Med School: My Advice to High School and Premed students
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- Опубліковано 29 жов 2014
- Hey, I'm Student Doctor Thompson
In this video I share some advice I have for High School and Premed students who wish to get into medical school. I skimmed over the "traditional" advice and went into what I think is much more important. I don't think you should forget about YOU. Medical school will be an option for just about anyone who wants it badly enough, so I'm not as concerned about you getting accepted, because I know if it is important enough it WILL happen, as I am concerned about the quality of life doctors will have in the future. It all starts with high school when we can really step back and make sure life isn't so serious that we loose track of what it is really all about and head for an unwavering path to premed, med school, residency, and a career that we aren't really even sure we want anymore. I talk about ruling out other options before starting medical school, hopefully to avoid having a mid-life crisis of sorts, or a mid-training crisis and hopefully to avoid leaving medicine all together. Anyways, it is clear that I'm not very good at writing, so I'll stop. Thank you for watching, please comment if you feel so inclined, and please subscribe to follow future videos from yours truly.
![My Story to Med School - Advice to Premed Students - Why YOU Can Do it Too [Motivation]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zpgX2qvVMNk/mqdefault.jpg)
why does this dude look like he's about to laugh at a joke at any moment
LOL
hes just mormon, i can tell
HAHAHHAHAHHAHA
He has emoji face
I cracked honestly
I am a fifth year dental student in Poland. It's been very busy. While my friends are going out and party, I need to study. But I couldn't be happier with what I am doing. Seeing a smile after I'm done working is the best thing you can ask for.
Be prepare to give up many things, but everything will pay off one day. Be the person who loves your job and doesn't have to worry about the future.
twistedpaula So true. I couldn't agree more!
I am coming to Poland this year for medical school. I cant wait
Jesus christ, how are your teeth so perfect.
Braces, maybe?
Me me big boy he said nothing about braces making your teeth white.
Dentist?
Thanks a lot I'm in 9th grade and want to become a neurosurgeon, I am going to take this advice and pursues my dreams.
I'm in ninth grade too and I want to be a Family Doctor! I hope you make it!
Godlywordsandgirlsfashion I will be in 11th 2015-16 and I want to be a pediatric surgeon! I wish I knew what I wanted to do when I was in 9th grade..
I am a ninth grader and wants to be a neurosurgeon I hope that we all make it in this medical career
I am a Junior now and also want to become a neurosurgeon!
I'm going to be a Senior when school starts back and I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Really nice to hear about your non-traditional path. I’m currently taking a gap year before starting university (medicine is a possibility in the future), and I’ve been nervous about how this year could really throw off my life. It’s refreshing to see that you did a similar thing, and you’ve come so far. Congratulations, and thanks again.
SD Thompson, thanks for sharing your path to med school. From the comments posted here and in response to your other videos, your channel has been super helpful to a lot of aspiring doctors. I'm also glad that you've let people know that it's totally fine to have a "non-traditional" path to med school. In my experience, there is very little correlation between which students follow the traditional, straight-through college to med school path, and which students become the most respected and successful doctors.
I would add two more pieces of advice to your great video: First, while most med schools seek out a diversity of backgrounds and paths in the applicants to whom they offer spots, schools' greatest concern is not wanting to accept an applicant who will fail to complete the degree. This isn't a matter of money, but rather a combination of prestige and internal validation. If a class starts with 100 first year students, but 10 drop out before graduation, it reflects very poorly on the school. Thus, schools want to offer spots to people who not only want to be there, but also have a strong track record of following through on commitments. Obviously, this doesn't mean that an aspiring doctor can't take time off during college or between college and med school (as I've already said above), or that he/she can't change careers - of course they can, it happens all the time and it's completely fine. But it does mean that the aspiring doctor should do something demonstratably meaningful duing that time. You don't need to volunteer for the Peace Core or start your own company, but when the med school interviewer asks what you did during the time away from school, if the answer is limited to "I travelled around a lot" or "I found myself", either rightly or wrongly, that's a red flag indicating you may not have sufficient "grit" for med school. (i.e. grit for medical applicants is a relatively new concept that can be defined as "perseverance and passion for long-term goals, working strenuously toward challenges, and maintaining effort and interest over the years despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress"). In terms of how to predict which applicants will ultimately grow into successful doctors, schools are starting to appreciate that grit is more predictive than their MCAT scores, grades, or which colleges they went to.
