Olivia Spencer

Developmental, Comradery, Professional, Leadership, Insightful

UHP is for me because I am able to share a safe space on campus with likeminded individuals who strive to succeed both academically and socially. Not only have I found my favorite study spot of all time, but I have also found comradery, mentorship, and support from others in the program.

If I had to choose one universal piece of advice to give prospective UHP students, I would encourage them to listen carefully and do exactly as they are told by those more experienced than them. What I mean by that is if, for example, your professor tells you to read Chapter 1 and answer the learning outcomes with your book and notes closed, I highly encourage you to do so. It may seem like a lot of work, but in the end, it will yield the results you want. They know exactly how students become successful in their class, and if that is a goal of yours you should take their advice. This of course will work in some circumstances but not others.

I will never forget being a Student Orientation Leader the summer after my freshman year of college. Not only did I make some amazing friends, but I also grew tremendously in my confidence in speaking with crowds and people of authority, networking skills with members of the university, professionalism, leadership, and the list goes on. To this day I continue to work for the Office of New Student Orientation, and I have grown even closer with the staff. The director is writing one of my letters of recommendation for medical school and even giving me two of the cats he has raised. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow with them and being a part of change at UC.

UHP has encouraged me to think bigger about my ideas and dreams. I'm not just another Pre-Med student who needs research to put on their application. Instead of getting into the first lab that is accepting students, I am going to apply to the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program which can help articulate my interests and show my true passion for scientific discovery. I've gained the confidence in myself that because of the UHP I will certainly be prepared for medical school as a competitive applicant and a successful student.