I had the pleasure of interviewing Natalie Stopf, our director of the Pre-Med Program, to talk about everything Pre-Med and what the program entails for volunteers and students in need! In this blog we’ll go over Natalies background in Pre-Med, her approach to the program, and how students or volunteers can get in touch!
An Introduction to the Director
From a small town in Virginia, Natalie is a Senior in high school pursuing emergency medicine. She is an NREMT with lab research experience, and has used her involvement with Pre-Med as her foundation as the director of our Pre-Med program. As a founder of her own internship-help group, Natalie hopes to further impact students with Next Light!
- Question: What made you qualified to be the director of the Pre-Med Program?
Answer: “I have research and clinical experience, and in my own organization I provided students with online research opportunities that helped them have the background that would get them inside of a real lab. Obviously you can’t give inexperienced students expensive machinery, but through the program I hosted we gave them that basic experience to get them into higher level programs. That’s what I’m hoping to do here!”
About the Pre-Med Program
Pre-Med is among four resource centers at The Next Light Foundation, run by volunteers that provide personalized internship recommendations and mentorship. One of Natalies goals with the program is to create a supportive community among her volunteers where everyone wants each other to succeed and wants students to do well.
- Question: What is your vision(s) for the Pre-Med Program?
Answer: “My main vision is to work together on applications and essays, I think it would be good to have group essay reviews. I know that medicine essays are a big thing and I also want to do mini-lessons about different careers, how to find experience, good certifications, and obviously our main goal which is helping students find opportunities and helping them apply.”
What could the Pre-Med Program mean for you?
- For Students: If you are a high school student or beyond looking for experience in Pre-Med internships, programs, or earning certificates, our Pre-Med program is where you need to look. Our volunteers will provide you with information personalized to you, and mentor you throughout the process of landing the internships you apply to.
- For Volunteers: If you are in middle school or beyond interested in Pre-Med and looking for volunteer hours, I highly recommend volunteering with our Pre-Med program! Under the guidance of Natalie, you will research Pre-Med internships, provide customized internship recommendations, and mentor students trying to land an internship. Not only does it look great on your resume or college application, you get the chance to impact students nationwide!
How to get in Touch
Whether you want to volunteer or are looking for internship assistance, I’ll show you how to get in contact with them! If you’re unsure about volunteering, see Natalies advice below.
- Question: “What do you have to say to students who want to volunteer with the Pre-Med Program but are unsure?
Answer: “I think just take a shot, and figure it out! There’s no harm in taking an opportunity to see if you enjoy it or not.”
To volunteer with us, visit our volunteer opportunities page below, select committee member, and fill out an application:
If you’re a student seeking internship assistance, click on the link below and select Pre-Med, then fill out the form so our volunteers can find personalized internships for you!
Conclusion
To summarize Next Light’s Pre-Med Program, it is the place to go to no matter your age if you are looking for experience in Pre-Med, whether that means volunteering with us or acquiring mentorship as you search for and apply for internships. Our director Natalie is very excited to work with a variety of volunteers and students and use her prior experiences in Pre-Med and internship help to help you achieve your goals.
Check back in every Monday for more blogs on the Next Light Foundation! Thanks for reading.