Achieving My Unimaginable

September 28, 2014 at 2 p.m. I will never forget the date and time of my white coat ceremony. This moment was not only special for me but for my family. I am the first person in my family (including all of my cousins, aunts, and grandparents) to become a physician. They are still in awe over my career path. They squeal over my Anatomy lab dissection stories and become entranced when I discuss the male and female reproductive system. It is exhilarating to know that I am on the right path to achieving my dream while surrounded by family members who want to be a part of the experience.

I am extremely grateful that so many members of family came to witness this joyous moment in my life. I think 20 people came to witness my walk across the stage to receive my white coat. After the ceremony, my family was able to meet my friends and professors, and they got a better sense of my life in medical school. They finally realize that I am not ignoring them when I miss their phone calls and do not call back until two days later.

Medical school is challenging, but I have also realized that it is such a privilege to be here. From the white coat ceremony, I learned that it takes a courageous and unique individual to want to become a physician. Medicine can be daunting, but there is so much excitement to knowing that you can make a positive difference in someone’s life. I know my journey has just begun, and I have so much to learn. I cannot wait to see where I will end up. I am sure my family is eager to find out as well! Right now, I am still taking it all in and enjoying being a first-year medical student.

White Coat Ceremony Video

Jessica Williams

I am a nontraditional student from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where I majored in Spanish. After graduating from Colby, I lived in Boston, MA for four years, where I worked as a Bilingual (Spanish/English) Domestic Violence Advocate and then as a Medical Assistant. I am in interested in global health and breaking cultural and linguistic barriers in healthcare.