I started as a broke, first-generation college student with one simple goal: to make my family proud. But by the end of my freshman year, I was on the verge of flunking out. My college counselor told me I’d never get into medical school—and doubted I’d even graduate. Her words hit hard, but I refused to let them define me.

Instead, I turned that doubt into fuel. I became obsessed with productivity, mastering time management, and learning how to dominate the med school admissions process. The result? I completely transformed my premed career. I earned a spot at my dream school—Stanford Medical School—graduated in the top 5% of my class, and went on to become an anesthesiologist. I proved that success is possible, no matter where you start!