First Generation in Medicine at Oakland University held its first general body meeting on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in Room 127 at the Oakland Center.
The student organization provides resources, mentorship, and a supportive community for first-generation students pursuing careers in medicine.
The meeting began with an introduction to the group and the opportunities it offers first-generation students. The organization strives to create a welcoming and supportive space where students can connect with peers, gain knowledge, and develop skills as they pursue careers in healthcare.
Through mentorship, workshops, volunteer opportunities and access to career resources, students receive guidance on navigating the path into medicine. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical tips on applications, resumes, interviews, and ways to obtain patient-care experience.
Angela Poles, a junior majoring in health sciences and pre-health professional, and president of First Generation in Medicine at OU, explained how the group was formed.
“I came up with this group as an idea on my own and I thought of members who are also first-generation students and people who I know and trust,” Poles said. “The board members I chose were people who I knew had the same goals as me while understanding the struggle of being a first-generation college student,”
Poles also discussed the unique challenges that first-generation students encounter when navigating healthcare pathways on their own.
“Being a first-generation in medicine student comes with its own difficulties,” Poles said. “It’s hard not relying on anyone to guide you through the college life of medicine and experiencing that on your own is a troubling feeling.”
“The point of me making this group is to help students not have this feeling,” Poles said. “My goal is to be the helping hand that most students don’t have being first generation.”
Poles added that personal experiences inspired the creation of a space where students could seek guidance, share advice, and build meaningful connections.
“I understand the feeling of having nowhere to go for advice or connections for a job or volunteering so I put myself in a place to be that person for other people,” Poles said.
Asal Mrjanh, a sophomore majoring in biology and vice president of First Generation in Medicine at OU, explained how the group provides valuable support and resources for students pursuing careers in medicine.
“It is important because we will be interacting with prior students who were first generation and ask them how they got by,” Mrjanh said.
“The first meeting was to introduce the board to members and share general information about different paths in medicine,” Mrjanh said. “We hope to keep making events and that people benefit from them.”
Mrjanh highlighted the resources the group plans to offer to students.
“We will provide guest speakers, job opportunities, and volunteering,” Mrjanh said. “I intend to eventually keep building volunteer opportunities and resources as we grow in the group, especially on how to apply to any of the programs they want to get into, helpful tips and what to watch out for during the application process.”
The group plans to continue growing its membership and expanding resources for first-generation students pursuing healthcare careers. Through regular meetings, mentorship and professional opportunities, First Generation in Medicine at OU hopes to build a strong, supportive community.
