PLEASE READ THIS: I'm a first-generation college graduate, I went to community college, took 6 years to get through undergrad, took the MCAT twice, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD DO ANYTHING WITH MY LIFE...Here i am now, a 4th year medical student that has gotten to be involved in so many different opportunities just because i put my mind to it! This video discusses everything i've done to get to medical school, and then i also mention the various extra curricular activities and research projects that i have done WHILE in medical school to bulk up my application for residency. If this isn't a video that you need to watch in terms of content, I encourage you to just watch for some inspiration, as I mention some things about obstacles and overcoming difficult things. Hope you enjoy :) Comment your story down below. I'm eager to read.
Hi Rachel, half way through your video and that doctor telling you you were not going to be a physician because you are a women…. As I posted before I am a cardiologist in Europe. No one in my family studied Medicine. But my sister did a PhD in Chemistry so I kind of knew what to expect from University. I was that person who knew she wanted to become a physician early on but because I am an introvert and really shy, it was kind of difficult in this very competitive field. As I would get very positive feedback from patients early on during Medical school, it kept me motivated. Then there is my love for research which kind of sets me apart from others as my field of research is basic science. During Medical School I also asked people around me how things worked regarding residency, PhD programs etc. Not many fellow students were very open. Nowadays I give a lecture to third years Medical and Biomedical students how to get where they want to be😊
@@RachelSouthard I just wanted to say found your channel early last year and have really liked it. But this video was actually very inspiring to me. So my degree is in Conservation Biology. I graduated in the infamous 2020, so had to basically wait a year to start my career. Finally got a one year internship, moved across the country, and thought that would be my door into an incredibly difficult and competitive field. Well, it ended in July of 2022. I applied to 10+ positions, interviewed for more than half of those, and didn't get a. Single. One. And with this field, similar to medical, if you are "out of practice" for too long, it will be very hard to get back in. Meanwhile, my dog passed away and i had to move from a place that felt like home very quickly after that. So, I had given up and told myself I tried my best. I have a job now that's semi related (kinda but also kinda not) and I hate it. But recently, especially with this video, I have been inspired to try again. I recently applied to about 9 different positions, and since I have a unique situation right now where I can travel, take lower pay, and take on multiple shorter term positions if that's what it takes to boost my experience on my resume. I have really invested in my cover letters, job searching, and marketing myself once again. And, worst case, if I get one and it doesn't turn into a full time career, then at least I tried and had fun doing it! So thank you for reading my mini novel here, and thank you for sharing your story. So many people share their stories here, bur something about yours feel truly inspiring and like something I can actually connect and relate to.
You are such an inspiration Rachel!!! I am a nursing student and have been enjoying watching your journey since 2 years ago. Thank you for the beautiful and truthful content that you do here! Amazing💝 Congratulations and continue to be this wonderful human being🥰
I'm 44 years old and have gone back to school to finish my undergrad so that I can apply to medical school. I've followed your videos for the last few years, and I have to say they were a huge motivating factor for me to take this huge leap. Thank you for the info, the realism you give, and the enthusiasm with which you attack life. Great job, I'm so proud of you and for you. Thanks for everything you do for us all!
This makes me hopeful as a 36 year old. I’ve been contemplating if I’m “too old” to return to medical school. It has been a seven years since I graduated with a BS in Chemistry and my grades were not great as a worked full time, but I’m hoping to get the rest of my pre-requisites and conquer the MCAT.
As a med student from Germany it's crazy to see what you have to do to get into med school in the US 😳 And then you have to pay SO MUCH money.. So much respect for you and your hard work ❤️
@@lexalee5795 Sorry, I haven't seen your question 🙈They take your grades from "high school", work experience in jobs like nurse, paramedic... and some other stuff and then you get a score. don't understand the algorithm completely because they changed the rules after I got in.
@@makak6758 I'm not sure, but even for Germans it's really tough to get in. A lot of people start to study in Hungary, Austria or another country in the European Union because it's easier to get in there and you easily get a license in Germany after you graduated (because it's an EU country).
Wow…this story brought me to tears. As a first year community college student struggling with self-doubt, I always come to your videos to relieve my worries. You are such an inspiration. You are and will continue to be amazing =-]
I'm currently a second year caribbean med student and have been feeling depressed and unmotivated recently but this video lit up my passion and desire once again. Thank you Rachel for reminding me that hard works always wins!! You are so kind and deserve all your success.
i just started my associates degree and will eventually apply for med school also wanting to pursue OBGYN! always had an average gpa, dropped out of college my first time around, had a baby in my early 20s but this video makes me feel so much better- i really needed to find something like this to boost my spirits, thank you!
This is so helpful, I dropped out of high school at 16, took my GED, did not take the SAT or ACT, went to JC and now am about to complete my undergrad in Integrative Health with a minor in Biochem. I also have a midwifery degree, and now I am on the road to med school. I’ve been working as a Licensed Midwife for two years and I’m scared, but I love knowledge and I’m really looking forward to what’s next. I want more training, and I did a cost analysis and ironically the MD/DO is cheaper than the CNM MEPN, and I keep coming back to med school. Your videos have inspired me. It’s taken me 6 years to work through my undergrad, and figure this out. Thank you for these videos! And congratulations on your choice of specialty! ❤🎉
Honestly, this video truly helped me. I'm at the stage where I'm in community college wanting to eventually become a medical student but I'm having trouble staying motivated and focused while also not entirely believing I could do it. This is the first time I've seen a video of someone in medical school coming from a similar educational background. Thank you for posting this video seriously. This made me feel so much better about my future honestly. I love you and your videos!
currently a senior in high school, and i just wanted to comment that you’re the only first-gen med student i know who actually talks about imposter syndrome. i have a lot of self doubt from being a first-gen student, and it probably won’t ever go away, but your videos really do make a difference in mine and all your other viewers’ lives. ok this is getting long but i just wanted to comment lol, thank you ❤
As a first-gen student who is heading to community college and planning to go to medical school, I was having lots of doubts and moments of insecurities about whether or not I would make it. After watching this, however, I feel so much calmer and confident about the future so thank you so much
I'm currently a freshman in college and a first-gen college student. I just finished my first semester and it was harder than I thought, so I have all of this self doubt and imposter syndrome roaming around my brain every moment. All my life, I always knew I wanted to become a PA and from watching your video, you gave me the motivation to keep going and continue, to get back up when I am faced with these rough patches because I am a PA already in the future! Thankyou for being so raw and not sugarcoating stuff which helps me and others relate to all this, congrats on your journey and going to residency very soon!! You are such an inspiration to myself and others, keep up the hard work!
