Dr. Kendal Reed first joined our Summer Internship Program in 2015 after completing her freshman year of high school. Inspired by that experience, she returned for three more summers as a Program Support Intern, helping to support the program experience for new participants.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Reed’s journey from her perspective as a second-year medical student at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.

“I had no experience in the medical field before this program. In the first few days, I felt a sense of belonging, and being in this environment is inspiring and eye-opening. My parents didn’t go to school, and seeing the people whom I have shadowed and met at various professional schools has shown that being a healthcare professional is an achievable goal. I am soaking in everything and want to make the most out of every experience because there’s a great support system here.”

“A sense of community has always been important to me, and I feel this was my calling to make a difference in mine. [The most rewarding part of my journey] has been helping patients return to their families – or offering comfort during their hardest moments. It’s humbling and I’m grateful to be there.”

His advice for aspiring nurses from underrepresented backgrounds is to, “Build a strong support system. Mentors, peers, academic support, and financial aid counselors are there –  and most are more than willing to help.”

“This experience has made me even more comfortable, and it gives me courage and confidence to pursue my career goals. It has positively influenced my trajectory and made my career goals clearer and more tangible.”

“I recently moved back to the Bay Area after spending over two years in my hometown of San Diego, where I worked with UCSD Moores Cancer Center’s Community Outreach & Engagement team. My work focused on improving cancer screening rates and connecting hardly-reached communities with cancer care resources. I had the opportunity to present in community and conference settings, work closely with local clinics, and advocate for underserved communities within academic spaces. Now that I’m back and working with Alameda County, I’m excited to keep growing my skills in community advocacy and education while working with the expanding community health worker network. I’m also finishing my Master’s in Public Health at Boston University this year.

My advice to students: Take risks and embrace new opportunities!”

“The main takeaway from the program was learning how to network and step outside my comfort zone. It also gave me insight into the diverse career paths within healthcare. I’m grateful for the exposure I received, as it deepened my interest in pursuing a career in the medical field.”

“There are a lot of people who are willing to uplift minorities, and it’s really important that we continue our journey, no matter what obstacles we face, so that we can represent people like us, gain their trust, and help them become better.”

Connor, who participated in the Summer Internship as a high school, shared, “I have learned more about how college works and about my career path to become an EMT. I’ve met people who volunteered, passed an exam, and became EMT’s. I’ve also learned that I can volunteer at fire stations and sign up for ride-alongs. I’ve been exposed to other careers as well, such as podiatrist, surgeon, physician’s assistant, and medical doctor. Most of these have been through MIMS activities and shadowing experiences.”

“I first experienced mentorship during my journey to medical school, and it was nothing short of transformative. As a first-generation college student, I take immense pride in what I accomplished on my own—but the truth is, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of my mentors. They helped me refine my writing and interview skills, but just as importantly, they strengthened my confidence and emotional resilience. 

Having mentors who share your cultural background, hobbies, and life journey means everything. There’s a unique kind of motivation that comes from seeing yourself reflected in the person you aspire to become. It took a village to get me here, and I promised myself that I would one day be a part of another student’s village.

Being a mentor has also helped me grow professionally. I used to hesitate to reach out to mentors, worried about taking up their limited time. But the joy I feel when my mentees reach out to me has changed my perspective. It’s made me realize that mentorship is not a burden—it’s a privilege. And in guiding others, I’ve become less afraid to ask for guidance myself.”

“Dr. Palmer has gone above and beyond to support me. Through our recent meetings, I’ve learned so much about both the medical field and academics. He not only helped arrange my shadowing experience, but also made it possible for me to earn college credit, which is a big step toward reaching my academic goals.”

In 2023, Erin participated in our Mentorship Advances Discovery and Education (MADE) Pre- Apprenticeship, where she learned about harm reduction and substance use disorders while shadowing substance use navigators in clinical and community settings. Her experience in the program introduced her to our partners at the HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda Co (HEPPAC), packing harm-reduction supplies and distributing them to the community. After completing MADE, she continued on to the

Alameda County Health Coach Apprenticeship and Erin is now employed at HEPPAC as an Administrative and Programs Assistant.