This summer was an expedition that I will never forget as I had spent six weeks in the Blue Grass State herself, Kentucky! What a wonderful experience that was being able to meet 80 other interesting young people. Now, since the last time I left you, I left you with the impression that I was going to Ghana, Africa, things had changed as I couldn’t purchase my passport just yet. But just as sure as I writing you today, I will have a passport this year!
I want to make sure that you all are aware of my goals and objectives when it comes to studying abroad. It is imperative that I take advantage of the opportunity during the summers because the rigorous curriculum at Morehouse College would not permit the leisure of engaging in activities such as study abroad during the school semesters. When I do study abroad my desire and intent is to study abroad in China. I want to be able to understand and research the various methodological approaches to medicine in the Chinese cultures and traditions.
My journey started with Amtrak! I am an Amtrak Scholar, so I was given a voucher to ride Amtrak and what better way to experience the East Coast than going through the “Eastern Frontiers”. I witnessed the beautiful states of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, DC, Chicago, Il, Ohio, Maryland, and Indiana.
I was a part of the AAMC’s Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) at the University of Louisville. This program is designed to expose pre-medical/dental students to the life of medical/dental school as future practicing physicians. This program in Louisville is one of the many sites that this program is held at. I chose Louisville because of the organized schedule, the stipend, and the opportunity to be in a place that I have never been before. I got just that and more! This 6 week program helped me understand calcium, insulin and cardiovascular diseases and a host of other things, that you would not have the time to sit here and read, but just know when I become a doctor and you step in my office you will walk out aware of these concepts and such. I had the opportunity to enjoy Kentucky cuisine such as Derby Pie! You have not had pie until you have had the pleasure of delighting yourself with Derby Pie. Also, I got to see awesome sites like the famous Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. People from all over the world flock every year to experience the Kentucky Derby and I got to see and learn how it all happens. I had the privilege to fellowship with the Bible Way Church of God in Christ Family, and befriend others from around the country, like Jonathan Davies, Norbert Rosario, Shanda Lewis and many others. The staff were very hospitable and excellent in the execution of leadership and knowledge. Lastly, I thank God for the hard, untiring work of Dr. James Railey, and Dr. Silvia Cole who made a big impact on my life as I was able to commit to the decision of achieving my MD in Internal Medicine.
As you can read I had an awesome summer and one I will hopefully never forget! As school starts I have also made some bigger decisions in the way of growth and development in my life. I have an apartment with two of the world’s best innovative leaders, I could not find anywhere else, Aaron M. Hargrove and Christopher M. Holloway Jr.
To be able to be who I am and to develop into such an awesome young man (yes, I made a conceited statement) I would be regretful not to thanks ALL who had made this possible. I want to thank the men and women who invested not only their time, but money, into the success and accomplishments that have allowed me to have such an experience. I humbly bow in gratitude to thank you!
Continue to stay encourage as I continue to become:
Well Balanced, Well Dressed, Well Read, Well Traveled, and Well Balanced!
Yours truly,
Jesse DeMonte Andrews
