Help Revay get to medical school

My name is Revay Stewart and I am an African American man who is striving to gain acceptance to medical school and ultimately become a Pediatric Emergency Room physician. My desire stems from wanting to make effective change in the world and for me a huge part of that is being an advocate for those who come from an underserved community, like myself. My personal experience has led me to the realization that there is an undertone of mistrust between people of color and the medical professionals who are sincerely trying to help them, rooting from a history of inequities in the communities of color. I want to do my part to change that narrative one person/family at a time. I was fortunate enough to have pleasant experiences with doctors when I was child, dealing with minor ailments. That time in my life, planted the seed of the idea to become a physician. Over the years the goal of becoming a physician has become more and more solid, it has become something that feels attainable. Although I was faced with numerous setbacks, I did not allow them to stop me from chasing my dream. 

In my persistence in pursuing medical school, I have sought education at three different institutions in Des Moines: DMACC, Drake, and Grand View University from which I graduated. Unfortunately, while obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I exhausted all my federal loans and had to pay for the remainder of my degree out of pocket. Which is why I am here today asking for your help.  Applying to medical schools in the United States is a yearlong process. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and complete pre-med courses while taking a rigorous 8-hour long exam called the MCAT. At this point, I am in the junction of studying for my MCAT. However, in order to submit my application, I must also submit my official transcripts from Grand View University. Regrettably, I still owe over $12,000 dollars in tuition before Grand View University will release my transcripts. Due to this large debt, I have been working on average 50+ hours a week so that I may have my remaining balance paid by the end of the summer in order to submit my application. However, my work schedule has not left much time to study for my MCAT which is scheduled for June 30th. Which is why I am here, seeking out any assistance that you can offer, all of which will be paid back to you.

Ideally, pre-med students allow themselves 6-8 weeks of uninterrupted blocks of time, throughout the week, but that has not been my reality. The truth is, that I am backed into a corner. I must work heavy hours in order to pay for my necessities but then I also need to work and pay off my remaining debt with Grand View, without which I cannot get my transcript until paid in full. I have tried multiple avenues, prior to coming here, which included attempting to obtain personal/private loans but I did not qualify.

My goal is to become a Pediatric Emergency Room physician, through that specialty I can impact families and hopefully be a beacon to the black youth that I would be serving. I want to change the narrative and be someone that a child remembers, when they are asked what they want to do when they get older. Just as I did when I was a child, thinking of my pediatrician and how amazing it would be, to be like him.

            For me, time is of the essence. My goal to make it into medical school in order to become a Pediatric Emergency Room physician will come to fruition eventually, but with your help I can submit my application by the end of the summer, instead of waiting another year. It is not my intention to write this and make anyone feel obligated  to help or to feel sorry for me. I simply am asking for some assistance as I have every intention of paying every dollar back. I will work over the next year to pay back every single one of you who have generously donated to help me achieve this lifelong dream of mine. If you decide to donate, I have set a limit for up to $25 as it is not my goal to break anyone’s bank. If you are or aren’t able to donate, I appreciate your time in reading this and ask that you share my story.