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�ڰ�����APP encourages first-generation students in their pursuit of healthcare education by offering supportive events, such as a panel discussion about networking and a celebration of the national first-generation day on the Downers Grove Campus. 

Networking Panel Discussion

During the networking informational event, a faculty, staff, and student panel discussion was held comprised of Hilal Arnouk, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Pathology, College of Graduate Studies (CGS); Kathleen O’Hagan, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM); Jason Jaskulski, Senior Financial Aid Administrator, Student Financial Services; Biomedical Sciences student Jacob Dowd (CGS-Downers Grove MBS ’25); medical student Caitlin Hill (CCOM ’27); dental student Erica Sanford (CDMI ’26); optometry student Amisha Gandhi (CCO ’27); medical student Yashika Shekhar (CCOM ’27); and dental student Diem Tran (CDMI ’27).

Dr. Arnouk shared with the attendees that one-third of their time should be spent networking. “Networking is like planting a seed. You network with people without preconditions, and, one day, you don’t know when the connection is going to be helpful to you,” he said. He added that the students should not open a conversation by asking for a favor because people will take it negatively. He emphasized the importance of quality communication, especially because they will be busy working professionals with limited time. To maintain connection, he discussed asking about contacts’ birthdays when they first meet, entering them into a calendar, and then sending out birthday greetings. Dr. Arnouk also advised the students to meet new people and not to cluster with people they know at networking events. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself that every connection you make is going to be useful. There’s nothing to lose if you spend five minutes introducing yourself. Eventually, just like molecules in chemistry, you’re going to hit a reaction,” Dr. Arnouk described. 

Dr. O’Hagan reflected on advice that she received about the importance of meeting new people in scientific meetings and keeping up with the new contacts. “Collaboration is a big aspect of scientific work. That goes toward the interpersonal aspect of things in maintaining the connection by seeing the contacts again, saying hello, and asking them how their work is going. You never know where that leads.” She also advised the students, “Employers will hire people that they know, or who come with a recommendation from someone they know. If there’s a way that they get to know someone more than what’s on a piece of paper, it could be a chink in the door that might be enough to get you at least an interview.” 

Mr. Jaskulski emphasized to the attendees the importance of maintaining connections. “You’ll be surprised just how a quick email or check in affects people.” He also shared that he sets calendar reminders to reach out to contacts to keep the professional relationship going. 

Biomedical Sciences student Jacob Dowd (CGS-Downers Grove MBS ’25) offered a piece of advice. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You never know who is going to be that network piece for you,” he said. Jacob described a story from his past when he worked in an ice rink and had trouble with calculus homework. When he expressed his concern to a teacher, he was put in touch with a contact of the teacher who brought their children to the ice rink at 6 a.m. Jacob connected with the contact who tutored him in calculus during that time. 

Medical student Caitlin Hill (CCOM ’27) emphasized the importance of expanding support networks among medical students, continuing that as a second-year medical student, she reaches out to third-year medical students to ask about studying for certain classes or picking out rotations. She also advised the attendees to keep up with their hobbies. “As students, we’re always thinking about what will look good on the resume. Stay connected to something you love to do, and you’ll be surprised by how quickly your network expands,” Caitlin elaborated. 

Dental student Erica Sanford (CDMI ’26) stated, “Networking allowed me to find opportunities and get advice about a variety of different things on my journey to dental school and throughout dental school as well.” She also said that when she receives letters of recommendation, she sends personalized thank you cards. 

Dental student Diem Tran (CDMI ’27) concurred with Erica and added that a mailed handwritten thank you card following an interview can be beneficial. “They’ll remember who you are because you just interviewed with them,” Diem continued.  

Optometry student Amisha Gandhi (CCO ’27) discussed, “Events like this bring in connections, and puts you in contact with people you may know at places you would like to work at later.”

Medical student Yashika Shekhar (CCOM ’27) added, “I think networking is really important because once you find an opportunity that you’re interested in, you talk to someone, and sometimes they’ll let you know about another opportunity that you didn’t even know existed.”

Following the panel discussion, Diem and one of her mentees, Biomedical Sciences student Hadi Dahbour (CGS-Downers Grove MABS ’25), reflected upon their mentorship experience. Hadi shared, “Diem’s in the career I want to be in as a dental student. She gave me confidence going through my master’s program, always giving me words of affirmation, encouragement, and the right mental space to push through.” Diem echoed, “Being in this position, I can add to someone’s confidence. I know how it helped me when someone offers words of encouragement. And I tell my mentees all the time that it gets better.”

National First-Generation College Celebration Day

�ڰ�����APP celebrated National First-Generation College Celebration Day in November. Attendees received a first-generation pin and learned about the University chapter of Tri-Alpha, the National First-Generation Honor Society, as well as the first-generation support and services offered by the University. 

Psychology student Isabel Gampon (CHS-Downers Grove Clin Psych ’29) described her experience with other first-generation students. “The conversations I’ve had with them, whether it be the other first-year students or mentors in the program has been very beneficial to me, and it makes me really comfortable knowing that I’m not the only one experiencing this.” She added, “There’s a bigger sense of pride when you meet other people who are first-generation in programs here at Midwestern.”

Optometry student Cody Halligan (CCO ’28) shared, “First-generation experience can at times feel like the weight of not only the world, but more importantly the weight of your family is on your shoulders for either what you or your family perceive it to be. As long as you’re making yourself proud, I firmly believe in my heart of hearts that your family will be proud of you.”

Optometry student Vanessa Hanusiak (CCO ’28) described the importance of events for first-generation support. Vanessa said, “It brings attention that there are resources like this for all first-generation students. While there are more barriers to go through, there’s also pride that I was able to work hard to get to where I am.”

First-Generation Support

�ڰ�����APP supports the unique journey of first-generation students through campus events, informative talks such as networking tips, and membership in Tri-Alpha. As first-generation students pursue a variety of healthcare careers, they are also surrounded and inspired by success stories of first-generation faculty, staff, and students who understand and share the first-generation experience.