Pre-med a significant path on the long journey to medical school is arguably the most essential path that an ambitious student hoping to join a medical school must walk. Becoming a doctor in America is one comprehensive and exhausting process, yet she has stayed the course. It was her reason for coming to Pullman several years ago. In has been her motivation through the tough times. Now a second year Pre-Medical student at Washington State University (WSU), it was only a matter of time before she could proceed to medical school. Luckily for her, WSU had recently offered her a full scholarship and extended a medical cover, specifically for the anti-depressants she depends on.
For someone who had lived with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for 44 years, you would be amazed to listen to the story of her life. She is witty, quick and artsy. You would know she has had to deal with anxiety and depression for most of her life. When not studying or working she would rather draw, she’s good at it and serves as relaxant when anxious. Her work entails taking care of an older woman for 70 hours a week. It doesn’t pay much but she gets enough to ease her financial burden. Besides, she has allowed her to park her RV in her yard making her trip to work only a trot. This RV serves as her home, which she shares with her pets; a bubbly cat and a chicken. It doesn’t offer much, no running water or toilet connection and it barely keeps her warm during winter. Hardly a decent place to live in. She could have moved to an apartment but the owners are reluctant to let her move in with her pets.
She has been a caregiver for most of her life, now she is taking care of the elderly lady as a source of income; but it did not start here. Several years ago she took care of her family until they all died. Mother died of COPD related complications, father had asbestos related cancer. Her two brothers had died before then. Leukemia and AIDS for each of them. It’s only natural; from time to time she will sink into grief at the memories of those gone past, but her determination and resolution to make life better has not waned. As a matter of fact she wants to become a doctor, to give people a new lease of life. To take her caring nature to another level.