I LOOOVVE an honest book that highlights self growth. I can’t wait to read what you’ve recommended. Two books that helped me reframe my mindset are The Defining Decade and Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience both by Meg Jay. I’m super excited for this video, thank you so much for this inspiring content Rachel ❤
Yes! I highly recommend the book I have in the description box. It will not disappoint. I haven’t heard of the two you mentioned! Adding them to my reading list ♥️
I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FUCKING HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! (SORRY FOR CURSING) BUT SEEING YOUR WHOLE PROCESS FROM YOUR MCAT VIDEO I THINK LIKE 5 YEARS AGO TO NOW! I'M SO SO SO SO SO PROUD OF YOU FROM THE PREP TO THE BROKEN ARM TO THE MENTAL BREAKDOWNS TO DOCTOR!! GREAT JOB DOC! CONGRATS!!!!!
Whats great about UA-cam is how we can track your entire journey. You never think the day is going to come but its crazy how fast and slow it went. Congratulations Dr. Southard!
I needed to comment again Rachel haha. I think the most inspiring thing I took away, of course as well as how hard you’ve worked and all your success, is how loving and kind you’ve managed to stay. With so many responsibilities I feel like it’s so easy to grow resentment and fatigue for all the work that needs to be done. It is wonderful that you have maintained such a warm and safe presence within yourself and for others, thank you ❤.
It's mind blowing to see how much effort you need to put to get into medical school in USA! I live in Brazil and here it's just a matter of doing an 5 hour entrance exam just after you finish high school. It's not an easy test, but the differences between USA and Brazil systems are surprising.
As someone else who turned down MD school interviews in favor of attending a DO school, that tiny bit about your interviews was comforting to me. There was part of me that wished I would have accepted those interviews just to prove it to myself that I could get in. However, seeing you stand so confidently in your path helps me rest assured that I did the right thing by letting someone else have that interview spot and embracing my path as a future DO. :)
Wow your video are amazing. I dealt with the same thing by going to community college first and then getting a bachelor in Emergency medical services and now finish my Pre-Med go to Medical school and become Cardiovascular surgeon. You’re gonna be a great doctor and you have a great personality. Your video are so inspirational to me.
Rachel I almost cried watching this. I have been watching your videos for so long and this video made me realize how similar we are. My goal is to be a veterinarian and I am also a first generation student. I’m only an undergrad and I also did 3 years of community college while working. This year I was just hospitalized after having brain surgery so now it’s adding up to 6+ years to finish my bachelors. I have been so distraught over this but then you said that you did the exact same thing and I teared up.
I have been looking for a channel of someone sharing experience and struggles. Thank you for sharing your channel. I have decided to work on my undergrad and apply for med school. I am 40yrs. old., with family, kids and a job but I am determined. I am truly happy and proud of you. You are a role model for many.
Although not a med student i'm currently pursuing allied health education to become an RT (Radiologic technologist / X-ray tech) , i find your videos so authentic and informative and i love being able to live vicariously through your experience. Your growth has been awesome and a joy to watch.
I cab absolutely promise you, not one of us thinks you are showing off or being narcissistic or anything... you should be extremely proud of yourself and you should wanna tell the world what you've done and what you've achieved. You've done amazing things and you will continue todo amazing things. Share everything, I love watching you reach your goals. :)
That last bit was everything 💕. I have seen your confidence grow throughout the years. You are definitely a rockstar! I’ll be starting med school this year and I’m already doubting, feeling like I’ve somehow cheated my way in. I’m hoping all that changes within these next few years 😊
I turn 25 next month and in the fall I will start my first semester at community college to get my associates in accounting. But yet I find your videos interesting and they motivate me
HI RACHEL!! I'm currently still catching up on your older videos (I'm somewhere around your family medicine rotation during your third year) but wanted to comment on this one because I relate to your story so much! I'm also a first-gen college student, will be taking 6 years to complete my undergrad (did 3 at community college and I'm finishing up my second year at UofM Ann Arbor right now) and I'm planning to go into medicine! Your videos have helped me so much throughout the past couple of years with getting and staying motivated and have actually encouraged me to seriously consider medicine as a path for me moving forward. Now I plan on going to medical school (hopefully to specialize in immunology) and I'm beyond excited! Watching your videos and tagging along with you on your journey has given me the courage and confidence in myself that I need to be able to pursue medicine, and I'm not sure I'd be where I am today if I hadn't found your channel however long ago it was at this point :) It's been an absolute joy and pleasure to have seen you come this far in your journey and it gives me so much peace, comfort, and reassurance if I'm being honest to know that someone with such a similar story to me has successfully accomplished everything I want to accomplish as well. You really have no idea how much you and your channel mean to me and I can't wait to see what your next chapter looks like
When I'm doubting myself as a pre-med student, l always come back to your videos because you inspire me to keep going. So excited for you to become an obgyn!
