What I Did Before Medical School | GAP YEAR GLO UP!

Walk down memory lane w me as I recap my 1st gap year before applying to med school 😌🍃✨
As uncertain as I was beginning my gap years, I'm so happy to be able to reflect and see how much I've genuinely grown. This is my story, and I hope it acts as a testament to how impactful gap years can be.
Previous 'Gap Year Advice + Ideas' Video - • Gap Year Before Medica...
Connect w or ask me any questions on Instagram @medisyd 💫- / medisyd
➢ Timestamps -
0:45 Why I Chose to Take 2 Gap Years
2:12 My Gap Year Goals
3:00 What I Did During My Gap Year
17:44 Big Sydster Words of Encouragement
Thank you for stopping by!
- Syd
#medschoolgapyear #medicalschool #premed #whatIdidbeforemedicalschool #medschool #medicalstudent #medstudent #gapyear #gapyearideas #gapyearadvice #medisyd

[@nicothemedstudent1082]

I was so upset about taking a gap year and now that Im in med school I realized that I had so many experiences that I would have missed out on! No regrets at all! Awesome video:)

[@sydneyvdong]

YES! I agree w you 100% Thanks, Nico :-)

[@ellona3645]

Recently graduated with a degree that I'm not fully passionate. I always put school first, gained 10kg, barely made any friends etc. Applied at another UNI but got rejected. My family keeps on forcing me to work but now they totally understand why I'm taking a gap year. My weight has been holding me back from my full potential. This is going to be my glow-up year :) and yes connecting with friends/loved ones has been amazing!

[@sydneyvdong]

Thank you for sharing with me, Chesa! There's a lot of parallels between our stories, and I'm so glad to head that your family is supportive now. THIS is definitely going to be your year - I can feel it 😛

[@camilabaxter2543]

i want to take a gap year in between med school and university because i want a year to get my life together and save up some money. i also want a break from school ngl

[@sydneyvdong]

All amazing reasons to take some time off! I know those were definitely part of mines, and I feel like I came back feeling refreshed and ready to take on school!

[@imanetc]

your videos keep making me emotional!! ty for making these, they're super reassuring :)

[@sydneyvdong]

Good thing I have my permission trip signed w all the feels trips I go on 😅and of course, I'm happy they're reassuring!

[@brianndo]

This vid really hit home. Love it!

[@sydneyvdong]

my eyes read 'this vid hit different' at first haha 😅thanks, Brian! I hope you've been doing well and staying healthy. See you at work ...maybe 🤨

[@LionandLambWorship]

I’m so excited for you showing us your journey, you really give insight and guidance for those within the same boat! Especially for us young women around the same age building the courage to still exceed beyond our potential and pursue our dreams! Love you Syd! xoxo💜🧚🏼

[@sydneyvdong]

Awww Ivette! I'm floored by your sweet sweet words 💕I appreciate your support and your willingness to encourage and inspire others to be strong like you 💪😋

[@biancahdang]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you, Auntie

[@sydneyvdong]

You have such a bright future ahead of you, Bianca!! I'm exciting to see your journey unfold :-)

[@marianaisabel9838]

Thank you for sharing your story! Currently an incoming sophomore in college so I still have a bit to go before med school but have been seriously considering taking a gap year once I graduate. Loved to see how you spent your time gaining different experiences and preparing for medical school!

[@sydneyvdong]

Of course, Mariana! Thank you for stopping by :) Definitely enjoy college and make the most of it! it flashes by before you realize

[@ekeminiudom5731]

You are amazing and thank you for sharing good content! I just graduated and I am preparing for medical school, but have also decided to take 1-2 gap years as well praying that everyone would work out!

[@sydneyvdong]

Aw thank you for your kind words, Ekemini! Ahhh congratulations to you 🥳That sounds like a stellar plan, and I can't wait for your journey to unfold!!

