Freshman Biology major Franchesca Jefferson from Corona, California, has her eyes on the ivies.  She plans to be a physician and, although she realizes that being accepted into any medical school would be a significant accomplishment for most scholars, she hopes to attend an Ivy League medical school.  People have warned Franchesca that her dream may be a bit lofty, but she would rather prepare for the best than lower her expectations.

“I would like to be an obstetrician/gynecologist, and I really want to go to Harvard or Cornell for medical school. I’ve researched universities and Harvard is ranked highest,” she says.  Perhaps she will be more flexible when the time comes but, for now, Franchesca is only interested in the nation’s top medical schools.

“Harvard has a three percent acceptance rate,” she says with a confident look that suggests that she just might be one of the lucky few to enter its rarified gates.  Her confidence demands a rock solid plan and—no surprise—she has one.  “Of course I have to get all A’s. And I have to be involved. And I’ll need to do internships in science—things that make me go above and beyond.” She adds that she also intends to stay in close contact with her professors, which she finds easy to do at Stillman College.   

Franchesca came to Stillman on a full academic scholarship, and she has no doubt that she will be able to maintain the standards that helped her to excel in high school.  She enjoys dreaming about the future, but she also knows how to savor the moment.  “I love the southern hospitality at Stillman,” she smiles. “My parents were ecstatic when I was offered a full scholarship here. They couldn’t believe it.  I couldn’t believe it.   I thought I would have to take out loans for my education.  I was worried because I still have to go to medical school.  Debt might have made it impossible for me to start medical school right after graduation.  When I told my high school counselor about my scholarship, she said, ‘Forget all the other schools you were thinking about.  You’re going to Stillman.’” 

If you imagine that Franchesca is only interested in the glamour and prestige of attending an Ivy League medical school, you don’t know Franchesca.  She is simply passionate about being a great doctor.  “I love new life, and I have always wanted to work in a hospital.  I wouldn’t want to be a plastic surgeon because I don’t care about aesthetics.  I’d rather bring babies into the world.  They are little miracles,” she says emphatically. 

By excelling in academics and going on to attend a top medical school, Franchesca hopes to become an outstanding physician.  No one can predict the future but given her thirst for excellence and vision for the future, there is no doubt that she will be a phenomenal Stillman Woman.