A double major in biochemistry and Spanish, Melissa Pelkey’19 knew in high school that medical school was in her future. She entered Beloit planning to be a doctor but graduated wanting to be a doctor, a researcher, and a human rights advocate.

At Beloit, Melissa prepared herself for the future by seizing opportunities on and off campus. She distinguished herself in track and field, served as a health care volunteer in rural Guatemala and at Beloit Memorial Hospital, and conducted research on antibiotic resistance.

“The small class sizes and focus on group work at Beloit prepared me to thrive in a field that is so dependent on teamwork and helped me to appreciate the value in collaborating with others when trying to accomplish a common goal,” she says. “Beloit helped me to develop a sense of confidence in myself and independence, which I think will help me throughout medical school not only to be a successful student but also to enjoy the work I am doing while maintaining my mental health and happiness.”

Melissa works at Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wis., as an emergency department technician and plans to enter medical school in August 2020.