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How Community College Reignited My Dream of Becoming a Doctor
My name is Jillian Poulsen, and I’m excited to be a mentor on the California Transfer Support Network team! I’m eager to share my experiences and help others navigate their college journeys because I know how challenging it can be to figure it all out on your own.
When I was in high school, I wasn’t the most academically focused student. I graduated in 2015 and completed one semester of community college, but due to personal reasons, I stepped away from higher education. Over the next five years, I spent time pursuing my creative passions, like acting and dancing, which I truly loved. During this period, I worked as a server and bartender at various restaurants in Los Angeles. While these experiences gave me a sense of freedom, they didn’t provide the deeper fulfillment I was searching for.
Deep down, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but I wasn’t sure if I was academically cut out for it. Despite my doubts, I eventually gathered the courage to re-enroll in community college in 2020. I started taking courses at Glendale Community College and also completed several classes at Santa Monica College.
The years of self-doubt still lingered, but I decided to approach my studies with renewed determination. For the first time, I allowed myself to embrace challenges, push through discomfort, and fully commit to my education. My passion for learning was reignited, and I began to feel confident that I was on the right path.
Initially, my goal was simply to prove to myself that I could be successful academically. Once I showed myself that it was possible, I began to plan how I would transfer to a four-year university. The process was filled with challenges, such as determining the right classes, choosing a major, and finding clubs and organizations that could help me grow.
There were moments of doubt, but in hindsight, I tell everyone who asks that this period of my life was one of the best times I’ve had. I am incredibly grateful for the advisors and professors at Glendale Community College and Santa Monica College, who were not only dedicated but also inspiring and deeply committed to the success of their students. I didn’t know community college could be so rewarding and supportive, and I felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a nurturing environment.
One of the highlights of my time at community college was participating in a summer research program with Dr. Shelley Thai at Glendale Community College. This experience exposed me to the world of research and provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with other students who were going through similar experiences. I received so much valuable advice on the transfer process from these peers, and over time, I gained the confidence I needed to apply to universities.
Eventually, I was fortunate enough to gain acceptance to UCLA, UCSD, UCSB, and UC Berkeley. Choosing UCLA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The transition into such a prestigious institution was a huge shock, especially with the fast-paced academic environment. However, the support and opportunities—both academic and creative—made it a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I was surrounded by so many incredible opportunities to join clubs and student organizations, and the sense of community was inspiring.
I’m proud and humbled to say that I graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Throughout my time there, I was fortunate to have several transformative experiences. I served as a department coordinator for the Care Extenders program at Ronald Reagan Medical Center, conducted research in both a breast cancer lab and an immuno-oncology lab, led Active Minds UCLA as a director, and volunteered with MEDLIFE in Cusco, Peru.
These experiences shaped my academic journey and also helped me grow personally. They gave me the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people, both in the medical field and in student leadership, and provided a deeper understanding of my passion for healthcare. These experiences not only shaped my path toward becoming a doctor but also enriched my growth as a person, reinforcing my desire to give back to others.
As I study for the MCAT and prepare to apply to medical school, I find myself reflecting on the incredible support I’ve received throughout this journey. I am so deeply touched by everyone who has helped me along the way. Their support has ignited a desire in me to give back and help others through this process. I never imagined that any of this would be possible for me. I didn’t know I would ever have the opportunity to attend a top-tier university, but I have community college to thank for that.
I am truly inspired by the Cal State and UC systems for making transfer students such an integral part of their institutions. Through my experiences, I’ve built lasting relationships with other transfer students, both in community college and at UCLA. These relationships have been pivotal in my personal and academic growth.
To anyone currently starting their community college journey, or returning after a break like I did, I encourage you to believe in yourself and commit to this path. There will be moments when it feels like you’re putting in a lot of work without seeing immediate rewards, but remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint.
When I started community college in 2020, I had very little confidence in my academic abilities and in myself. But over time, and it truly takes time, I’ve faced so many of my fears. I am so grateful that I now feel like I truly belong in the professional spaces I’m entering. I feel more confident in taking on new roles, public speaking, and even taking exams—things I never thought I would be comfortable with. These experiences have shaped me into someone who embraces challenges and sees every obstacle as an opportunity for growth.
I am so excited to hopefully help others on this journey because it has been, without a doubt, the most rewarding experience of my life.