As someone currently going to community college for nursing a few years behind my peers; I really related to everything you mentioned. It will take me 4 years to come out with my ADN and an additional year to have my BSN. I am hoping to be able to squeeze some more pre med pre reqs in there as I would like to apply to medical school after I graduate. I had a lot of “fomo” from watching my friends go to big grand unis and I felt pretty discouraged about going to community college. I was also worried this may make me less attractive to medical schools. Thank you sooooo sooo much for sharing your story as it gives me so much hope. ❤️ you are such an inspiration
Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved 🎉 A bit of my story. Literally nobody believed in me, so I had to believe in myself which was very hard. Some days I’d just stare outside and cry, wondering why I was bothering. Then I’d put on one of your videos and it got me going again. After 6 years working full time and studying full time I graduated with a first class Honours degree. My mantra was “I’m not the smartest, but I will work the hardest”. I start an INCREDIBLY competitive postgrad program (dream come true!) in 5 weeks! I know it will be hard but I’m ready, and excited 😆 the journey continues but I know it will be okay if I “keep working hard and all that good stuff!” PS - I miss your “okay byeee” transitions haha, it was always my cue to get back to work 😂
I’m a junior in college right now and because I started when the pandemic began it had been a really rough last couple of years that also impacted my decision as to what I wanted to do. A lot was self doubt and just not believing I could become a physician but I was able to turn that page with your help and I thank you for being a person that has inspired me and help me remind myself to push myself and to believe that I can do whatever I want to do in life. You will be an amazing doctor, hope the new year goes amazing for you!!! Thank you ❤
Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this video. You are inspiring. I was so in tune when you mentioned how much self-doubt you faced as you progressed not only through life but college. I feel as though I am in the same shoes that you once were. It's difficult to maintain positive motivation and the idea that I will one day achieve my dream of becoming a physician. I struggle with so much doubt and anxiety for the future that it's slowing my growth. However watching this video has reignited that spark in me. Thank you Dr.
The pressure of the pre med process plus the pressure of doing it all by a certain time is almost impossible. Thank you for sharing your journey and for the inspiration to make the most of mine no matter how long it takes.
I've been binging your videos since the beginning, became a single mom then and had to put my pre med journey on hold for years and am finally going back and feeling so grateful and excited! Will always appreciate your videos and look forward to watching you in your residency!! Thank you for taking the time to share!!
I'm a fresh 6th grader watching this. Middle school is too easy, 7th grade is too easy, and 8th grade is too easy since I'm in all of the GT (it is like the "higher" leveled students) classes and I know 7th and 8th grade. Bring in the stress, bring in the hard work. I have passion, and I have confidence that I will get through all these challenges. Give me medical school privilege and I will ace it, I will do this with MY hard work.
Thank you for the Transparency. I just graduated. I went to a community college as well. And also transferred to a University. It took me 6 years exactly. Started college in 2018. Even more ironic. I wanted to be a PT. I am going to be come a physician. And will be applying in the 2025-2026 cycle.
‘The only way is through’ 👍👍👍 In a year I want to look back on this video with the feeling that I wore a lot of hats and gave 100% to each one. 😀 Thank you Rachel for all the positivity and good vibes. Wish u and everyone a very happy new year.
I have been watching you on UA-cam for a long time. You bring me so much inspiration and relief! I'm currently on a similar journey with community college feeling like I'm behind. You are amazing !
Hi, your videos just motivated me to get back to writing my assignments. I know a lot of people have said this already, but you are a big source of inspiration for me and many others. Thank you Rachel.
Thank you so much for giving us all of this amazing content. It means so much to see your progress and motivation, and all your tips for us. We’re so proud of you!!!
I’m also a first generation college student, I’m a premed student, English is my second language, and I have no family support. I’ll be graduating in spring 2024 with three majors: psychology, social services, and biology. I’ll study for the MCAT, do shadowing, and I’ll will apply for med school. I hope I am able to apply next year, however, I am sure that by 2026 I will be able to have all what I need to apply.
Dr.Rachel I just watched this video today!! Thank you I really needed:) I recently discovered your channel it has been super helpful to me I know your in residency now but please don’t stop posting we love your vidoes!!💙
This is terrific am not in medical field but all of us have to get through a career, figuring out if it is right for us, overcoming our doubts, figuring out how to do things that we have no clue about initially or our parents had no idea about. I think the big takeaway is that life is not a resume, but a series of stops and starts, but you need to keep moving.
Your story/background is literally EXACTLY what mine would be in the case that I do decide to pull the trigger for med school. Still trying to figure out who I am and what I want. I know I’d be happy pursuing this beast of a life, it’s just other factors come into play for me as well. Glad to know there’s someone else who was in my shoes that made it :)
Omg, I went to community college and transferred/graduated from SFSU too!! Def not in the medical field but I’m so happy to see SFSU grads thriving!! 🤍🤍
So proud of you and all you have accomplished!!! I want to say it's so refreshing hearing how passionate and committed you are-how you let medicine be part of your identity. I feel the exact same way. You are going to be an amazing physician :)
We love you Rachel!!! I've been following you since your 1st year and am so happy to see you here! You are going to be an amazing doctor, along with your intelligence you are so kindhearted, loving, genuine, and empathetic towards others and that's the most important part!
Thank you Rachel for your videos, I've been watching you since your first year of med school. I love how hard working and dedicated you are. I aspire to be like you one day❤.
❤congrat.nd best wishes! U are smart nd I m glad u got understanding supporting parents,this Is also very important for us,my parents are not understanding neither supporting,I Hope the best for everyone!
Cannot wait for this video and see all your hard work and determination put together which got you to the point you are at just now (which is so inspiring and also just downright amazing). You have not just been a role model to me but also have inspired me to stay motivated and that it’s okay to not go down a generic route your mind has planned out for you but that even if it goes off route you can still go where you want to go if you work hard and genuinely believe in yourself. Hahah this was long 😂 but thank you for all your videos! So happy to see you succeeding and all you dreams coming true!❤
I´m amazed by the amount of work you put into your journey. I would love to see you talk about stress and how to manage it while on med school, im planning to become an IMG and there just seem to be sooo many requirements and obstacles.
I’ve watched you for years. This is so cool to see. As an aspiring med student, this is very inspiring. Going into my 5th year of college this august and I plan to work and knock out some prereqs I will have missed with my bachelors. Good luck Rachel! 😊
Currently a 4th year vet student that will be graduating in May 🎉 I did the IB program in high school which is basically taking college level courses in high school. I then went on to undergrad at FSU and got my Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in Chemistry all in 3 years. I also volunteered at a zoo, worked as a vet tech at a veterinary clinic, and did some research with sharks.
