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How Community College Reignited My Dream of Becoming a Doctor
My name is Jillian Poulsen, and I’m proud to serve as a mentor with the California Transfer Support Network! I’m excited to share my experiences and support students as they navigate their college journeys, offering guidance, perspective, and encouragement along the way.
After graduating high school in 2015, I took a nontraditional path, spending several years working and pursuing creative passions like acting and dancing while living in Los Angeles. During that time, I gained independence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of myself. However, I also felt a consistent pull toward a career in medicine, a goal that had long been meaningful to me.
In 2020, I made the intentional decision to return to school and fully commit to my education, enrolling at Glendale Community College (GCC) and completing additional coursework at Santa Monica College (SMC). I approached my studies with renewed determination, embracing challenges and pushing through discomfort in a way I hadn’t before. This shift reignited my passion for learning and solidified my sense of direction.
As I gained momentum academically, I began planning my transfer to a four-year university. I took initiative in learning about course sequencing and major requirements while seeking out opportunities that would support my growth. To deepen my understanding of the process, I connected with mentors, learned from professors, and utilized the advising resources available to me at GCC and SMC. This period became one of the most formative parts of my journey, shaping my academic trajectory and expanding my sense of what I could achieve.
One of the most influential experiences during my time at community college was participating in a summer research program with Dr. Shelley Thai at GCC. That summer, I engaged directly with scientific inquiry and experienced firsthand the rigor and collaboration that drive research. It offered my first tangible glimpse into how I could contribute to medicine through science. Equally impactful was the community I found—working alongside peers navigating similar paths, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another through the transfer process. This program strengthened my confidence and developed my ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and approach challenges with curiosity and precision.
I was accepted to UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and UC Berkeley, and ultimately chose to attend UCLA. Transitioning into UCLA’s rigorous academic environment, I built on the discipline and momentum I developed at community college and continued to grow both intellectually and personally. Immersed in this dynamic and engaging setting, I took full advantage of available opportunities and further refined my focus and sense of purpose.
During my time at UCLA, I served as a department coordinator in the UCLA Health Care Extender program, contributed to research in breast cancer and immunology labs, led outreach for Active Minds UCLA, and volunteered with MEDLIFE in Cusco, Peru. These roles deepened my understanding of medicine, leadership, and service. They showed me how actively engaging with university organizations can build confidence and help clarify what you are passionate about pursuing. I graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, an achievement that reflects the persistence and intentional effort that defined my academic development. My time in community college made that progress possible and continues to inform how I approach learning today.
As I prepare to apply to medical school, I reflect on the support that has shaped my growth. I am deeply grateful for the educators, peers, and mentors who invested in my development and provided guidance. Their example has instilled in me a strong commitment to mentorship and service, and to encouraging others pursuing similar goals.
I am especially inspired by the Cal State and UC systems for the role they play in expanding access to higher education and empowering transfer students. Through the transfer process, I built meaningful and lasting relationships with peers at both community college and UCLA. Being part of these communities reinforced the value of shared experience, connection, and mutual support in achieving long-term goals. I hope to provide that same support to students as they navigate their own academic journeys!