✧ pre-med extracurriculars: for my future doctor angels ✧
hi my lovely pre-med angels!! 🤍 it's mindy hereee!
today's post is extra special because so many of you have been asking about extracurriculars for medical school!! if you know, my ultimate dream is to become a doctor, i'd love to either be a psychiatrist or a cardiologist, so anything medical-related is my favorite cup of coffee!! i'm literally so excited to share this comprehensive guide that will help you shine on your future applications. this post is for you if you're in high school or college, this guide will be your bestie through the journey!!
~ ♡ for my precious high school sweethearts ♡ ~
hospital + healthcare volunteering (my absolute fave!!)
• aim for 100-150 hours minimum
• try different departments to explore
• build relationships with nurses + staff
• pro tip: volunteer during summer break for more hours
• keep a reflection journal of your experiences
• bonus: ask for recommendation letters if you connect well!!
research opportunities
• reach out to local universities
• email professors about summer programs
• join science fairs with medical projects
• create your own research project
• tip: start with literature reviews if labs aren't available
• document everything for future applications!!
leadership + school involvement
• start a medical interest club
• lead health awareness campaigns
• organize blood drives
• create mental health support groups
• join science olympiad
• participate in biology competitions
• personal story: i started a "future doctors club" + it literally changed my life!!
~ ♡ for my darling college angels ♡ ~
clinical experience (super important!!)
• medical scribing (literally the best!!)
• certified nursing assistant (CNA)
• emergency medical technician (EMT)
• phlebotomy certification + gain a bunch of different certifications online
• medical assistant
• tip: aim for 200+ hours minimum
• pro secret: try different specialties!!
research involvement
• join multiple labs if possible
• aim for publication opportunities
• present at conferences
• write abstracts + papers
• network with graduate students
• maintain good relationships with PIs
• secret tip: join journal clubs!!
leadership positions
• pre-med society officer
• tutoring coordinator
• mentorship program leader
• research team leader
• volunteer coordinator
• tip: create new positions if none exist!!
~ ♡ extra special activities for everyone ♡ ~
medical mission trips (life-changing!!)
start a health education blog
create medical awareness social media
join medical podcasting
organize health fairs
volunteer at free/non-profit clinics
shadow different specialists
join pre-med summer programs
work as a pharmacy technician
volunteer at nursing homes
organize medical supply drives
create health education programs
~ ♡ my personal tips + secrets ♡ ~
quality over quantity always!!
maintain each activity for at least 6 months
document everything (literally everything!!)
take lots of pictures (for memories + portfolio)
get contact info from supervisors
keep detailed reflection journals
network with other pre-meds
create spreadsheets to track hours
always ask for recommendation letters
maintain professional relationships
~ ♡ time management secrets ♡ ~
use google calendar religiously
block schedule your activities
don't overcommit (seriously!!)
maintain 2-3 main activities
rotate seasonal activities
leave time for self-care
schedule study breaks
plan one year ahead
keep backup activities ready
remember my loves: medical schools want to see dedication + passion!! don't just collect activities like pokemon cards (even tho that would be cute). focus on meaningful experiences that truly speak to your heart!!
pro tip: start a bullet journal to track your journey!! include your thoughts, feelings, and learning experiences. future you will literally cry happy tears when writing your personal statement!!
also!! please please please remember that your mental health comes first!! it's okay to take breaks, it's okay to say no, and it's absolutely okay to prioritize self-care. you'll be a better doctor if you learn these habits now!!
sending you the biggest virtual hugs + all my love!! you're doing amazing sweetie, and your future patients will be so lucky to have you!!
feel free to send more asks if you need specific advice!! i'm always here to support my precious future doctors and followers i call my sweetheart community!!
xoxo, mindy 🤍
p.s. remember to hydrate, get enough sleep, and take your vitamins!! doctor's orders!! <3
p.p.s. i'll be sharing more detailed guides about each activity soon, so stay tuned my loves!!
btw, if you need personal study advice or anything, submit to glowettee hotline 💌: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline
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summary: today, anastacha brings her girlfriend, marigold, to her parents to meet them for the first time.
word count: 1983 words
warnings: none
a/n: today is the super nacha fan's birthday so i decided to make this as a gift for them!! marigold is their oc which they ship with anastacha as a happy yuri. i was going to give both francis and nacha a spotlight in this fic, but i think nacha was enough! psst, hey, if you're curious about trading with me for a fic, read this post!
credits: @iamdespy for the peak anagold thumbnail art & @/strangergraphics for the ao3 dividers
The door wasn't that much taller than Marigold, still, it stood there tall and imposing over her, as if it contained a dimension to another world. And to the poor, anxious girl who was about to meet her girlfriend's parents for the first time ever, it could practically be a ticket to heaven or hell.
"Mmm, relax," Anastacha held her hand firmly in her own and interlaced their fingers, squeezing it softly. "My parents aren't going to be like yours, don't worry. They're cool with it, with… us."