The second piece of advice is to consider the current and future states of medicine before committing to med school. Ruling out alternative careers to medicine isn't the same as ruling in medicine. Health care in the US has changed dramatically in the past 10 years, most prominently in private practice primary care. While as an academic hospitalist, I'm personally very happy with my current career, I have yet to encounter a community primary care doctor who is content with either their personal career, or with the state of primary care in general. The reasons for this are incredibly complex, but if a person who is considering medicine has a primary goal for their future career of "helping people", that person can help far more people by entering a career in health policy (which may still include an MD degree for optimal perspective). I'm not trying to be a downer, but anyone considering medicine needs to realize that life isn't ponies and rainbows after residency (unless you go into derm or ophtho...j/k!)
Keep up the great work SD Thompson!
Eric's Medical Lectures words of wisdom!
ATTENTION! **********************************************************************
If there was a way I could point all of my viewers to this comment above I would. Thank you for taking the time to leave this well thought out comment that brings a reality check to what the selection process is like.
I also really like how you emphasized "ruling in" medicine. There are indeed a lot of factors to consider that will affect individuals differently. It really takes more than passing the "weeder" classes in undergrad to prove to oneself that this is the right path for them. A mentor once told me about the path of least resistance. He said that medical school is that path for a lot of naturally talented and smart people. He warned me that if I didn't take a step back and really think about why I was applying to medical school, I might end up one day down the road wondering why I had wasted my life doing something that wasn't right for me.
Thank you for the support. I admire your youtube channel and find your vids very helpful!
I concur. Strong GPAs and MCATs are easy to find; one who has long dedicated amounts of box checking is the one who will win the race. I am glad you mentioned primary care. I am starting a pre-med club, and I intend to have a discussion about the state of primary care, health reform, etc.
Who read thisss?????
Love this video!
100% true. Enjoy life! I'm the exact 'traditional' premed student you talked about. I had some killer motivation my freshman and sophomore year, and now in my junior year I've just felt a little burned out. Studying for the MCAT drained my life in every aspect. I just took the MCAT on Jan. 13th and am now trying to get back in the swing of things and enjoy life once again. Burnout is real for premeds and I'm glad you mentioned it.
Great editing on these videos too!
Congrats for getting the Mcat out of the way! Now the long wait... Good luck! Reward yourself :)
+Austin Newsam Lucky, you caught it just before the new MCAT changeover. ;)
Austin Newsam hows it going Austin
I am constantly told I cannot be a doctor. As my father who is a M.D. I have always wanted to follow in his footsteps. Except....I am doing it for me. After being around the medical field for so many years, I realized I wanted to be a doctor at a young age. I have been lazy my Junior year in High school. As a senior in High school right now. I just want to prove that I actually can become a D.O. I have fallen in love with Sports Medicine and I know that next year I am going to become a strong candidate and apply myself to do what my goals have been for the last eight years. I thank you for the motivation. I don't think it will be easy, but once I am in college I am going to try to the best of my ability to achieve greatness and become a D.O. I love the whole D.O. Philosophy I can't tell you enough how I just want to start college already and pursue my aspiring dreams. I kindly thank you for your amazing videos and I cannot wait to see you get your Degree. Well Respected and very smart.
Thanks for your awesome videos,
Annie
really!? Orthopedic Surgeon? That is very uncommon and I personally think that is amazing. Your mom seems bad ass, but to you Mara, I am going to say this, you have time to really bring yourself up in high school. Take advantage. I have to get my crap together in the next year after I probably go to community college to get a few credits out of the way my first year. SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TWO MORE YEARS! Also I think you can do it. Keep pushing towards your goals! :) Mara Mumin
Annie Dinga are you a doctor now it's been 5 years?
His application fees mustve been like 10 grand 😯
You have no idea how much I appreciate this video. Keep it up you're amazing!!
I love that you had a different way of getting there I am now in the same boat of enjoying life before med school. Thanks
Very nice video! Loved the story. Very realistic and shows that anything is achievable if you put your mind into it! :) This inspired me in so many ways!
Oh Man, you applied to 40 med schools !!!