I am so happy and proud of you Rachel you were and you are Big part of my life ( even though we are strangers 😅) you hepled me a lot you Can not imagine how much you did really help me , you really make me get out of my bed many many time, thank you so much May Allah réalisé all your Dreams and make you happy , love you ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for all the great Videos! I'm a college student who wants to pursue med and hopefully will one day but as of now i get really anxious about classes and stuff but I hope I can overcome this and actually thrive in school. eventually.
Thank you so much for this’! I have always felt very stupid because English isn’t my first language so it’s always taken me a while to get to where other people are at! I love your videos sooo much and I hope you all the best!!!!❤️❤️
I've been watching since my first year in nursing school. Now I'm in my last year of a nursing/bio double major, and plan to apply to med school during the 2024 cycle.
I’m finishing up my pre-reqs for nursing school right now, and have been considering med school. I already have a BS and did a masters program in Psychology. I was planning on doing the DNP route, but everyone keeps telling me to just go to med school. I guess if I don’t get in, I can just call back on nursing!
Hi Rachel happy Saturday night and I hope you having amazing day today and I'm proud of you and you are amazing Supporter and happy new year to you and your loved ones
Thank you for this! I have been watching your videos since the beginning but have never commented (I am a bit shy). This is probably going to be the toughest academic year and hearing these words felt elevating. Thank you for being so transparent!! Happy New Year
That's super impressive! But like you said, many things are just coming up as you go. I was mostly in social work when I was younger, but I ended up not really liking it as a passion and noticed I wanted to go into nursing more. I've been going through this process of trying to figure out what I really love to do and what I like to do as a hobby. I still like social work a lot and love to help people. But I was convinced you also worked as a CNA or anything like that? 🤔anyways thank you so much for sharing. It's really a good idea to keep thinking about the goal instead of what you're doing now 🙂(the job I have now is not what I really love to do but I am still grateful) ❣
I love your videos so much and this really gives me hope to make it into med school. I am very much a nontraditional student and I have so much self-doubt and worry that all that I am doing won't be enough in the end.
@@RachelSouthard Thank you! Your story of getting into med school has really given me encouragement. I also ended up reading the whole book, "The Obstacle is the Way" yesterday. It was a good read and went into more detail and examples of when I tell myself that if I can't change the situation I can still change my attitude.
Boy was that urgent care doc wrong!! I work as a medical scribe rn and I’ve heard that beggars can’t be choosers and I’ll only get in for my race from physicians I work with…. They have no idea of my merit but I got accepted anyway and I’m stoked
I really hope and pray that when a momma comes in to see you pregnant with her 4th child in 4 years you don’t shame her or tell her she’s irresponsible or push BC at her. A womans body is a beautiful wonderful thing and while humans participate in the creation of life, God is the true creator. I hear way too many stories about obgyn doctors and nurses treating patients with many kids with insensitivity and disrespect. My sister had to actually switch care providers all together due to this. Sorry for the mini lecture, good job making it so far and maintaining your love and passion ❤️
I'm a first generation college graduate myself..neither of my parents graduated with a 4 year college degree but I have overcome a lot myself..I took 6 years to graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in English...if I could afford to go back to school, I would.
PLEASE READ THIS:
I'm a first-generation college graduate, I went to community college, took 6 years to get through undergrad, took the MCAT twice, NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD DO ANYTHING WITH MY LIFE...Here i am now, a 4th year medical student that has gotten to be involved in so many different opportunities just because i put my mind to it!
This video discusses everything i've done to get to medical school, and then i also mention the various extra curricular activities and research projects that i have done WHILE in medical school to bulk up my application for residency.
If this isn't a video that you need to watch in terms of content, I encourage you to just watch for some inspiration, as I mention some things about obstacles and overcoming difficult things.
Hope you enjoy :) Comment your story down below. I'm eager to read.
please please please comment your own story below.
Hi Rachel, half way through your video and that doctor telling you you were not going to be a physician because you are a women….
As I posted before I am a cardiologist in Europe. No one in my family studied Medicine. But my sister did a PhD in Chemistry so I kind of knew what to expect from University. I was that person who knew she wanted to become a physician early on but because I am an introvert and really shy, it was kind of difficult in this very competitive field. As I would get very positive feedback from patients early on during Medical school, it kept me motivated. Then there is my love for research which kind of sets me apart from others as my field of research is basic science. During Medical School I also asked people around me how things worked regarding residency, PhD programs etc. Not many fellow students were very open. Nowadays I give a lecture to third years Medical and Biomedical students how to get where they want to be😊
@@RachelSouthard I just wanted to say found your channel early last year and have really liked it. But this video was actually very inspiring to me.
So my degree is in Conservation Biology. I graduated in the infamous 2020, so had to basically wait a year to start my career. Finally got a one year internship, moved across the country, and thought that would be my door into an incredibly difficult and competitive field.
Well, it ended in July of 2022. I applied to 10+ positions, interviewed for more than half of those, and didn't get a. Single. One. And with this field, similar to medical, if you are "out of practice" for too long, it will be very hard to get back in. Meanwhile, my dog passed away and i had to move from a place that felt like home very quickly after that. So, I had given up and told myself I tried my best. I have a job now that's semi related (kinda but also kinda not) and I hate it.
But recently, especially with this video, I have been inspired to try again. I recently applied to about 9 different positions, and since I have a unique situation right now where I can travel, take lower pay, and take on multiple shorter term positions if that's what it takes to boost my experience on my resume. I have really invested in my cover letters, job searching, and marketing myself once again. And, worst case, if I get one and it doesn't turn into a full time career, then at least I tried and had fun doing it!
So thank you for reading my mini novel here, and thank you for sharing your story. So many people share their stories here, bur something about yours feel truly inspiring and like something I can actually connect and relate to.
