Erin-Michael Tyler-Attending the Atlanta University Center Graduate School Fair

Attending the Atlanta University Center Graduate School Fair was an enriching experience that clarified my path toward medical school and strengthened my motivation to become a dermatologist. What resonated with me most during the event was the diversity of programs represented, especially those in medicine and health sciences. Representatives were approachable and transparent about admissions expectations, financial aid, and student support. I appreciated how many schools emphasized diversity in healthcare and the importance of serving underrepresented communities. A weakness, however, was the event’s crowded layout, which made it difficult to have meaningful one-on-one conversations with all the schools I was interested in. Future fairs could improve by offering digital directories or scheduled time slots for specific programs, allowing students to make deeper, more intentional connections.

This experience tied directly to my studies in health sciences at Spelman and my growing understanding of healthcare disparities. It reinforced a pattern I’ve noticed in both my coursework and personal research, the future of medicine is shifting toward a more holistic, patient-centered approach. Seeing medical schools prioritize empathy and inclusion made me feel even more confident in pursuing a specialty that allows me to advocate for those whose skin and stories are often overlooked.

The fair also had a significant impact on my goals and future plans. Speaking with medical school representatives gave me a clearer sense of what I need to strengthen in my preparation, especially gaining more clinical exposure and research experience related to dermatology. I plan to seek shadowing opportunities and community service that address dermatologic conditions in underserved populations. I also intend to stay in touch with the schools that best align with my values, using their advice to guide my academic and professional development.

Several key ideas from the fair deepened my understanding of what it means to pursue medicine. Representatives emphasized that being a successful physician requires both intellectual skill and moral clarity. That perspective challenged me to think about my purpose in medicine beyond achievement or prestige. I realized that my desire to become a dermatologist is rooted not only in science but also in the ability to restore confidence, dignity, and self-love through healing.

Ultimately, the fair contributed to my personal and academic growth by reaffirming my sense of direction and strengthening my confidence in the journey ahead. It reminded me that pursuing medicine is about more than reaching a career goal, it’s about committing to lifelong learning, empathy, and service. Moving forward, I will continue to apply what I learned by preparing intentionally, seeking mentorship, and keeping my focus on the kind of doctor I want to become: one who combines knowledge with compassion and purpose.

Erin-Michael Tyler CO 2029