The young doctors : Nico Espinosa , Eric Denha , Chris Sesi , Alex Krupiak , and Michael Sessine .
How did having your 2012 classmates studying alongside you impact your studies ?
Denha : It was nice knowing that I could always rely on these guys , especially when we had the same classes and were able to study together . It was also helpful that we had each other to push us through the process of applying to med school , including the entrance exams we had to take .
Espinosa : I would not be where I am today if it wasn ’ t for the support of my high school classmates . Throughout college , we took courses together , studied with each other , and even lived together . We helped bolster each other through difficult premedical classes and later applying to medical school . For a few of us , we were fortunate enough to continue together as medical students , where we would eventually practice physical exam skills and even teach each other suturing techniques .
Krupiak : Being at Michigan with these guys was always helpful . Sometimes we would all study together . It was especially inspiring to see them working so hard during the difficult courses of a premedical degree and that motivated me to work diligently as well .
Sesi : There is no doubt that my classmates helped pave the current path I am on . The science curriculum at Brother Rice was certainly challenging ; however , going through it alongside other hardworking classmates helped provide some much-needed motivation . The fun we had along the way , whether on the soccer field or out elsewhere , also definitely helped get me through more difficult times .
Sessine : Not only were we high school classmates , but we were also all , and still are , really good friends . I can ’ t even begin to recall the amount of time that we have spent studying together with practice questions , flashcards , phone calls , and late-night reviews . Medical school is tough but having that built-in support system made things much easier . And that did not end in medical school . The nice thing about having close friends in so many different specialties is that we all have a limitless toolbox to tap into when we have questions about our patients .
How did Brother Rice help prepare you for the rigors of medical school ?
Denha : Brother Rice tremendously prepared me for not only undergrad , but also med school . Some of the rigorous classes we had together always pushed us to think and engage in self-directed learning — something we do every day . The teachers I had were one of the biggest factors behind that .
Espinosa : I felt the wide variety of honors and AP courses helped me give me a leg up early on in college . Taking the tougher classes in high school helped me perform well in premedical courses to bolster my application for medical school .
Krupiak : Brother Rice set me on the right track for undergraduate and dental school studies . The practices and habits I learned there in time management started a solid foundation for future success .
Sesi : Courses were undoubtedly difficult ; however , success was made possible by excellent instruction , motivation , and communication skills demonstrated by our teachers . My experiences out of the classroom also helped prepare me for the difficulties I would eventually encounter in medical school and beyond . My time on the soccer field and the obstacles presented throughout each season helped shape my mentality , instill perseverance , and prepare me for challenges ahead .
Sessine : Getting into medical school requires you to take quite a bit of initiative in college . At Brother Rice , the ability to take such a variety of AP classes and push ourselves helped cultivate that culture . In addition , teachers in all classes challenged us throughout high school .
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