How has JAMP helped you strive to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor?
The JAMP program has provided nothing but support on my journey to become a physician. The summer internships that the program provides are what allowed me to stay motivated through the process.  By seeing medical school students in their natural habitat and interacting with the faculty, it made me push myself further to obtain a guaranteed seat in a Texas medical school. These internships showed me the lifestyle of not only medical students, but of working physicians, and through their advice and mentorship, I knew through hard work I would be able to achieve my goals.

These internships also allowed me to meet life-long friends that were in the same boat as I was. The friendships that were created last beyond the internship, and provided a network of support that was needed when studying for the MCAT. We would learn, push, and inspire each other to keep working hard and understand that the goal in front of us was attainable.

What advice would you like to offer current or future JAMP students?
The biggest advice I can offer fellow students is to understand your own strengths and weaknesses. Know what works best for you in studying and retaining information. It is also important to understand your limits. If you are feeling stressed out or feeling like a task is impossible, step away from your desk, take some time for yourself, see what needs to be changed, and keep pushing through. Always keep your family and friends close as you prepare to be a physician because they will always be there for you.

What aspect of JAMP has been most beneficial to you?
Although the MCAT preparation, scholarships, and stipends are extremely helpful in my goal of becoming a physician, the people that I met along the way have been the most beneficial aspect of the JAMP program. My fellow JAMP cohort, medical students, and medical professionals have done nothing but provide support and guidance along my journey. Seeing the work they all do to help future patients inspires me to work hard to help my own patients one day. I hope to strengthen these bonds for the years to come, and I know this will truly allow me to become a better physician to my patients.

About Christo:
I am from Lewisville, TX and currently attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. I will graduate in May 2017 with a Bachelors in Business Administration in Accounting, as well as a Bachelors in Chemistry. My motivation in becoming a physician is mainly due to my upbringing, being inspired by my parents to selflessly serve others. I was introduced to the JAMP program during my first year in college and was excited about all the resources that the program provided.

The JAMP program kept my goal of becoming a physician in reach, and through the network that JAMP provides, I know that I will have the support I need as I proceed to the next step of the journey. I will be attending the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and I hope to mentor future students throughout the process as well.