How much does it cost to apply to 40 schools?
Well looks like I’m paying for rejection
Originallybroken Station omg 😂😂😂
@Sprint OG why would you need to apply to that many??!! Most people apply to a maximum of 10.
Thank you for the reminder to enjoy life before medical school; i've really been getting caught up with studies that I am seeing my priorities become poorly balanced. God bless and I can't wait to see more video updates!
This is exactly what I’m looking for! Thank you so much you’ve been so helpful!
Amazing story..this is really motivating. Thank you Dr. Thompson!
Thank you so much for your insight! I definitely can relate so much because I personally want to do pre-med, but later in life so this definitely makes me feel more secure about how I feel. And that being non-traditional is not the worst thing that can happen especially if you live a fulfilling life before committing yourself to the journey.
Loved the video. I'm a non-traditional student as well and all you here from advisors and other speakers is that "traditional" advice. So thank you for letting us known your story, I can definitely relate.
Thank you so much for this! I guess this is all I needed to hear.
I really needed to hear this message, so thank you for sharing. I've been out of school for almost 3 years and, while not everyone supported my decision, I decided to take time off to "cool my brain off" before diving back in nose first. That time was EXTREMELY necessary and the patient care experience I gained helped solidify that medical school was for me. Thanks for taking the time to make these inspirational and informational videos. You are greatly appreciated ☺️
MzChosenByGrace Thank you, you are very thoughtful
I feel like I can relate to you because I definitely lived for awhile based off of finishing my bachelors but then felt completely empty with the work I was doing. I feel complete, passionate and blessed to be on this pathway finally. NEW SUBBIE thanks for your inspirational words
Thank you for the advice ;)
As a highschool student, interested in med school, I really appreciate hearing what you had to say!
You have given me hope. Thank you for the videos.
Jacob Ogle your welcome, thanks for the feedback
You are super inspiring my man. Thank you for uploading this, new sub for sure.
Dude you inspired me & i will pursue my dreams. Its never too late!!!
Good luck to ya! Don't forget that feeling!
This sounds like my future med school interview
This is the best advice I've ever heard on this subject. Thank you bro.
Lester Sanchez thanks! I'm always searching for new subjects, let me know if you have any "big questions" thanks for watching
I love your channel. I am beyond my 20s and glad to see videos and advice from older folks as well who have lived life and want to get into med school. Most of the videos and advice I have found seem to target students in highschool or still in college. I graduated with a BA 9 years ago and I am only considering med school now. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and being so candid about how life can surprise us all.
+BonnetClaw You can definitely do it if you have great interest and sufficient motivation!
as a pre-med student, this helped me so much! i just need to partake in more ECs in the next two years before i apply. it makes me feel a bit better that you didn't rush into it. there's so much pressure in school from all the students trying to rush into medical school but I think that taking time off to do stuff for yourself is a great idea too! thanks for the video!
Wow thank you for making this video !! God bless you !!
Awesome, awesome, simple awesome advice. Thank you for sharing. This video can certainly be a beacon of light for both traditional and non-traditional students like me ;) Wonderful!
I would like to genuinely thank you for posting this video as well as your others. It was on my recommended list and I'm glad I didn't overlook it. I grew up in a broken home without overwhelming support for pursuing further education. As a senior in high school I set up my schedule so that I could graduate early as to get myself out of the negative environment with hopes to pursue premed. Unfortunately, other family obligations got in the way and I ended up not graduating at all- at least not yet. It's now a year later, I work full time and I'm scheduled to finish high school by the end of April. I will finally be able to attend a university in the fall and am so ready to zero in on my education and starting the path to becoming a physician. Thank you for a realistic video like this. Sometimes life gives us curveballs but that's a part of figuring out where you're meant to be. Best wishes on your next semester!
Thanks for this. It cleared up some thoughts about this road.
Thank you for this story. This is fantastic.
Huge help! Very encouraging!
This definitely was an inspiration for me... Thank you very much, God bless.
