Biography:

I graduated as Valedictorian from Mount Pleasant High School in 2016 and am currently a Senior at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I will graduate in May 2020 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, a double major in Biological Sciences, and triple major in Mathematics. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to join a research lab focused on peptide deficiency illnesses and present my findings at various conferences in Hawaii, Washington, Alabama, Florida, California, Arkansas, and Texas. I was also able to deepen my cultural competency and travel to South Africa, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands. This past September, I matched to Texas Tech Health Science Center School of Medicine. I hope to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and practice in my hometown, Mount Pleasant, Texas. One day I want to start a non-profit organization focused on lowering the infant mortality rate among women of low socioeconomic status across rural communities in Texas.

How has JAMP helped you strive to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor?

JAMP has helped me immensely by removing the financial burden of applying to medical school. Coming from a low-income family of eight, I would not have the financial means to purchase MCAT prep material, travel across Texas for interviews, or pay the application fees. With the help of JAMP stipends and scholarships, I have the opportunity to continue striving towards my goal of becoming a physician instead of it being merely a dream.

What advice would you like to offer current or future JAMP students?

I would tell current and future JAMP students to take full advantage of all mentors, instructors, and coordinators at each internship. These individuals can help provide personal advice like paying for medical school, the school vs life balance, and resources available for first-generation and low income medical students. Furthermore, they know the rigor of becoming a physician and can be part of your support system along the way.

What aspect of JAMP has been most beneficial to you?

The most beneficial aspect of JAMP has definitely been the friendships and mentors I’ve gained throughout the summer internships. Through my OB/GYN preceptorship at UTHSC Long School of Medicine, I met my mentor, Dr. Biskamp. Seven months after the internship, he continues to provide advice about life as a medical student, organizations and research teams to join at TTUHSC SOM, and how to prepare myself for an OB/GYN residency. Many pre-med students aren’t lucky enough to have this type of mentorship with their preceptor. With the help of JAMP, however, I built a strong relationship with Dr. Biskamp during those five weeks and continue to seek him for guidance.