Written By: Angel Shavalier, Class of 2022
Medical school has turned out to be the hardest thing I have ever done. Everyone warns you of this, but it’s hard to comprehend what they mean until you’re doing it. It is not only intellectually challenging, but it takes a mental toll on you as well. I think it is very important to have an outlet to relieve the stress and to have a support system while you are here. Many of you have moved away from family and friends, and this will be your first time out on your own. Some of you will experience loss, strained relationships, financial troubles, etc. There will most likely come a time when the pressures of medical school along with troubles like these fall on your shoulders, and you are going to feel like you’re going to break. It’s okay to feel this way, but don’t try to do this by yourself. You will learn that you have a family around you at ARCOM. The students and faculty have turned out to be some of the most selfless and caring people I have ever met. REACH OUT for help. Your mental wellness is just as important as the focus you will be setting on your education. The school has professional resources available to you, and there are 300+ colleagues and faculty members that will be there for you if you just let them know.