How has JAMP helped you as you strive to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor? 
I believe it goes without saying that JAMP has lifted a large financial burden from both my family’s shoulders and mine. I do not believe I will ever be able to appropriately demonstrate my gratitude for this; however, that pales in comparison to the wonderful support system provided by the Joint Admissions Medical Program. If you have not already, you will be told during your journey to become a doctor to “reconsider”, whatever the reason. You will come across many naysayers and at times you might feel discouraged by this. But, from the moment you join the program, you become part of a family that reminds you, regardless of what others might think or say, that you have everything in your power to become a doctor. Incredible and passionate people from all walks of life instantly surround you and not only do you learn from them, you fight along side them to reach a similar goal. This incredible family believes in you, and that same belief pushes you to be the best version of yourself. This is how the program has helped me strive to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor.

What advice would you like to offer current or future JAMP students? 
What I am about to tell you probably goes against your very nature as a premedical student, but I feel it is important that I say it anyway. Do not stress, at least not to the point that it affects your own health. Remember that before you can even begin to take care of other people, you must take care of yourself. I know this is easier said than done, but it is imperative that you do. Find the people that you most care about and keep them close, because they are the ones that will keep you grounded in times when everything is going great, and when they're not. Make sure you have something in your life that helps you blow off steam like a sport or a hobby. Above all else, however, enjoy every single thing you do, because it all has a purpose.

What aspect of JAMP has been most beneficial to you (e.g. scholarships, mentorship, etc.)? 
I really do not know where to begin with this question. There is so much that this program has given me; from the opportunity to participate in unforgettable summer internships to the financial support provided by JAMP. However, if I had to choose one thing, it would be their help in preparing me for the MCAT.  The Joint Admission Medical Program provided me with all the materials, classes, and support needed to achieve a good score on this monster of an exam. Because of JAMP, I was able to meet the requirements necessary to interview at all nine participating medical schools, which in and of itself is whole other benefit provided by the program.

About Adrian:
At around 17 years of age, I had a minor accident that landed me in the emergency room. I had dislocated my elbow. Funny thing is that it happened during New Years Eve, so the doctor was not in the hospital, however he was on call. When he arrived, he was wearing a black suit, obviously meant for a New Year’s dinner party that I had the pleasure of ruining. As unfortunate as this event might seem, it was on this day that I became curious about the medical field. Why? Well because, while others might have been irritated (at the very least) for having to leave their family and friends on such an important night, he was not. In fact, all he did during his time caring for me was provide words of comfort. He radiated a true desire to be there for me, a complete stranger. That night, I walked out of the hospital with two things, a cast and admiration. This led to cascade of events that only strengthened my love for medicine. I shadowed an anesthesiologist in high school who let me observe 3 C-sections and various epidural injections.

I decided to major in biology at Texas A&M International University. During my sophomore year I applied to JAMP and was accepted. I got to follow even more doctors in a variety of specialties during the summer internships, and I made friends that are like a second family to me. And now, I get to interact directly with patients at a local clinic, where I have been allowed to triage, prepare the doctor’s chart, and even give flu shots.  I cannot begin to express how happy I am about my journey so far. I know there is so much more ahead of me, but I simply cannot wait to get started with the rest of my life as a doctor.