I love this video & your advice!I Had one unit left before I can enrol for med school but the summer(holiday) course was cancelled, so now I have to spend this first semester on it. Annoyed at first at the time loss, but now I'm encouraged to use the free schedule to get a job, go to the gym, and have fun before 6yrs of med school starts next year! After all, I'll be turning 19 this year, so I'm still pretty young. Huge thanks from Fiji! :D
You're inspiring (: I appreciate that you shared your story because I'm also not taking a traditional route. I'm in my second year in college so I still have a way to go. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but at times it might seem overwhelming and I worry that I won't get into a med school. But other times, many times, I have this deep feeling that I will and can be a great physician. I hope that feeling is right, and I'll continue to work hard in order to make it.
Jasmin Flores I would hold on to that feeling, we all need motivation during the hard times and that just might be it for you. When times get tough, which they will, we need to remember why we are doing this.
Thanks man, this really made me rething my decision about going to medical school.
Thank you so much for this video, it really helps a lot for high school seniors like me with a serious interest in medicine, but an uncertainty in what the future of medicine holds. Thanks again.
shindiky Congrats on being the "Big man on campus." Senior year is exciting because there is so much fun to come in college! Thanks for watching
Medical school sounds horrible in USA. In Finland its the best time of your life. Your life wont be only studying. There will be a lot of time to do other activities too.
What's the process there after highschool? It's 8 years after highschool here, 4 pre-med and 4 med school.
U N After highschool you are 18 or 19 years old. You apply for medical school. There are schools in 5 different cities. The entrance exam is same for every school, but the points you have to get differ. Its typical for people to try 2-4 times until the succeed. I tried 2 times and got in. I'm 20 and on my first year. The average age is about 23. The school will last for 6 years. After that you can apply for specialization, which will last for 3-10 years. So at the age of 26 I can work as a doctor.
And btw studying is free.
Yes Oh that's really cool similar to the British process, I'm guessing it's only free for citizens and not international students? If so are the international student fees high? UK has them very high.
U N They have been free for international students, but after 2017 international students have to pay at least 1500 euros per cemester. The fee may go as high as 18 000 in Helsinki, but I believe the university of eastern Finland will cost way less; its a good university too.
It is freakin' cold in finland bro
Woah, this sounds like what I am doing now. I volunteered 4 years as a missionary/volunteer for my church and now am ready to pursue medical school. You're such an inspiration!
Excellent video and story, Thompson! When I heard the words "Eagle Scout," I was immediately captivated. I, too, am an Eagle Scout from Las Vegas, Nevada! I began my journey in college on the pre-medicine route, majoring in biology, but quickly became aware of the fact that I wasn't as passionate about medicine as I initially presumed. I am now a philosophy major, and hope to pursue a graduate degree in either philosophy itself, or alternatively, earn a Psy.D, and then become a licensed psychologist. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors and journey to self-discovery!
I have a 3.8 GPA, scored a 20/36 on the ACT on 1st try and I'm planning to take it again, I'm taking the hardest classes I can take possible, and I'm on student government. I'm working my butt off to keep my GPA with my classes, and studying for the ACT to get at least a 30/36 just to get into Vanderbilt. I don't think I'm enjoying one bit of my life, and I'm certainly not going to. Your journey of becoming a doctor might have been untraditional, and seemingly easier than most, but you could be giving people false hope, people need to learn to be prepared for the worst.
That's the comment I've been looking for
Actually I am the same here , I'm working my ass off just to get into medical school
Here in my country in order for you to get in medical school your total percentage should be above 95%
And I've been working really hard to get a decent one till I settled on 98.03% and I have an ielts score of 7 and this should guarantee my future yet i am still waiting for a reply from the college I applied to
Best of luck to you
Lamees you got in?
sira1261 I got accepted in two colleges 👌🏻 I am taking some pre medical school classes this year and hopefully a med student next year
Congratulations! u well deserved it and I hope everything goes well for you! as for me its still a long journey though
sira1261 awww thank you. Hoping all the best for you 🙏🏼❤
Well, sometimes it takes more time to figure out what you really want to do in your life. Great video, fingers crossed for your brilliant medical career! :)
So awesome that you volunteered at Shriners Hospital for Children! I've been a patient there for years. I'm almost 17 now and I really want to be a doctor when I grow up! I feel such a calling into medicine.
You've inspired me so much :O Thank you!!