This video has honestly given me hope that I'll make it into med school as a nontraditional student that was also homeschooled.
You are such an inspiration Rachel!!! I am a nursing student and have been enjoying watching your journey since 2 years ago. Thank you for the beautiful and truthful content that you do here! Amazing💝
Congratulations and continue to be this wonderful human being🥰
I'm 44 years old and have gone back to school to finish my undergrad so that I can apply to medical school. I've followed your videos for the last few years, and I have to say they were a huge motivating factor for me to take this huge leap. Thank you for the info, the realism you give, and the enthusiasm with which you attack life. Great job, I'm so proud of you and for you. Thanks for everything you do for us all!
Keep pushing mate.💖
You'll get there😤
Amazing! I am rooting for you. You can do this!
This makes me hopeful as a 36 year old. I’ve been contemplating if I’m “too old” to return to medical school. It has been a seven years since I graduated with a BS in Chemistry and my grades were not great as a worked full time, but I’m hoping to get the rest of my pre-requisites and conquer the MCAT.
Very impressed by this!
This is so inspiring!!!
As a med student from Germany it's crazy to see what you have to do to get into med school in the US 😳 And then you have to pay SO MUCH money.. So much respect for you and your hard work ❤️
It is pretty wild, huh!
Proud of both of you. Please tell us what Germany requirements are. Thankyou.
Can Americans apply to German Medical Schools?
@@lexalee5795 Sorry, I haven't seen your question 🙈They take your grades from "high school", work experience in jobs like nurse, paramedic... and some other stuff and then you get a score. don't understand the algorithm completely because they changed the rules after I got in.
@@makak6758 I'm not sure, but even for Germans it's really tough to get in. A lot of people start to study in Hungary, Austria or another country in the European Union because it's easier to get in there and you easily get a license in Germany after you graduated (because it's an EU country).
Wow…this story brought me to tears. As a first year community college student struggling with self-doubt, I always come to your videos to relieve my worries. You are such an inspiration. You are and will continue to be amazing =-]
You got this
I'm currently a second year caribbean med student and have been feeling depressed and unmotivated recently but this video lit up my passion and desire once again. Thank you Rachel for reminding me that hard works always wins!! You are so kind and deserve all your success.
i just started my associates degree and will eventually apply for med school also wanting to pursue OBGYN! always had an average gpa, dropped out of college my first time around, had a baby in my early 20s but this video makes me feel so much better- i really needed to find something like this to boost my spirits, thank you!
This is so helpful, I dropped out of high school at 16, took my GED, did not take the SAT or ACT, went to JC and now am about to complete my undergrad in Integrative Health with a minor in Biochem. I also have a midwifery degree, and now I am on the road to med school. I’ve been working as a Licensed Midwife for two years and I’m scared, but I love knowledge and I’m really looking forward to what’s next. I want more training, and I did a cost analysis and ironically the MD/DO is cheaper than the CNM MEPN, and I keep coming back to med school. Your videos have inspired me. It’s taken me 6 years to work through my undergrad, and figure this out. Thank you for these videos! And congratulations on your choice of specialty! ❤🎉
Honestly, this video truly helped me. I'm at the stage where I'm in community college wanting to eventually become a medical student but I'm having trouble staying motivated and focused while also not entirely believing I could do it. This is the first time I've seen a video of someone in medical school coming from a similar educational background. Thank you for posting this video seriously. This made me feel so much better about my future honestly. I love you and your videos!
Believe in yourself! You have the capacity to do whatever you want in life. Rooting for you, Briana
currently a senior in high school, and i just wanted to comment that you’re the only first-gen med student i know who actually talks about imposter syndrome. i have a lot of self doubt from being a first-gen student, and it probably won’t ever go away, but your videos really do make a difference in mine and all your other viewers’ lives. ok this is getting long but i just wanted to comment lol, thank you ❤
Thank you Sam! I appreciate this comment so much. Put your mind to it, and don't let anything stop you.
As a first-gen student who is heading to community college and planning to go to medical school, I was having lots of doubts and moments of insecurities about whether or not I would make it. After watching this, however, I feel so much calmer and confident about the future so thank you so much
Woohoo! That's wonderful. You got this!
I'm currently a freshman in college and a first-gen college student. I just finished my first semester and it was harder than I thought, so I have all of this self doubt and imposter syndrome roaming around my brain every moment. All my life, I always knew I wanted to become a PA and from watching your video, you gave me the motivation to keep going and continue, to get back up when I am faced with these rough patches because I am a PA already in the future! Thankyou for being so raw and not sugarcoating stuff which helps me and others relate to all this, congrats on your journey and going to residency very soon!! You are such an inspiration to myself and others, keep up the hard work!
So proud of you for continuing to move forward in your journey despite your obstacles. I'm rooting for you!
Thank you and Congrats! Very similar backgrounds. CC>SFSU extended undergrad timeline, first gen college grad
I LOOOVVE an honest book that highlights self growth. I can’t wait to read what you’ve recommended. Two books that helped me reframe my mindset are The Defining Decade and Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience both by Meg Jay. I’m super excited for this video, thank you so much for this inspiring content Rachel ❤
Yes! I highly recommend the book I have in the description box. It will not disappoint.
I haven’t heard of the two you mentioned! Adding them to my reading list ♥️
@@RachelSouthard Did you read them? They're both the most life changing books in my life as well!!!
I'M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FUCKING HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! (SORRY FOR CURSING) BUT SEEING YOUR WHOLE PROCESS FROM YOUR MCAT VIDEO I THINK LIKE 5 YEARS AGO TO NOW! I'M SO SO SO SO SO PROUD OF YOU FROM THE PREP TO THE BROKEN ARM TO THE MENTAL BREAKDOWNS TO DOCTOR!! GREAT JOB DOC! CONGRATS!!!!!
Whats great about UA-cam is how we can track your entire journey. You never think the day is going to come but its crazy how fast and slow it went. Congratulations Dr. Southard!