[@cristina48055]

I have never related more to what someone has said in a video. My gap year is incredibly unexpected and I was having a hard time coping with this change, but your video is what I needed to see it in a different light and to remind myself why I really do need this. Thanks for sharing :) if I could like this video a thousand times I would

[@sydneyvdong]

You're so very welcome, Cristina!! The change in perspective was truly what it took to make the most of my gap years, and I hope to share that feeling to anyone going through a similar situation. You're going to be great this gap year!

[@jasminerathor6743]

Sydney this video was so helpful. I’ve been watching your channel for a while now but had no idea you took a gap year. As someone who is on the fence of a gap year, your perspective was great to hear!

[@sydneyvdong]

Aw hi Jasmine! I'll be honest, I don't think I would've been where I am today without the gap years. It was the time I needed to get healthy and feel ready for school. Thank you for supporting my channel, and I'm wishing you the absolute best with whatever you decide is best for you :-)

[@mehekkaunain7699]

Seriously this is my first time watching you but absolutely loved it😍😍

[@sydneyvdong]

Thank you so much!!!

[@kathleenvidanes3663]

Absolutely loved this video!! & finding out that you’re a fellow Asian Am Bruin was super cool as well (‘: I’m about to go into my senior year at ucla & am currently studying for the mcat 😅, also thinking about a gap year/s haha so this was beyond helpful!! you just gained a new subscriber! (: tyyy syd!

[@sydneyvdong]

Aw hi Kathleen! I'm so happy you came across this video. Good luck studying, and I hope senior year is good to you! I'm happy to help :-)

[@bryannacastaneda790]

i’m currently a junior pre med and just came across your video. I’m thinking of taking a gap year to build up more experience since i have not been able to do much during undergrad. this helped me feel more comfortable with thinking of taking a gap year thank you!!

[@sydneyvdong]

Aw hi Bryanna! Whatever you feel like you need to do come time to apply, is the best decision for you. You're going to crush it!!!

[@cob7839]

You’re amazing! Keep it up

[@sydneyvdong]

Daw thank you so much for your support, Chisom 💓

[@andjelailic6051]

I failed my exam for getting in medical university and it was the biggest failure of my life, I never felt worse. I decided I'm going to take a gap year as medicine is something I wanted for my whole life and this year is not going to stop me. This video really motivated me to focus on myself and give myself a break and prepare on what's coming. I have a whole year to prepare myself better for exam for getting into college, do everything I wanted and hadn't had a change before, and enjou my youth one more year before getting into serious and grown up life. I wish everyone who want to study medicine a big support and to know everything will the way it's supposted to be. We will make it happen.💜

[@sydneyvdong]

So incredibly well said! You're going to get there and end up feeling more confident, ready and happy with all the growth you'll experience

[@Ridethewind1427]

Hey. I just subscribed. Originally planned for one year, but decided to push back to two years. I just graduated, so this eases my mind a little.

[@sydneyvdong]

I'm glad! I definitely was unsure what to expect when I made that same decision, but everything truly does work out. Wishing you the best, and thank you for stopping by, Lauren :-)

[@lydieguercin6829]

IM SO PROUD OF YOU EVEN THO we are strangers !!!!

[@sydneyvdong]

Hahaha awww thanks, Lydie!

[@sharizab]

You shooo did girl!!! You literally did all that and then some during your gap year! Such great content and you’re definitely doing amazing things and helping so mannnnyyyy people with your channel! So proud 👏👏👏👏 your gap year was such a year of growth for you! Love you girl 💗💗💗

[@sydneyvdong]

We've been through a journey, but I'm grateful for it! I appreciate you and all of your support 💗 Lub dub lub dub ya.. hehe don't forget about me when you're making that BREAD from making that bread (and then some) 🍞🍠🤤

[@isa3153]

wow, i completely understand why they would accept you! how do you gain so much experience (and so many good opportunities??) i'm a high school student but i'm thinking about taking a gap year before university and after the bachelors... is this a good idea? you just seem like you grew so much in those two years and did things that no one else does in their lifetime!

