by Aspen Swart

As a pre-medical student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I sought out a variety of classes and experiences that would give me a holistic perspective on the world of medicine. I am very grateful to have found this in the Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholars Program. This program introduced me to courses that shaped the trajectory of my educational experience, including Introduction to Health Disparities, which contributed to my decision to pursue a minor in Health Disparities in Society. Beyond120’s emphasis on experiential learning also encouraged me to grow outside of the classroom through experiences like research, internships, and volunteering in both clinical settings and with local organizations that address social determinants of health. Near the end of my undergraduate education at UF, I was so fulfilled by my experience in the program that I worked with other Pre-Health Scholars to found Pre-Health Peer Chats, a program offering insight on the pre-medical journey to younger students. As much as the Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholars Program has impacted me, it has given me opportunities to serve others and leave a positive impact on UF and the Gainesville community. My involvement in the program has been a highlight of my time in college, and everything I have learned from it will continue to stay with me through my future education and career.

by Emory Ranes

As an incoming first-year on a pre-medical track, I knew the importance of academics and traditional learning. However, I did not realize that involvement and experiences outside of classes are just as, if not more, significant as classes. Becoming a Beyond120 Pre-Health Scholar and Morse Scholar significantly broadened my horizons with easily accessible opportunities that provided pivotal experience both in and outside the classroom. I joined the Pre-Health Scholars Service Groups and served the community of Gainesville throughout my time at UF; I made life-long friends in the process and gained invaluable leadership experience. I undertook an experiential learning internship with VITAS Healthcare as a Hospice Volunteer, which exposed me to a field of medicine that had never crossed my radar before. The experience was so enjoyable that I stayed on as a volunteer long past the end date of the internship. Those were two impeccable 2-3 year-long experiences that greatly changed my perspective on medicine and enhanced my strength as a medical school applicant. Furthermore, I took IHS1100 my freshman year and IHS3102 my senior year: the former guided my decisions as a student to prepare for medical school, and the latter compiled my experiences, preparing me for the application process. As a Morse Scholar, there is a scholarship fund that can be used towards extracurriculars such as going abroad to Spain to shadow doctors. However, I utilized my funds to help with the MCAT preparation costs, which considerably lessened the burden of the MCAT itself. Lastly, I had access to the best advisors and mentors at UF throughout my entire undergraduate experience as a Morse Scholar. Their guidance gave me wonderful insights but also the freedom to choose my path. Ultimately, the Beyond120 family gave me the best academic and extra-curricular opportunities as an undergraduate student at UF.