I needed to comment again Rachel haha. I think the most inspiring thing I took away, of course as well as how hard you’ve worked and all your success, is how loving and kind you’ve managed to stay. With so many responsibilities I feel like it’s so easy to grow resentment and fatigue for all the work that needs to be done. It is wonderful that you have maintained such a warm and safe presence within yourself and for others, thank you ❤.
Oh Vianca, this comment make me tear up.
Thank you so much
It's mind blowing to see how much effort you need to put to get into medical school in USA! I live in Brazil and here it's just a matter of doing an 5 hour entrance exam just after you finish high school. It's not an easy test, but the differences between USA and Brazil systems are surprising.
In order to get through anything: believe in yourself and never give up.
I’m currently in the whole process and I really felt like I needed this video! I’ve learned so much from you and am so happy for you💗💗
I'm so glad!
As someone else who turned down MD school interviews in favor of attending a DO school, that tiny bit about your interviews was comforting to me. There was part of me that wished I would have accepted those interviews just to prove it to myself that I could get in. However, seeing you stand so confidently in your path helps me rest assured that I did the right thing by letting someone else have that interview spot and embracing my path as a future DO. :)
Wow your video are amazing. I dealt with the same thing by going to community college first and then getting a bachelor in Emergency medical services and now finish my Pre-Med go to Medical school and become Cardiovascular surgeon. You’re gonna be a great doctor and you have a great personality. Your video are so inspirational to me.
Whether you realize it or not, you are the best kind of mentor. And you're adorable. Happy New Year - I know you'll have a great one!!
Thank you Lelia! i love seeing your comments
@@RachelSouthard Aww, thanks! You're always my Sunday morning coffee date.
@@RachelSouthard Happy New Year to you too! Good luck in the home stretch!
I admire your determination!!! Dr. Rachel Southard you deserve all the success in the world. You are an inspiration to our younger generation!!!
Rachel I almost cried watching this. I have been watching your videos for so long and this video made me realize how similar we are. My goal is to be a veterinarian and I am also a first generation student. I’m only an undergrad and I also did 3 years of community college while working. This year I was just hospitalized after having brain surgery so now it’s adding up to 6+ years to finish my bachelors. I have been so distraught over this but then you said that you did the exact same thing and I teared up.
Hey Emily
I have been looking for a channel of someone sharing experience and struggles. Thank you for sharing your channel. I have decided to work on my undergrad and apply for med school. I am 40yrs. old., with family, kids and a job but I am determined. I am truly happy and proud of you. You are a role model for many.
Although not a med student i'm currently pursuing allied health education to become an RT (Radiologic technologist / X-ray tech) , i find your videos so authentic and informative and i love being able to live vicariously through your experience. Your growth has been awesome and a joy to watch.
Thank you for sharing! That is amazing :) Keep it up
I cab absolutely promise you, not one of us thinks you are showing off or being narcissistic or anything... you should be extremely proud of yourself and you should wanna tell the world what you've done and what you've achieved. You've done amazing things and you will continue todo amazing things. Share everything, I love watching you reach your goals. :)
Currently a Public Health senior @ SF State, who's just starting the pre-med track! Go Gators!
That last bit was everything 💕. I have seen your confidence grow throughout the years. You are definitely a rockstar! I’ll be starting med school this year and I’m already doubting, feeling like I’ve somehow cheated my way in. I’m hoping all that changes within these next few years 😊
Awh thank you girl🥹
I turn 25 next month and in the fall I will start my first semester at community college to get my associates in accounting. But yet I find your videos interesting and they motivate me
HI RACHEL!! I'm currently still catching up on your older videos (I'm somewhere around your family medicine rotation during your third year) but wanted to comment on this one because I relate to your story so much! I'm also a first-gen college student, will be taking 6 years to complete my undergrad (did 3 at community college and I'm finishing up my second year at UofM Ann Arbor right now) and I'm planning to go into medicine! Your videos have helped me so much throughout the past couple of years with getting and staying motivated and have actually encouraged me to seriously consider medicine as a path for me moving forward. Now I plan on going to medical school (hopefully to specialize in immunology) and I'm beyond excited! Watching your videos and tagging along with you on your journey has given me the courage and confidence in myself that I need to be able to pursue medicine, and I'm not sure I'd be where I am today if I hadn't found your channel however long ago it was at this point :) It's been an absolute joy and pleasure to have seen you come this far in your journey and it gives me so much peace, comfort, and reassurance if I'm being honest to know that someone with such a similar story to me has successfully accomplished everything I want to accomplish as well. You really have no idea how much you and your channel mean to me and I can't wait to see what your next chapter looks like
I literally can’t wait! I’ve applied to medical school this cycle and it’s been very difficult mentally. Your videos are very inspirational 🥹
Anybody who graduates from med school is an exceptional person... DOC S is a genius!
When I'm doubting myself as a pre-med student, l always come back to your videos because you inspire me to keep going. So excited for you to become an obgyn!
You got this!
Incredible grit, endurance, and willpower!
I’m an upcoming high school senior struggling with my self concept and doubt , but you are truly an inspiration ❤❤
As someone currently going to community college for nursing a few years behind my peers; I really related to everything you mentioned. It will take me 4 years to come out with my ADN and an additional year to have my BSN. I am hoping to be able to squeeze some more pre med pre reqs in there as I would like to apply to medical school after I graduate. I had a lot of “fomo” from watching my friends go to big grand unis and I felt pretty discouraged about going to community college. I was also worried this may make me less attractive to medical schools. Thank you sooooo sooo much for sharing your story as it gives me so much hope. ❤️ you are such an inspiration
Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved 🎉
A bit of my story. Literally nobody believed in me, so I had to believe in myself which was very hard. Some days I’d just stare outside and cry, wondering why I was bothering. Then I’d put on one of your videos and it got me going again. After 6 years working full time and studying full time I graduated with a first class Honours degree. My mantra was “I’m not the smartest, but I will work the hardest”. I start an INCREDIBLY competitive postgrad program (dream come true!) in 5 weeks! I know it will be hard but I’m ready, and excited 😆
the journey continues but I know it will be okay if I “keep working hard and all that good stuff!”