[@collettevladimery7889]

I love your story! Im currently in my senior year of college... ngl.... I'm freaking out. Any tips on how to be more intentional about gap year activities and making it WORTH IT??? you did so much in two years!!!!

[@sydneyvdong]

Thank you, Collette! I can completely relate - I was feeling that too during my senior year (and honestly into half of my first gap year). Yes! I have a vid with some tips to keep in mind for planning gap years - 1. Focus your narrative 2. Document everything 3. Affiliate yourself with health system 4. Create leadership with passion projects 5. Get life experience (working world, people/relationship building) 6. Develop hard and soft skills 7. Become certified/license 8. Find creative outlets/seek balance! Here's the vid for context - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6OTZ5d9a7Z1ecU In general, my advice would be to do things you genuinely love and want to do, Don't be afraid to say yes to things outside your comfort zone! You'll find out what you love, and the momentum can help regain confidence/ground my 'why medicine.' (from my personal experience!) I'm rooting for you to finish this year strong, Collette! It's definitely an unconventional senior year but momentous regardless. Best of luck and remember to kind to yourself - good things will follow :-)

[@mikaylapham7371]

This is amazing i can relate to some of this so much. i recently took the mcat and wanted to get matriculated right after i graduated but it’s seems like i need to take a gap year. i was looking at a masters program, but this seems more appealing to me. do you think i should try more schooling or just approve my mcat and do these things? i’m so stressed out

[@sydneyvdong]

Hi Mikayla! It depends on what area you'd like to improve on your application. For me, MCAT was the reason I decided to extend my gap year, so to make the most of that time after taking, I wanted to get as much clinical experience as possible. Naturally, that also came with getting to know lots of people in the community which inadvertently strengthened my LORs! I've had some friends who took masters to help with GPA, but one thing to note is that, additional schooling after undergrad is calculated as a separate GPA. It can be helpful though to show how someone became a more solid student in case undergrad GPA was something an applicant worried about. I'd just make sure if you're pursuing a masters, to have it be science/health topic based and something you genuinely enjoy! I'm sorry you're feeling stressed, but I deffffff related to that feeling my senior year. When I made the decision to take more gap years, it was tough but honestly so so good for my app and health! I learned how to be happier, and I honestly think without them, I wouldn't be where I am, mentally and physically lol, today! Best of luck, and I know you got this girl :-)

[@dexterbebe]

Great vid, Syd! What are your plans for the remainder of the spring/summer before you start school?

[@sydneyvdong]

thank you! a nice mix of working from home and spending time w family :-)

[@bronwyntollefson3818]

Hi Sydney! I absolutely love your videos and can't tell you enough how much they have helped me as I navigate college and life as a pre-med student! After watching a few of your videos, I know you mentioned that you did an art for recovery pen-pal project with patients and was wondering how you got involved in that? and if it is available to participate for students not living in the California area? 😊

[@sydneyvdong]

Hi Bronwyn! Aw thank you so much for your kind words - I'm so happy that it's helped you find some peace and reassurance as you navigate your journey :-) Yes, I believe they're open to anyone joining! You can check out their site here! cancer.ucsf.edu/support/afr/firefly

[@JK-pd9wb]

Hi im a new subscriber and love your videos! I am a pre-med student and have gained a lot of tips from your videos :) this question is not related to medical school and might be really random. But you mentioned in the video that you randomly got a lot of acne. Did you do anything (e.g. change routine, facial products) that you did that cleared your skin? I'm asking this because my situation is similar to yours. I usually had very clear skin but it suddenly got very bad (cystic acne). If you have any advice for ance prone skin that would be so amazing!