Marigold smiled towards her sheepishly, "I know, Ana. I mean, they created a unique and wonderful girl like you, so…"
Anastacha's eyes widened, her cheeks dusted with light pink and she snorted. "Then there's nothing to worry about, Mari. Come on." She stepped forward and tugged Marigold's arm forward. Though still reluctant, Marigold took that one step forward and Anastacha smiled back at her before pushing open the door.
They didn't even get three steps in before Anastacha paused in her steps and Marigold halted beside her. A plump red-haired woman who was about the same height as Tacha hurried over towards them while removing her mittens.
When she was finally standing in front of them, Marigold perked up and the pink on her cheeks deepened into a shade of red.
"Willkommen zu hause, Tacha! Und…" Nacha blinked at Marigold beside her and Anastacha cleared her throat. "Oh! My apologies for ze German, dear. You must be Marigold, correct?"
Anastacha internally facepalmed herself at the huge grin that her mom had on. "Mmm, yeah, she wanted to finally meet you and dad, or whatever."
"I'm- I'm Marigold Reed, nice to meet you, ma'am…" Marigold couldn't help but stare at Tacha's mom---well, how couldn't she? Her mom had the most gorgeous green and blue eyes, and she also had freckles (which, to Marigold, were just the prettiest dotted stars on someone's face). She's so pretty…
Anastacha glanced towards Marigold from her periphery and nudged her out of her stupor. Marigold flinched and glanced at Anastacha then back towards her mom. They're both so pretty.
Nacha giggled and smiled up at her, "I've heard a lot of things about you from my little Tacha! And you are indeed as tall as she said you were… Oh! Since Francis isn't here yet, do you want to help me reach the pantry?"
"Mom, there's a stool in the kitchen," Anastacha rolled her eyes, but didn't actually mind her mom's antic much.
Nacha smiled. "Oh come now, Tacha, your maman is getting old and need some help around the kitchen every once in a while. It'd give me and Mari here a chance to have some girl talk too!"
Anastacha exhaled. "Whatever, that's up to Mari to decided."
Marigold perked up when she felt Anastacha's gaze boring straight into her soul and she straightened her posture on her mary janes before responding enthusiastically, "Yes, ma'am!"
"Oh, dear," Nacha chuckled and Anastacha shook her head with a small smirk. "You can just call me Nacha, or auntie Nacha, maybe even mom if you wanted."
Anastacha squeezed Marigold's hand while she struggled to school her expression into complete nonchalance. The knot in her throat relaxed from its hold a little and she squeaked out, "Y-yes… auntie…"
Nacha heaved a breath and supposed that that was enough teasing for the poor nervous wreck that was Marigold. One day, she'll get her to call her mom, but for now… "This way, missy! Kommst du mit, Ana?"
"Nein," Tacha shook her head. "Ich warte, bis papa kommt, damit ich ihm von Marigold erzählen kann."
Marigold didn't understand a single word except her name and a 'papa'. She's probably going to look for her dad.
"Na gut, Tacha, komm einfach in die Küche, wenn du fertig bist."
Anastacha released her hand from her grasp and hesitated for a moment before giving Marigold a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll be in the living room if you need me, or whatever."
Marigold nodded, though a bit confused that she wasn't going to look for her dad after all. "Okay." Anastacha walked off and Nacha tutted to get her attention.
When she finally got her attention, Nacha turned in the direction of the kitchen and motioned for Marigold to follow her with a flick of her wrist. "Alright, this way, dearie!"
Marigold followed suit in Nacha's footsteps, stepping into the mini-kitchen that was in the corner of their living room. It was rather lively, with colorful wooden decors of positive quotes like 'Live, Laugh, Love' and 'A House is Temporary, but A House is Forever' hanging beside the fridge and one over the countertop next to a towel. Even the fridge had tiny magnet letters stuck on the door, forming the names of Anastacha and her parents---Ana, Nacha, and Francis.
So that's her dad's name… I wonder if Ana looks a lot like him?
From what she knew of him, he majored in Food Science and studied in Washington State University. Double U freaking State University. Marigold once told Anastacha about her desire to major in a medical degree there and it was the first thing she brought up. Her mind already raced with questions she wanted to ask him---what kind of college was WSU like? Did the mascot really look terrifying? Wait, what is college even like?
"Mari!" Broken out of her stupor, Marigold turned around to find Nacha staring at her with a concerned look in her eyes. "Are you okay? Is the summer heat too much? Oh, I apologize for not having air conditioning in this house!"
Marigold blinked rapidly and shook her head just as fast. "No- no, auntie! I'm fine… I was just… lost in thought. It's not that hot, don't worry about me."
"Oh, phew," Nacha placed a hand over her chest and let out a breath of relief. "You scared me, honey! I was just pointing which cabinet I needed you to reach for me but you didn't respond so I had to check. You looked like your mind was elsewhere!"