PS - I miss your “okay byeee” transitions haha, it was always my cue to get back to work 😂
Kathleen. Thank you for sharing.
And CONGRATULATIONS!!! Look at that. Such a wonderful accomplishment. I'm happy for you
I’m a junior in college right now and because I started when the pandemic began it had been a really rough last couple of years that also impacted my decision as to what I wanted to do. A lot was self doubt and just not believing I could become a physician but I was able to turn that page with your help and I thank you for being a person that has inspired me and help me remind myself to push myself and to believe that I can do whatever I want to do in life. You will be an amazing doctor, hope the new year goes amazing for you!!! Thank you ❤
Camila, you had it all within yourself. Rooting for you
Applying to med school this cycle!! So excited to watch :)
Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this video. You are inspiring. I was so in tune when you mentioned how much self-doubt you faced as you progressed not only through life but college. I feel as though I am in the same shoes that you once were. It's difficult to maintain positive motivation and the idea that I will one day achieve my dream of becoming a physician. I struggle with so much doubt and anxiety for the future that it's slowing my growth. However watching this video has reignited that spark in me. Thank you Dr.
I just found you and I’m so thankful I did!! You are giving hope through sharing your experience thank you a million!!
I'm so glad!
The pressure of the pre med process plus the pressure of doing it all by a certain time is almost impossible. Thank you for sharing your journey and for the inspiration to make the most of mine no matter how long it takes.
We have such similar education paths except I went off to nursing school after undergrad!
I've been binging your videos since the beginning, became a single mom then and had to put my pre med journey on hold for years and am finally going back and feeling so grateful and excited! Will always appreciate your videos and look forward to watching you in your residency!! Thank you for taking the time to share!!
That is awesome!
Thank you for this video Rachel. As a high schooler who is currently just exsisting, this gives me so much hope for the future
I'm a fresh 6th grader watching this. Middle school is too easy, 7th grade is too easy, and 8th grade is too easy since I'm in all of the GT (it is like the "higher" leveled students) classes and I know 7th and 8th grade. Bring in the stress, bring in the hard work. I have passion, and I have confidence that I will get through all these challenges. Give me medical school privilege and I will ace it, I will do this with MY hard work.
Thank you for the Transparency. I just graduated. I went to a community college as well. And also transferred to a University. It took me 6 years exactly. Started college in 2018. Even more ironic. I wanted to be a PT. I am going to be come a physician. And will be applying in the 2025-2026 cycle.
Dr. Southard has a nice ring to it
‘The only way is through’ 👍👍👍 In a year I want to look back on this video with the feeling that I wore a lot of hats and gave 100% to each one. 😀 Thank you Rachel for all the positivity and good vibes. Wish u and everyone a very happy new year.
I have been watching you on UA-cam for a long time. You bring me so much inspiration and relief! I'm currently on a similar journey with community college feeling like I'm behind. You are amazing !
Thank you, Nat
I hope you are proud of yourself. I am just smiling and happy listening to you.
Hi, your videos just motivated me to get back to writing my assignments. I know a lot of people have said this already, but you are a big source of inspiration for me and many others. Thank you Rachel.
Thank you so much for giving us all of this amazing content. It means so much to see your progress and motivation, and all your tips for us. We’re so proud of you!!!
Thank you Bella!
I’m also a first generation college student, I’m a premed student, English is my second language, and I have no family support. I’ll be graduating in spring 2024 with three majors: psychology, social services, and biology. I’ll study for the MCAT, do shadowing, and I’ll will apply for med school. I hope I am able to apply next year, however, I am sure that by 2026 I will be able to have all what I need to apply.
Dr.Rachel I just watched this video today!! Thank you I really needed:) I recently discovered your channel it has been super helpful to me I know your in residency now but please don’t stop posting we love your vidoes!!💙
This is terrific am not in medical field but all of us have to get through a career, figuring out if it is right for us, overcoming our doubts, figuring out how to do things that we have no clue about initially or our parents had no idea about. I think the big takeaway is that life is not a resume, but a series of stops and starts, but you need to keep moving.
OMG you really do read all the comments!!!
Your story/background is literally EXACTLY what mine would be in the case that I do decide to pull the trigger for med school. Still trying to figure out who I am and what I want. I know I’d be happy pursuing this beast of a life, it’s just other factors come into play for me as well. Glad to know there’s someone else who was in my shoes that made it :)
Time is always on your side. Medicine is always there if you decide to pursue it.
@@RachelSouthard You’re dope!
Omg, I went to community college and transferred/graduated from SFSU too!! Def not in the medical field but I’m so happy to see SFSU grads thriving!! 🤍🤍
Woohooo! Go Gators :)
So proud of you and all you have accomplished!!!
I want to say it's so refreshing hearing how passionate and committed you are-how you let medicine be part of your identity. I feel the exact same way. You are going to be an amazing physician :)
Thank you Marina
That cup is so cute. So glad I've gotten to see your journey through the years. You are going to make a world of difference 💜
You re really really pretty and smart. Real role model, girl
oh stawppp it you
First gen here! I appreciate you Rachel for sharing this with us 🫶🏼
Woohoo First Gen! Love to see us go :)
First time commenting but your videos are my biggest motivation, and this video is exactly what I want to learn from you
Thank you Angie ♥️
We love you Rachel!!! I've been following you since your 1st year and am so happy to see you here! You are going to be an amazing doctor, along with your intelligence you are so kindhearted, loving, genuine, and empathetic towards others and that's the most important part!
IG fam gather here 🙋🏾♀️, proud of you Rachel
yayyy! Thank you
Thank you Rachel for your videos, I've been watching you since your first year of med school. I love how hard working and dedicated you are. I aspire to be like you one day❤.
❤congrat.nd best wishes! U are smart nd I m glad u got understanding supporting parents,this Is also very important for us,my parents are not understanding neither supporting,I Hope the best for everyone!
