My medical school journey

Hi! I my name is Tatiana Purnell. I am a 25-year-old upcoming medical student at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. I have dreamed of being a physician since I was 13 years old, but my journey to medical school was long and tumultuous. I have experienced numerous trials and tribulations throughout my life and particularly in college that served as great impediments to my success.

 

Yet, I persevered.

 

I know being a physician is my calling. It is my passion. That is why, despite all the obstacles, I figured out how to create my own path to success. That being said, I definitely did not navigate that path on my own. There were many friends, neighbors, and even strangers along the way that helped me in various ways. It really was only with their help I survived some of the toughest years of my life.

 

I'm making this fundraiser because, once again, I need help. I had to put myself through undergraduate school and I have to do the same for medical school. Due to the rigorous nature of medical school, I am unable to work and attend school. Thus, I rely on a refund to live. However, this is the situation: Through loans and scholarships, I have been awarded a very precise amount of money that is supposed to cover both tuition and the cost of living. The award letter given to me by my school will provide me with a refund of about $24,500 for the year (just over $12,000 for the Fall and again in the Spring). If anyone has been to or lives in Chicago, you know just how expensive it is here. So, even if I was able to find an apartment for $1,200 (which I am trying to do but is proving difficult), that would leave me with $10,100 left for other expenses (i.e. utilities, food, etc.).

 

I have been communicating with financial aid and have been told numerous times that I cannot take out additional loans (even private school loans) because it will cause me to exceed their estimated cost of attendance/living.

 

I am applying for as many scholarships as I can, but they take time and are not guaranteed. I am hopeful I will win some scholarships, thus, I am simply seeking some financial help for my first year of medical school.

I am currently in a Pre-matriculation program that provides temporary student housing until July 29th. I am trying my best to save up enough for a deposit and the first months of rent on an apartment. I will update my expenses once I have solidified a place. In the meantime, I still need food and basic necessities.

 

Note: I will be attaching pieces of my AAMC application, as well as a link to my Rush Medical College application essays so you can get a better understanding of me and why I want to be a physician. Please ask any questions!

 

Thank you in advance for any and all donations!

 

AAMC Personal Statement

My Rush application essay responses