Medical school seems just around the corner for the youngest graduate among the 2,345 students who were eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies at California State University, Stanislaus last weekend.“I think I got here so quickly because professors continually encouraged and challenged me,” said Kamalpreet Gill, 19, who graduated from Manteca High School just three years ago and will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Friday morning. “The key was that I was fortunate to be able to take wonderful courses in the proper sequence with professors who wanted me to make the most of my opportunities.”
Focusing on a biology degree as the first step to medical school, Gill graduated from high school at 16, then took courses at San Joaquin Delta College and in 2008 began coursework at CSU Stanislaus’ Stockton Center.
“Taking 18 units at a time and getting the most out of summer sessions was what made it possible,” said Gill, who was in the Genetics Club at CSU Stanislaus and plans to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) this summer. By this time next year, she hopes to have been admitted to a University of California medical school. She plans to take additional coursework and perhaps shadow a medical professional between now and then.
“At CSU Stanislaus I got to see why it is so popular for Central Valley students,” said Gill. “Every day was a new learning experience, and each one was awesome.”
Gill was joined by her parents and sister, a student at Manteca High School, at the university’s 50th annual commencement ceremonies.
