This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with medical school applicants and students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top medical schools and the med school application process. And now, introducing Jazmine Kwong…
Accepted: We’d like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? When did you graduate?
Jazmine: I’m from Southern California and went to USC (University of Southern California) in LA. I graduated in 2014 with a Neuroscience degree.
Accepted: Where are you currently attending PA school? What year are you?
Jazmine: I’m attending PA school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. I’m a first-year PA student!
Accepted: Why PA school? Did you always want to be in the medical field?
Jazmine: I was pre-med up until my third year in college and I switched to PA when I shadowed an Ortho PA. I shadowed MDs and NPs after that and felt the PA profession fit me best!
Accepted: Did you experience any challenges on your journey to PA acceptance? How did you overcome them?
Jazmine: I applied three times and it was very hard to handle rejection. I had to remind myself how much I wanted to become a PA and that everything happens for a reason. I have a great support system and had to constantly remind myself that it’s not a matter of IF I’ll get into PA school, it’s a matter of WHEN I’ll get there!
Accepted: What has been the biggest challenge for you in PA school thus far?
Jazmine: Getting into the groove of things and figuring out what works for me. I was told that what worked for you in undergrad, would not work for you in graduate school. I had anxiety trying to figure out my study methods and what worked for me. Ultimately, I learn and study the same way I did in undergrad!
Accepted: What inspired you to want to share your journey with others? Has this helped you find some balance in your life?
Jazmine: I know what it feels like to be rejected time and time again and I understand the emotional roller coaster this process inflicts on an applicant. It was difficult for me to find resources when I was applying and I wanted more help and insight. I want to be that person for applicants now, or at least steer them in the right direction! Sharing my experience has made me very grateful for where I am today. I constantly reflect on what I did three to two years ago. When I’m not studying, I’m replying back to current pre-PAs and updating my Instagram with helpful tips and tricks. It definitely creates balance in my life!
Accepted: If you could tell PA applicants anything, what would you tell them?
Jazmine: Keep going and do your best. Reach out for guidance and ask questions. Let the fire inside you burn brighter than the fire around you. You got this!
Accepted: Lastly, what are your dreams for yourself and your career after PA school?
Jazmine: I hope to be established in a hospital or a private clinic! As of right now, I love surgery and more specifically, neurosurgery. I cannot wait for rotations next year to see what I’ll enjoy!
You can continue following Jazmine’s story on Instagram (@jazminek_pa) and on her blog www.jazminek-pa.com. Thank you Jazmine for sharing your story with us, we wish you much success!
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Do you want to be featured in Accepted’s blog? If you want to share your med school journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at bloggers@accepted.com.
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Related Resources:
• The Quick Guide to Admissions Resumes, a free guide
• Andrea Benedict: Life as a Physician Assistant, a podcast episode
• How to Get Accepted to Physician Assistant (PA) Programs