An Example Student Journal
My transformation to college has been nothing short of a rollercoaster of ups and downs. There are times when I absolutely love it at Wayne State, and can’t imagine myself being at any other college campus. Then there are the other not-so-great times when I wish I were at a larger university, which is the type of school I had always envisioned for myself. I am actually in a major college town right now for the weekend, and as I am writing this, I can’t help but think about the past few days I have spent here. The big football game, the I-can’t-even-breathe-because-the-bus-is-so-dangerously-full campus bus rides, the startling beautiful quads, food on literally every corner—it really is an incredible place to spend one’s college years.
As I continued thinking about it however, I realized something important. In a way, I have the best of both worlds. I have the comfort and support of a smaller community at Wayne, complete with all of the amazing opportunities MedStart has provided me. On the other hand, I can jump onto an Amtrak train and take a short ride to spend some time with other friends. Talking to my friends further reinforced this new, optimistic way of thinking. Especially those that are Pre-Med—Pre-Med is cut-throat competitive at large universities. These students may work their brains out continuously for four years and still never make it to medical school. I realized how truly lucky I am to be a part of MedStart, and part of a family so strongly bonded. Often times at larger universities, I have heard that you meet so many people, some of them so incredible, but you never see them ever again. After all, it is such a vast place, with thousands upon thousands of undergraduate students alone. Although the thought of everything a large school has to offer does pull at my heartstrings every now and then, I can honestly say that I feel good about the decision I made to come to Wayne State, and am vastly thankful for the opportunity.
Sure, large schools have a lot to offer; it’s undeniable. But here’s what I have found to love at WSU:
• My roommate, and also the funniest person I have ever met in my life. She makes me laugh until I am on the floor with tears rolling down my face.
• The luxury of leaving my dorm room five minutes before a lecture—everything is a two-minute walk away. With the colder temperatures rolling around, I’m already starting to appreciate the proximity of everything on campus.
• Semi-decent food in the residence halls (stir-fry and soft-serve ice cream!)
• Relatively small class sizes. In some classes, my professors actually know me by name.
• Several hospitals in the Detroit area, all of which provide ample opportunities for job shadowing and volunteering.
• The city of Detroit. There’s so much to do in the city. Our MedStart class recently went to a pre-season Pistons Game and cheered our hearts out. We also had a little Friday night Thai food and walked along the riverfront a couple of weeks ago.
• Generous dorm rooms, complete with private bathrooms.
• A small, close-knit community found within the MedStart family. It is not only encouraging, but empowering to be in constant contact with strong-minded individuals holding similar dreams and goals as myself. Besides, I’d rather have a few really close friends that know me inside and out than several acquaintances that barely know me at all.
These factors, amongst many others, are precisely the reasons why Wayne State University is the right place for me to be. I look forward to creating so many wonderful memories here in the years to come.