How has JAMP helped you as you strive to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor?
The summer internships are one of the most valuable opportunities that Jamp provides its students. My first preceptorship was on the progressive care unit of Texas Children’s Hospital following a pediatrician. It can be really difficult to find shadowing experience if you do not personally know any doctors, but Jamp gave me the opportunity to work one-on-one with a pediatrician for over 10 hours a week. She was a wonderful and inspiring mentor to me and helped me understand the reasons I want to pursue medicine. Jamp students are able to really shine when applying and interviewing for the Texas medical schools because they already have experiences at some of the best hospitals in Texas.

What advice would you like to offer current or future JAMP students?
I would advise any future JAMPer to take advantage of the summer programs by getting to know the mentors, medical students, and JAMP directors because they have so much information to offer you about their medical schools. I am learning now as I go through the interview process that making these connections helps you find the medical school that is going to be the best fit for you. The Jamp community is incredibly connected and supportive through your whole journey to and even through medical school. Also, you will make a lot of friends, and you are very likely to see them again in your path to medical school!

What aspect of JAMP has been most beneficial to you?
I feel so much more prepared for medical school because of JAMP. The MCAT classes and Kaplan course were huge resources for me considering many of the JAMPers in my class were facing the brand new 2015 MCAT and had no idea how to start preparing. Also, I feel a bit more confident going into my first year of medical school next year since JAMP has already exposed me to some of the medical school classes like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. 

About Marcella:
I grew up in Frisco, Texas, which is just North of Dallas. I currently attend Trinity University in San Antonio as a Biology major and Chemistry minor. I learned about Jamp when my Jamp Faculty Director (JFD) took the time to come find me during a freshman lab and talk to me about the program. So far it has been one of the most impactful organizations I have ever been a part of, and it makes me very proud to live in Texas since the Texas legislators are the ones who made this program possible. I attended my summer internships at Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas HSC at Houston. I am currently interviewing with all of the Texas medical schools, and I am very excited to find out which school I will be attending on match day!