My Letter to Science: Recent Episodes
Kelvin Fadojutimi
Hey, I'm Kelvin. I am a rising senior on the pre-med track majoring in Biochemistry at UMBC. I am an aspiring physician-scientist, but how did I end up at this point? Why did I choose this path? Well, I'll be answering those questions in the following episodes. I want to bring you all on my journey to becoming a physician-scientist, and share my lessons as a minority in science. Both academically and personally.
Hey there, it's Kelvin. It's been a good while and I hope this episode finds you in good spirits. I'll cover my gap year experience as a postbac in the MSK Bridge Program, and the challenges I have faced so far. I hope this prompts questions about what you want out of a research experience post-undergrad and also reflecting on what you can balance in preparation for the upcoming application cycle.
Take it easy,
K
Hey there! It has certainly been a while, but you know I couldn't leave you all hanging! This episode was recorded back in June before I moved! I find it hilarious how I am finishing last year's update halfway through this year. I'll be sure to wrap that up and provide context as to what I'm doing now during my gap years in future episodes. Major takeaways include:
-my oral presentations, getting over fears, and the magnitude of why you should understand the context your research fits in.
- balancing academics, shadowing, and research.
All the best and I will be in touch soon with some more episodes!
-K
WOW, It has been a few months. I had to take a hiatus to make sure I handled all my responsibilities during the latter part of the year and a little bit up until this point to make sure my gap year opportunities are secured as well. But, let's think of these next episodes as catching up. In summary, I felt like I was forced to apply everything I had to some important areas of my life at the SAME time. I usually try to focus on one thing, but this was a juggling act. It turned out to be alot on my plate. I'm happy to back to share it with you all. These episodes will reflect on how these past few months added to me and what I was up to. Thanks for the patience, and I look forward to hearing your takes on the episodes! Please also be sure to fill out the Q and A section below, so I can get feedback directly from you all! -K
Hey everyone, it's Kelvin! It has DEFINITELY been a while and I am happy to be back with this third episode of the podcast! A brief synopsis of what I want the takeaways from this episode:
-1. Sort out your own motivations from outside influences. Is your desire to go into medicine/science from you or your parents? These are the things when you reflect on in very dim and unsatisfactory moments. Your fear of your parents being unhappy won't get you out of tough spots all the time.
-2. There is always a way. I might seem overly optimistic. Like unrealistically optimistic. But the resolve that accompanies this statement is legitimate.
- Not every role model will be a mentor to you! Seek out mentorship and learn as much as you can!
How's it going, everyone! It's Kelvin. In this episode, I'll discuss my first year of college encompassing all the pitfalls and moments of growth I've had. If you can't listen to the entire episode, the three major takeaways are these:
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If you didn't do well in your first semester of college or even your first year, don't fret. I've been in a similar position and moments like those built my resolve. Make sure you take advantage of each failure as a learning opportunity.
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Imposter syndrome is real, especially with peers who you feel are doing very well and you aren't doing anything. I managed it by understanding that this path toward higher education (i.e. MD/Ph.D., Ph.D., or M.D.) is not linear. What matters is that you have the drive and passion to make the most of what you have and with a little bit of luck... it will work out!
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Pick your battles. This just doesn't apply only to how you live life but your classes too. Out of 4 classes, if 3 of them you have 89, 88, 90, and then one class is an 84 or even an 82. Make sure you get an A in those first three classes! Put forth your best effort and keep your mind focused on doing well OVERALL that semester.
Enjoy this episode! It's definitely new for being this vocal about my experience so far. - K
Hey everyone, it's Kelvin! Here are the links to the websites I mentioned:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Keepourclinics.org
prochoice.org
This episode is just a quick intro to my background, why I chose this path, and I'll discuss why I chose to start the podcast. I wouldn't be in this position if not for God, and ALOT of people pouring into me. I'd like to preface that I don't have all the answers and I'm still carving out my way forward. The next episode will be coming at the beginning of July!