"You could say that," Marigold chuckled nervously.
Nacha reassured her with a soft smile and took that as a sign to change the topic. "Alright, dear, I just need you to grab the box of flour from this cabinet here-!" she huffed and got on her tiptoes to point at the second cabinet to the left. Marigold outstretched her hands in front of her out of an irrational fear that she might suddenly trip over her foot, but let them fall back to her sides with an exhale as Nacha laid flat on her feet once more. "Is that doable for you?"
"Of course, auntie." Marigold stepped in front of the cabinet, got on her tiptoes, and opened it before taking the blue and white box of all-purpose flour from within anticlimactically.
Nacha clapped her hands enthusiastically, "Oh, thank you, Mari! You're a great help!" Marigold handed the box to her and laid back flat on her heels while Tacha's mom set the flour down on top of the counter. "I'm going to make pretzels with this, it's Tacha's favorite. What about you, Mari?"
"Um- pretzels are sweet! They make for a delicious light snack and…" She hung her head low and gazed down at the floor. "…I really like the chocolate-coated ones you made a few weeks ago for Tacha."
"Ooh, so she did share them with you after all," Nacha nodded and hummed approvingly. "Well, lucky for you, I do have some melted chocolate chilling in the fridge today! Just sit back and relax while this old lady makes dough. Or maybe you'd like to go to the living room and talk with your girlfriend until this is done!"
Marigold briefly considered finding Tacha in the living room and hanging out with her while waiting for the pretzels to bake, but she shook her head. "I think I'll stay here and talk with you, miss auntie."
And she did. Marigold walked over to the lone table in the corner of the kitchen covered with a blue checkered tablecloth and conveniently surrounded by exactly four chairs.
While Marigold slid into a seat, Nacha spared no time and poured two cups of flour into an already available bowl sitting atop the counter. Marigold watched as she grabbed a salt shaker and tapped it three times, raining salt onto the flour before setting aside.
Marigold can't help but be mesmerized by the focus and precision that Ana's mother had while making the dough. Next, she grabbed the bowl of activated yeast mixture that she had set aside to dry earlier and poured it into the flour. Nacha washed her hands thoroughly before beginning to knead the bread slowly and firmly.
"Well, dear? Don't just go quiet on me! I remember Anastacha told me you're quite the chatterbox and that we would get along."
"Did- did she?" Marigold nervously scratched the side of her neck. "I only ever do that around her because she's… well, she's a great listener and- and a great responder too!"
"Oh, honey, breathe." Nacha giggled. "I'm glad my Tacha is not the only one who's head over the heels after all. I'm curious… How did it happen? Who confessed first?"
"Well…" Marigold swallowed and trailed off as she remembered the very moment that led to the confession and the confession itself that still left her feeling a little lightheaded and touching her lips. "We were having a fieldtrip, then. It was at a zoo. Me and Tacha got separated from the group so we went to a lion enclosure and I was just looking at the lions when suddenly she was gone from my side. I was so scared… But I chose to trust Tacha and stay put while thinking of ways to calm down my nerves. This one lioness seemed to notice my emotional turmoil and came up to the glass to say hi. When I turned to look back, Ana was already there… It spooked me so badly that I didn't even notice the flowers and the mixtape she was holding! And well…" Marigold looked up to find Nacha looking at her expectantly while her hands kneaded on autopilot.
"Go on…"
Marigold blushed and sank into her seat. "I was a bit taken aback because I've never actually seen a mixtape before. I thought they were already gone after CDs became a thing, and also Spotify. But she told me to listen to the mixtape so I did, and it was… well, I recognized that song! It was a girl in red song, and…" Another gulp. "She shoved the bouquet into my hand then and asked if she could be my girlfriend. I… I never thought Anastacha actually liked girls! I mean, I had a hunch, but…"
"Well? What did you say?"
"A bunch of stuff, I was a mess. But ultimately… My answer was yes."
Nacha audibly let out a loud 'aww' which made Marigold turn the shade of a ripened tomato.
Just then, two more figures entered the room and looked at Nacha who was glowing then at the poor teenage girl who was red in the face.
"Mmm, mama, what did you do?"
"Just as mutti should! You didn't tell me you were such a romantic, Ana. Making quite the grand gesture…"
It took a slow blink and a flash of red to color her cheek for Anastacha to audibly groan, whining, "Mama! This is why I never told you the full thing! Ugh, it wasn't even that grand…"
"Mmm, did I miss something…?" Francis stepped in beside Anastacha.
"You came at just the right time, Francis! Our girls have a lot to tell us."
Anastacha shook her head.
Today's first meeting between her parents and Marigold was going to be longer than she thought.
my desk seems so organized lately all because I haven’t stayed in there for a long time. I’ve been sick for a week now and I can’t drag myself to work and study for our exam : (
I just wish i feel better tomorrow so I can catch up with my readings for Pedia 🤧
