Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Name of Undergraduate Institution: Spelman College
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biology Major, Pre-Medicine Track
Name of Professional School: Florida State University College of Medicine
Favorite Quote: “Beautiful girl, you were made to do hard things, so believe in yourself”, but my Pinterest has many more!
Contact Info:
Email – jc16ag@med.fsu.edu
Pinterest – Jasmeka Colvin
Facebook – Jasmeka Colvin
Happy to provide my phone number to those who reach out to me personally!
Additional Links:
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I am currently a Bridge Student at the Florida State University College of Medicine. The Bridge Program is viewed as a 5-year dual degree Master’s in Biomedical Sciences/Medical Degree program. I have wanted to pursue medicine for as long as I can remember, so my ‘why’ is basically because it combines many of my loves in life (preventative health, the human body, life, community, etc.) into a career tailor-made just for me.
If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?
I would tell that excited young lady that the road to come is going to be tough and filled with success and failures, all molding her into exactly who she is meant to be. I would tell her to try her best to enjoy the ride.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
Do not compare yourself to others! It is so easy to obsess about what others are doing, especially in the hard times when others are prospering and you are not. Do not waste your brilliant mind on that negative energy. Instead, invest in developing yourself and enduring your very unique process to become the person that only you are meant to be.
What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?
I have certainly struggled with feeling like I am not good enough and to be honest, this is not a feeling that goes away overnight. I have diminished this feeling by encouraging myself and seeing what God’s word has to say about me, but I am certainly still a work in progress!
What is your favorite thing about your medical school?
Women’s Bible Study!
Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?
I am currently pursuing a MS in Biomedical Sciences. Pursuing this degree while taking medical courses was entirely intimidating and stressful at first, but over time it has prepared me for a career in medicine in ways that I could not have imagined. Pursuing this degree and initiating my research has allowed me to understand very important aspects of medicine such as ethics and interacting appropriately with the disadvantaged populations that I aspire to serve.
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
GIVE. IT. YOUR. ALL. AND. BELIEVE. IN. YOURSELF!
Congratulate yourself now because if you want it, it is yours so do not dare give up.
Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?
During my year off, I was a Medical Scribe in both the Pediatric and Adult Emergency Rooms followed by being a Medical Scribe in a Cardiology Office. My goal was to maximize experience, absorb information and stay as attached to the medical field as possible.
Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?
My heart yearns for dance; it is a part of my being and I would be incomplete without it. It has been immensely hard doing what makes my body happy with the rigorous schedule of school but it is so very important to take the time out and feed your spirit what makes it happy; trust me, you’ll be a better student because of it.
What do you like to do for fun?
As aforementioned, I am a dancer so anything involving dance I try to be a part of. While here, I have participated in salsa and anticipate doing swing dance and hip hop in the near future. I am also an AVID game night player/hostess.
What do you feel is the most challenging part of medical school? The easiest part?
It has been a challenge putting personal problems aside to remain focused on duties as a student. Fortunately, the easiest part particularly at FSU and with my experience is finding someone to talk to about what you may be experiencing, whether that be faculty, staff or fellow students because people truly do care about you and want you to succeed.
How have you been able to deal with your romantic relationship and professional school at the same time?
It has been extremely difficult, especially when distance is a factor as well! I have learned that having a committed partner is the key. Whatever is a valuable part of your relationship, whether that be praying, seeing each other, having dates, talking daily, etc., it is important to keep doing those things. When it is time to study, it is time to study, period. However, we have to be sure to give our relationships the nurturing they need to survive. It is possible.
In regards to dating, what kind of qualities are you looking for in someone?
I don’t have a preference for career path, but I do need someone who is driven and focused. Spirituality, reliability and willingness to grow are other important factors.
What did you do during the summer before you started medical school?
The summer prior to being here, I was heavily involved in my church and worked as a medical scribe.
What do you do to get through the stressful nature of medical school?
My faith in God has been my cornerstone. There were times when I know no one but God came through for me. Knowing that the Creator has prepared for such a time as this provides me with the peace I need to keep pushing.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at your school?
I am the Service Chair for the Christian Medical Association and also serve on the scholarship committee for the Student National Medical Association.
What is it like attending school in your city/town?
Tallahassee is a college town so that aura certainly prevails. It is nice to be constantly surrounded by students who are working hard towards a professional goal.
What were some of your involvements in college? Have those involvements helped you in any way in medical school?
At Spelman College, I was extremely involved! However, two of my major involvements were in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and in Spelman Global Medical/Dental Brigades as the Co-founder/President.
Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?
Rihanna is my all-time favorite female R&B singer and Ne-Yo is my favorite male R&B singer. My favorite rap artists are Chance the Rapper, Nicki Minaj and Drake. I also enjoy subtle artists such as Emile Sande, Banks, Kehlani and Alina Baraz. I do not have much time for TV but I just a few weeks ago started watching Grey’s Anatomy because I got tired of my classmates making references to the show that I was oblivious to! In regards to books, the last one that I read was the Good Girl, which is a mystery-love novel; next on my to-read list is Promises I Can Keep. Lastly, I have an entire Pinterest collection on my favorite movies because every time I think I have one favorite, another sneaks up on me and steals my attention. Check me out on Pinterest to get a deeper look into my interests! 🙂
These are some incredible answers Jasmeka! Thank you for all of your inspiring words and for taking the time to share them with all of the people reading this post! You are very much appreciated!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on November 17th, 2016
Black Man, M.D. 