This week we're spotlighting Josie, an Economics and MCAT tutor based in Boston. Josie attended Amherst College and majored in Economics and Environmental Studies. She's currently pursuing her MD at Harvard Medical School! Interested in working with Josie, either in-person in Boston, or online? Check out Josie's tutor page here.
1) Tell us about where you grew up, and what your world looked like.
I grew up in rural Vermont at the end of a half-mile long driveway. I was closer to the Appalachian Trail than to my closest neighbor and had a 1.5 mile walk home from the bus (and don't worry, I definitely complained to my parents about it!). As a result, I spent a lot of time outside as a kid.
2) What did you decide to study, and why?
I studied economics and environmental studies. I was fairly certain I was interested in medicine before college, but knew that I had plenty of time to study science for the rest of my life, so I decided to take advantage of my liberal arts education. After taking my first econ class at Amherst, I knew I was hooked.
3) What are you up to now? How did you decide to pursue this?
Most of my time these days is devoted to biochemistry, immunology, and all the other classes typical of the first year of medical school. Ever since I was a kid, I have always been interested in medicine, though I took a roundabout route by doing health economics and health policy research for several years before starting medical school.
4) What do you imagine your life will look like in 5-10 years?
In about 5-10 years, I'll be drowning in medical residency, but hopefully I will still have time to play outdoors with my dog, spend time with friends and family, and cook dinner every night.5) What’s a lesson you’ve learned from teaching?
6) What’s something you’ve changed your mind about?
7) What daily routines or habits are most important for you to do your work?
Ever since I could walk, I've played as many sports as possible, whether it be ice hockey, cross-country skiing, lacrosse, or cycling. When life is particularly hectic, my time devoted to being outside and active is precious time during which I can reflect and recharge. Cooking for myself and/or friends is also some of my favorite time to just listen to NPR and take a break from work.
8) Describe your perfect weekend morning.
9) What are 3 non-generic things that you’re grateful for?
Scott Simon (because his voice! And he reminds me of Saturday mornings at home when I was a kid), dark chocolate (no explanation needed), and fresh powder (because there are unlimited fun activities when there are several feet of snow on the ground).
10) Tell us a story from your childhood. Or, introduce us to your 15 year old self.
I broke three bones by the age of 4. I broke one arm when I fell off a jungle gym at age 2, I broke my other arm falling down the stairs at age 3, and I broke my leg skiing at age 4. My mom started me skiing at one and a half (because she wanted to go, and she couldn't leave me at home) so for that first year I would ski in between her legs. So by age 4, I was in that stage of skiing where you ski straight down the hill without turning. While skiing straight down and obviously going way too fast, I fell over and broke my leg. My mom was in denial and thought that it wasn't broken, so she didn’t take me to the doctor right away. That evening we were having dinner with a friend who was an orthopedic surgeon, and he said, “Yeah, you should probably take her to a doctor!”
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