Cannot wait for this video and see all your hard work and determination put together which got you to the point you are at just now (which is so inspiring and also just downright amazing). You have not just been a role model to me but also have inspired me to stay motivated and that it’s okay to not go down a generic route your mind has planned out for you but that even if it goes off route you can still go where you want to go if you work hard and genuinely believe in yourself. Hahah this was long 😂 but thank you for all your videos! So happy to see you succeeding and all you dreams coming true!❤
I love this. Thank you Eva for taking the time to type that out ♥️ love you so much
@@RachelSouthard ❤
you are so well spoken & your journey is admirable :) congratulations
Thank you Erika!
I´m amazed by the amount of work you put into your journey. I would love to see you talk about stress and how to manage it while on med school, im planning to become an IMG and there just seem to be sooo many requirements and obstacles.
As a twelve year old this is very helpful for me.
Honestly, something that holds me back from medicine is the cost. I worry about paying back loans.
It's part of it :/
I’ve watched you for years. This is so cool to see. As an aspiring med student, this is very inspiring. Going into my 5th year of college this august and I plan to work and knock out some prereqs I will have missed with my bachelors. Good luck Rachel! 😊
Thank you, Dustin!
Good work! Keep it up :)
Currently a 4th year vet student that will be graduating in May 🎉 I did the IB program in high school which is basically taking college level courses in high school. I then went on to undergrad at FSU and got my Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in Chemistry all in 3 years. I also volunteered at a zoo, worked as a vet tech at a veterinary clinic, and did some research with sharks.
I am so happy and proud of you Rachel you were and you are Big part of my life ( even though we are strangers 😅) you hepled me a lot you Can not imagine how much you did really help me , you really make me get out of my bed many many time, thank you so much May Allah réalisé all your Dreams and make you happy , love you ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for all the great Videos! I'm a college student who wants to pursue med and hopefully will one day but as of now i get really anxious about classes and stuff but I hope I can overcome this and actually thrive in school. eventually.
Rachel, can you film your graduation ceremony!! I don’t know why but I’m feeling emotional seeing you come this far! 🥹🥲❤️ Early congratulations!!!
Thank you! :'-)
You are amazing! Love watching your videos! So happy you've achieved so much!
Thank you, Anna!
Wow what a journey it's been, you have been very real the entire time!
Yessss I can’t wait to hear about your journey. Hope you’re okay Rachel❤️
College dropout 20 years ago, 3 degrees and a lockdown Diploma later...studying isn't linear for everyone.
Congratulations :)
Thank you so much for this’! I have always felt very stupid because English isn’t my first language so it’s always taken me a while to get to where other people are at! I love your videos sooo much and I hope you all the best!!!!❤️❤️
I've been watching since my first year in nursing school. Now I'm in my last year of a nursing/bio double major, and plan to apply to med school during the 2024 cycle.
So wonderful, Mason! :) I'm excited for you!
I’m finishing up my pre-reqs for nursing school right now, and have been considering med school. I already have a BS and did a masters program in Psychology. I was planning on doing the DNP route, but everyone keeps telling me to just go to med school. I guess if I don’t get in, I can just call back on nursing!
YAY!!!! Congratulation, go soon to be Dr. Southard!
Hi Rachel happy Saturday night and I hope you having amazing day today and I'm proud of you and you are amazing Supporter and happy new year to you and your loved ones
Thank you for this! I have been watching your videos since the beginning but have never commented (I am a bit shy). This is probably going to be the toughest academic year and hearing these words felt elevating. Thank you for being so transparent!! Happy New Year
Thank you for commenting
I love the messages you promote in your videos!!!
I appreciate that!
This video means the world to me
This was so so soo motivating, thank you for telling your story, it really helps me keep going🤍
That's super impressive! But like you said, many things are just coming up as you go. I was mostly in social work when I was younger, but I ended up not really liking it as a passion and noticed I wanted to go into nursing more. I've been going through this process of trying to figure out what I really love to do and what I like to do as a hobby. I still like social work a lot and love to help people. But I was convinced you also worked as a CNA or anything like that? 🤔anyways thank you so much for sharing. It's really a good idea to keep thinking about the goal instead of what you're doing now 🙂(the job I have now is not what I really love to do but I am still grateful) ❣
I love your videos so much and this really gives me hope to make it into med school. I am very much a nontraditional student and I have so much self-doubt and worry that all that I am doing won't be enough in the end.
Thank you Eva
@@RachelSouthard Thank you! Your story of getting into med school has really given me encouragement. I also ended up reading the whole book, "The Obstacle is the Way" yesterday. It was a good read and went into more detail and examples of when I tell myself that if I can't change the situation I can still change my attitude.
Omg! I’m so glad you got it. I hope you enjoyed it and took away the fantastic message of it. Let it sink in. That book seriously changed my life.
@@RachelSouthard I loved it and I found an audio version of it on Spotify!
Boy was that urgent care doc wrong!! I work as a medical scribe rn and I’ve heard that beggars can’t be choosers and I’ll only get in for my race from physicians I work with…. They have no idea of my merit but I got accepted anyway and I’m stoked
Right!
Congratulations, Lauren :D
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. These videos are very helpful and informative.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your story is very inspiring
I really hope and pray that when a momma comes in to see you pregnant with her 4th child in 4 years you don’t shame her or tell her she’s irresponsible or push BC at her. A womans body is a beautiful wonderful thing and while humans participate in the creation of life, God is the true creator. I hear way too many stories about obgyn doctors and nurses treating patients with many kids with insensitivity and disrespect. My sister had to actually switch care providers all together due to this. Sorry for the mini lecture, good job making it so far and maintaining your love and passion ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! It is so inspiring and genuine.
Yayyyyy!!! Happy new year Rachel !!!
I'm a first generation college graduate myself..neither of my parents graduated with a 4 year college degree but I have overcome a lot myself..I took 6 years to graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in English...if I could afford to go back to school, I would.
Thank you for sharing, Amanda! That's awesome :)
Thank you so much for this video it was super helpful ❤