensive. As a high school student dreaming of a future in medicine, being accepted into the program felt surreal, like I was taking my very first steps toward the white coat I have always imagined myself wearing.
Stepping Into Hopkins
Walking onto campus for the first time was exciting and intimidating all at once. Johns Hopkins is world famous for medicine, and I could almost feel the weight of history and discovery in the air. Knowing I was learning in the same place where so many groundbreaking medical advances happened made me even more motivated to give my best.
The Classroom Experience
The intensive lived up to its name. Our days were packed with lectures, labs, and hands on activities that gave me a real taste of what medical school might feel like. I learned about the human body in greater depth than ever before, explored medical ethics, and got exposure to problem based learning where we worked through case studies just like real medical students do.
One of my favorite parts was hearing from physicians and researchers who came in as guest speakers. They were not just teaching us facts, they shared their journeys, struggles, and what keeps them passionate about medicine. It reminded me that becoming a doctor is not just about mastering science, it is about staying curious and resilient.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorms was its own adventure. It was my first time staying in a college residence hall, and it gave me a taste of independence. Sharing a room and common spaces with other students from across the country taught me how to balance my own schedule, manage my time, and also make new friends quickly.
Even though many students stayed up late hanging out, I usually went to sleep early so I could be rested for the next full day of classes. It felt good to set my own routine and stick to it. In the evenings before bed, I often reviewed notes from the day or thought about the topics that had inspired me the most. The dorm experience showed me what college life might be like but also gave me confidence in managing my own choices.
Beyond the Classroom
Even outside of class, I was learning every day. Meeting other high school students who are just as dedicated to medicine was inspiring. We shared our dreams of becoming doctors, compared notes on our classes, and motivated each other through the long days. By the end of the program, I felt like I had gained not only knowledge but also a community of peers who understand this journey.
Takeaways
Leaving Johns Hopkins at the end of July, I felt more confident than ever that medicine is the path for me. The program did not just challenge me academically, it gave me a glimpse of the determination, discipline, and compassion it takes to succeed in this field.
This experience at Hopkins is something I will carry with me as I continue my premed journey. For now, I am more excited than ever to keep chasing the dream that one day, I will be the one in the white coat.! 💙🩺