I'm starting premed school after high school. Thanks for this video really helped me a lot. :)
Thanks for sharing this! Wrestling and becoming an Eagle scout can actually give you MANY of the traits needed to become a doctor. I hope those is you that want a career in medicine accomplish your goals!😊👍🏾❤👨🏾🎓👨🏾⚕️📚
it was really interesting to hear "your story" education wise. it was kind of an unorthodox way to go through college life and all. I think that's why i found this video so valuable for me because I'm so indecisive about what my specific path is going to be. so it was really liberating and cool to see that you had this like other way of finishing college aside from the "norm". I'm interested in engineering (sort of), i've been going through Engineering and STEM programs since i was 6 so it's something i've grown up with. Possibly planning on going into Aerospace engineering or mechanical and then narrowing down. But I'm also really interested in Neuroscience and becoming a surgeon one day. Plus extracurricular and traveling abroad for a few years. so nothing too structured, i'm praying about it and figuring it out as I go along.
Thanks so much! - a current Junior in High School
Thank you for sharing. I'm trying to decide whether I should I try to go to med school. It's always been a dream of mine. In high school that's all I ever wanted to do. Then I got to college and things got real. I had a great freshman year, then came sophomore year and that's where it all went downhill. At that time, I didn't realize what I know now. I appreciate all my ups and downs throughout my undergrad and I've definitely been on a mission to travel since. Thank you for sharing your path, because mine seems to have been similar.
MusicBoxAlsoWater life is interesting, sometimes we try to take control too much... it is nice to let life be in control for a little bit. I think we are very similar
Thank you for another video. I just signed up for my premed classes I went to school before and didnt know what I wanted to do and wasted time and money. I took a couple years off and figured it out and im so excited and anxious to get started! I am looking into start job shadowing soon and I already work at a hospital as a CNA but idk what other advice u may have for me as far as extra curricular activities go. I always enjoy your videos and im keeping you and ur family in my prayers.
Autumnskyy 2014 Thank you for being so thoughtful. I totally know where you are coming from, I feel like I wasted time and money in undergrad because I was just taking "the path of least resistance." I didn't really think about what I was doing, I just plowed through it, BIG MISTAKE. I respect you for taking time to step back, analyze, and then make a better plan for your future. GOOD LUCK
This was such a nice video thanks for the advice 🙂
Thank you very much! Finally someone understands. I'm not going for BS Bio. but I'm taking all the Pre-Med prerequisites. However, I would like to enjoy my life first before committing myself to medicine like going around the world, etc... Thank you very much for your advice!
Thank you so much! I am applying this year as a senior and I am super nervous. This really helps!
songbird7912 It is a stressful time! The hardest part is that it doesn't feel real until you get in... but you will get in and it will be awesome! good luck
Thank you so much!
I've been a correctional officer, a car salesman at a huge Toyota dealership, and now, at age 20, I've finally decided to follow my passion of helping people in a career that actually means something to me. I've experienced life and struggled and because of that, I think my motivation is stronger than ever.
:) this was so refreshing. thank you so much.
Thank you for this!
AMAZING STORY! Thanks for sharing it with us!!
matyw91 You're welcome, thanks for your support!
Loved this thank you!
LOVE this video!!
Yay advice from a mormon. I needed this as I’m a high school sophomore who likes to plan ahead. And am mormon as well
Great insight! Life as a medical student can be tough with the workload, so it is important to enjoy life before you get there. However, you should always try to hold on to the things which do make you happy and reduce stress in your life. They can be great coping mechanisms during medical school!
Illustrated Health I hope everyone reads this comment, it is very true!
this encourages me so much..
thanks
Hey thanks for this awesome video. I am currently studying healthcare administration at BYU-I. I kind of feel the same about the business side of life and how I don't feel like it will give me the satisfaction that I want from a career or job. I have contemplated going to medical school, but I haven't even taken one chemistry class. Your video really gave me some good hope about starting late, (not SO late) at 24. Thanks again!
This is really awesome.
I love this story. I went to school for engineering for a couple years, then took a couple years off and just worked in retail management. I am now going back to school as a pre med student working part time, and hopefully can get some loans so I can quit my job and be a full time student. Thank you for your story it was very motivational
I love your videos!
How crazy!! IDAHO!! Glad I found you, fellow Idahoan:)
thank you you're story and many others that have commented on you're video give me hope that even though am older, married with a child my hope of becoming a doctor is not impossible :).
