9 Why did you choose the University of Rochester over other universities? For international students in America, it’s so hard to get into medical school—there are only a couple hundred students accepted per year. That’s what makes the Levitan Family Endowed Scholarship for international students at the University of Rochester so special. Dr. Levitan’s belief—that the best environment for learning is one that embraces the experiences and perspectives of students from international cultures—is really inspiring. It’s the kind of holistic, global lens to medicine that I wanted to be a part of. When I finally visited, I was so impressed by how integrated the science and the clinical care are. I also felt like everyone was so inclusive and supportive. There is often competition between medical students because we are going to apply for the same schools, and sometimes people are not very kind to each other. But here I could see that your peers really want you to do better, and really want you to achieve your goals, and they will cheer for what you achieved. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in pursuit of your education? For the longest time, I thought I wasn’t good enough, and there were so many years of dreaming of being a doctor, but it didn’t seem like I could do it, especially as a person who speaks English as a second language in a foreign country. Here, in Rochester, I’ve been able to connect with people who share the same ambition in things such as community health or being a minority in healthcare. So even though I doubted I could do it, seeing people who are several steps in front of me is very affirming. Seeing their progress makes me believe that I can also do it. As a scholarship recipient, how would you say these funds have impacted your experience thus far? It was transformative for me because it alleviated significant financial stress for me and my family. My parents constantly express their gratitude to Dr. and Mrs. Levitan—they really want to visit them sometime if they can. Dr. Levitan is now a role model for me too. When I become a physician, I want to support students in their education, just as the Levitans did for me. What has been your greatest takeaway from your time as a Rochester student? I feel seen by the University and the medical communities. Being a medical student at the University of Rochester makes me feel like I’m capable of more than what I imagined. The faculty, my peers, they’re encouraging me to make progress and achieve more and improve myself. I’m so lucky to be in such an inclusive environment. And I feel I’m even more determined to be a better version of myself. To receive this award from Dr. Levitan, someone who is a very esteemed physician and wants to support international students, is especially meaningful because it means the medical community here sees international students as a valuable asset.”
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