January Scholar of the Month: Linda shares her 5th year journey!

Hi! I am Linda Chan and I am a first-generation low income student from Los Angeles and am currently a super senior at the University of Pennsylvania. I went into Penn as a Pre-Med Bio major, but transitioned into Nursing during my sophomore year and as a result, stayed for a 5th year. I am currently submatriculated into Penn Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program and finishing up my Bachelors of Science in Nursing with a minor in Healthcare Management and Chinese.

What have been the most rewarding activities/academics you participated in?

Participating in scholarship events and networking events at Penn! Honestly, you meet a lot of cool people who have jobs you never thought existed. Also, most of the people attending these events always offer to help connect you with people in fields you are interested in and they actually want to help you get to where you want to be! Sometimes I go just for the free food, but come out with words of wisdom from alumni or just the feeling of empowerment and support.

Tell us about an unexpected turn during undergrad.

My decision to go into Nursing was the most unexpected turn in my college career that also gave me a lot of stress. Nursing was never a part of my “plan” and I never thought I would “give up” on being Pre-Med. I reached out to my mentors, those who have helped me throughout high school, and talked to professors and advisors to make this transition work out. To help fund my fifth year, I talked to the financial aid office multiple times to ensure that I can apply for whatever scholarships the school had to offer. Despite the difficulties, I am glad I took the opportunity and received lots of support for my decision!

What is some advice you have for incoming freshmen/underclassmen to help them navigate their college experience?

Go for all the opportunities presented to you and create your own opportunities! Don’t ever feel like you aren’t good enough for anything. Just try and maybe that door will open for you. Also, don’t immediately close all doors just because you THINK you won’t like it or because others dislike it. Give everything a try and maybe you will have a better experience that will allow you to LOVE it.

What are you most excited about for this semester?

I am currently going through my last clinical rotation and have been placed in the Surgical ICU at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital! I am excited to see what goes on in the ICU and be a part of the care team as I learn how to conduct physical assessments and all the crazy medications, equipment, and procedures that happen in patient rooms.