You take a ton of time to answer questions on here. I admire that. You and Dr. Tooley lead the youtube young doctor team
Great video. Thanks.
Great vid! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Puerto Rico!
Gabriel Sanz Hello Puerto Rico!
Super informative! Thanks!
you are a guy who actually lived ..... great thing to have someone ( your wife) to support you through these drastic changes. all the best ... great video thanks :)
Wow. Very inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you so much, so so much.
Thank you **so** much for making this video. I am in my last year of high school and I would love to see myself really doing something meaningful everyday. I want a job where I can build relationships and help people. I have thought about majoring in other things, but I get this excited feeling in my gut considering pre-med. I am a Christian and I consider that the most important thing about me, & in researching I got pretty discouraged that basically to get through medical school I would have to learn to put myself first, won't have time to serve others, my life and worth would be school, etc. I am a very hard worker, but I want to be a hard worker in what I do for and because of Christ. I am a little hesitant because I just want my life to really mean something, and I feel that I have to choose now.
Can you give an update on your life? I am so encouraged after watching this! I'm so curious to know where you are and what your are doing now?
it helped me a lot! thank uu!!
Wow!love this vid.
Thanks for a more realistic journey!
Hey! I don't usually leave comments. But thank you. I'm a first year neuroscience student in Canada. Med school is different I think from than in America. Highschool marks are never considered for medical schools in Alberta. Which is nice. I consider myself non-traditional as well. I went on an exchange in high school to Austria, graduated, took a year off in Australia, went back to university and was in a Bachelor of Arts to do international relations. Hated my life. Hated going to school. Withdrew and worked full time as a cook for the military and started my program this fall and I am so so so happy.
Needless to say I agree with your statements. university of Calgary Med school asks you to list 10 things that have happened in your life that shaped who you are. They often compare working at McDonald's to being on an Olympic team as equivalent. Because it's not what you did and how impressive it is; but who you are and what kind of physician you'll be.
Again, that's just my perspective on the medical school in Calgary. :)
Thanks for the video.
ZuruiBudou awesome comment. I hope all viewers read this! Also great comparison to medical school in canada. Thank you!
When he hits us with that "took two years off for my church" and "eagle scout" you know he's LDS. How blessed to get the Switzerland mission though, what a beautiful place.
Very helpful info thank you!!
JustmeKasie You are welcome, glad it helps!
Thanks I needed that
I really appreciate this video.
Ivanna perez thanks :D
Im in 10th grade and i want to be a doctor and I have my heart set on it. Its what im going to do regardless of what anyone tells me
Thank you for making these videos! I'm considering going to med school, what resources should I check out to see if it's right for me?
This guy had alot of money to travel
wow! you give me lots of hope. Im a teen mom in my senior year of high school and i want to be a pediatrician one day. The cost of med school scares me a bit.
I have a similar story. Attended various colleges and a program(which I completed) before graduating with a degree in Education. Been traveling since I was young since my family use to go on missions trips, I became greatly passionate about serving people because of so. Currently I'm residing and working in South Korea as an EFL Teacher and I am looking forward to starting a Post-Bac Pre- Med Program next year. I have done just about everything(seriously) and I've realized how my desire to become a doctor one day has never faded. It's now or never!
So we learned that you are religious and like Switzerland.
Lol
And that you need to enjoy life before you start the most hardworking and grinding process of your life, but I guess that's not as grabby :)
he is mormon i think :)
Lauren Allison definitely. I knew as soon as I heard Idaho and saw his undershirt.
helped me a lot, thank you for this
Kahan Bodur thanks!
So so so helpful thank you! :D
leahrsullivan thanks for the feedback!
I really appreciate your take on this. I think maybe you're right in saying that your other options should be eliminated before you pursue medical school.
the truest of truths i have heard in a minute. enjoy life first
Gosh, you're too gorgeous! I'm new to your channel, subscribed immediately. But like how old are you?? Cause I'm considering the path you've taken, but I really wanna know like at what age I'd be finishing up med school and stuff.
I am think I will enjoy med school, smart people, nice topic, interesting job.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like I can relate quite a lot to your life. Now that you are at med school and are working/studying 7am to 10 how do you balance your family and your education?