[@sydneyvdong]

Hi Jade :-) and of course! I'd love to share - I to this day have no idea why it struck me so suddenly at 22. My mom had acne later in life so I was thinking it was the same for me. What started it was my face got severely sunburnt and while the skin was peeling (lol gross), I was thinking it clogged my pores. I was okay thinking my face was purging out the debris, but around month 2 of it still there, I knew it was something deeper. It might've been linked to stress/hormones, but I tried tackling it from inside and outside. I started to drink more water and was stricter on eating less processed foods/refined sugars. Sleeping regularly can help regulate hormones as well. Externally, I started using a spin brush to gently exfoliate with my same cleanser (Neutrogena) for a deeper clean daily. I also used Neutrogena's spot treatment and overtime, the acne calmed down. I stuck with these products since they worked for my skin (combination oily) before. I did try to get a dermatologist referral, but by the time my appointment would have been, my face was showing signs of improvement so I opted out. I'm sorry you're going through that, Jade. :( I hope you're able to find your solution soon!

[@JK-pd9wb]

@@sydneyvdong Thank you so much for replying and giving me info! I started getting acne near that age too, which I thought was quite odd. I hope mine clears up soon too. Have a great day :)

[@sydneyvdong]

@@JK-pd9wb of course! and thank you :-) hope you have a great day, too!

[@nadirarauco1698]

Thank you for your video. I just got into a university as junior transfer student. I have participated in clubs, work in my last college as a mentor and volunteer in my school. However, I am staring my third year next semester without any clinical experience or research. I definitely think I need to take a gap year or two. I don’t know I am confused :( but thank you for your video, it was very helpful 🙏🏽

[@sydneyvdong]

it's never too late! lots of applicants are more service based with a greater emphasis on volunteer work like you have. I started research the later parts of my junior year, and just having experience and talking pts of what you learned is okay (if research isn't your fave). I mostly took the gap years for time to be at a better mind space and retake MCAT (from not being at good mind state), but whatever timeline you feel works best for you, is the best!

[@austinmerigala2490]

Please send your study schedule for the MCAT. Thank you for the video.

[@sydneyvdong]

Hi! I wouldn't recommend my study schedule since it isn't consistent and includes adjustments with life events. I recommend trying to make your own or finding a pre-planned one associated with the content book you decide to learn with. You can adjust that to work better with your schedule.

[@smilepurva999]

Omg you know Jen!!! #zotzot

[@sydneyvdong]

Hehe yes! We're pageant sisters :-)

[@smilepurva999]

How did you become a Clinical Research Coordinator?

[@sydneyvdong]

I looked at some clinical research coordinator postings online and applied! It took awhile before I got some hits, but it's a great entry level job open to recent grads.

[@smilepurva999]

Sydney Dong I see! For some time I was applying to those positions but I gave up because many wanted years of research experience and I only have one solid year. I did undergrad labs too but apparently they want research experience. Have you encountered this? I feel like I can’t add more research experience to my resume until I get into labs and so it’s a vicious cycle 😓

[@sydneyvdong]

@@smilepurva999 Aw I'm sorry, Purva :( That's strange - I'd say undergrad lab experience is super valuable! I had 1.5 years of translational research in undergrad, but no serious clinical research. I mentioned that I had experience working EPIC and RedCap (clinical research survey platform) in minor clinical research associate roles, and I think my job took a chance on me since I had some leadership experience and seemed organized haha. The job is definitely teachable! For you, if you still want a CRC position, I'd say don't give up! Hiring might be slower now due to COVID, but if on your application you can emphasize previous experiences with data tracking, working heavily on team-based projects, research familiarity, and interpersonal skills (working w people is SUPER big with consenting and communication in general), then a job may come up! The soft skills are very important, and the 'hard' or more technical aspects are usually teachable. Also, I was persistent with the follow-up and heavily structured cover letters/resumes to the companies I applied to. That extra TLC may help give you that competitive edge!

[@smilepurva999]

Sydney Dong thank u so so much

[@sydneyvdong]

@@smilepurva999 of course!

[@kevindong8719]

beware, this what happens when you mess with medisyd 16:01

[@sydneyvdong]

yah so stop doing 15:51 to me

[@ztl2518]

I like you content but it would be better if you could skip all the bs and highlight the more valuable part of your experience...

[@sydneyvdong]

This is a reflection video for myself, so all details are important. My other informational videos have timestamps and are more concise. You can refer to those or watch another channel