4 answers
Aliyah
Student
Madison, Alabama
1
Question
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As an incoming freshman in college should I be worried about the current political climate?
As an incoming freshman in college, should I be worried about the current political climate we are in? More specifically is it an attainable goal to get out of med school with minimal debt, a strong 401k, and be able to thrive?
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4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Aliyah,
Honestly, anybody should be worried about the current political climate. But in the meantime, you still need to get an education and do something with your life.
Medicine is a solid choice. No matter what is going on, people will always get sick. It's an expensive education, but nobody can take an education away from you, while savings and property can go down the drain rather quickly. The freedom and mobility that comes with a medical degree is definitely worth it. It's a long education, but you'll earn a bachelors on the way that you can fall back on if necessary.
I hope this helps - a bit! I am sorry that you have to deal with this at such a young age. All the best to you! You'll be ok.
KP
Honestly, anybody should be worried about the current political climate. But in the meantime, you still need to get an education and do something with your life.
Medicine is a solid choice. No matter what is going on, people will always get sick. It's an expensive education, but nobody can take an education away from you, while savings and property can go down the drain rather quickly. The freedom and mobility that comes with a medical degree is definitely worth it. It's a long education, but you'll earn a bachelors on the way that you can fall back on if necessary.
I hope this helps - a bit! I am sorry that you have to deal with this at such a young age. All the best to you! You'll be ok.
KP
Travis Guzzardo
Accounting
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Travis’s Answer
While I think it's entirely natural and reasonable to feel uncertainties about the political climate, I think that at your stage, it's more important simply to focus on your own development. Politics ebb and flow over time, but realistically, they have much less of an impact on your day-to-day career post-college than the true skills/experiences you'll develop for yourself during your time in college.
To your specific question, I think the medical profession is still a wonderful one to get into - and as Karin said, there will always be a need for doctors. But as an incoming college freshman, my advice would be for you to spend time in college to branch out and see what kinds of things excite you! There are so many different opportunities and careers out there, and finding one that makes you happy - i.e., one where you'd actually be excited to go to work every day - is incredibly important. Finding and entering a career/field that makes you happy makes withstanding the pressures of the evolving political environment so much easier.
To your specific question, I think the medical profession is still a wonderful one to get into - and as Karin said, there will always be a need for doctors. But as an incoming college freshman, my advice would be for you to spend time in college to branch out and see what kinds of things excite you! There are so many different opportunities and careers out there, and finding one that makes you happy - i.e., one where you'd actually be excited to go to work every day - is incredibly important. Finding and entering a career/field that makes you happy makes withstanding the pressures of the evolving political environment so much easier.
Dustin Croy, CPA
Audit Senior Manager
1
Answer
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
Focus on building skills, staying flexible, and making smart financial decisions early — like budgeting, saving, and exploring scholarships or internships. These are things you can control, and they’ll help you thrive no matter what the broader environment looks like.
You’re already ahead by asking thoughtful questions. But most importantly, don’t let the uncertainty steal your joy. College is a time to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience. Stay curious, take care of yourself, and give yourself space to explore. You’ve got time, and you’re not alone in figuring it out!
You’re already ahead by asking thoughtful questions. But most importantly, don’t let the uncertainty steal your joy. College is a time to learn, grow, and enjoy the experience. Stay curious, take care of yourself, and give yourself space to explore. You’ve got time, and you’re not alone in figuring it out!
Subir Singh Sehdev
Learning and Development Cost Management
6
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Subir Singh’s Answer
The short answer is yes, you will be able to thrive. Medicine is a great choice.
The important thing to remember is time. This career is a huge time investment and there will be late nights where you will forget or stop caring about that. You will be exhausted and overwhelmed. It's how you navigate and manage those times that will determine if you want to thrive or not. You will not get it right every time. The expectation should be to learn from those moments and take care of yourself so you can thrive tomorrow.
If you think of your time as an investment, the work you are doing may seem easier. If that doesn't work for you, look around and be introspective and as time goes on you will find the best mindset that works for you. It's a journey.
The important thing to remember is time. This career is a huge time investment and there will be late nights where you will forget or stop caring about that. You will be exhausted and overwhelmed. It's how you navigate and manage those times that will determine if you want to thrive or not. You will not get it right every time. The expectation should be to learn from those moments and take care of yourself so you can thrive tomorrow.
If you think of your time as an investment, the work you are doing may seem easier. If that doesn't work for you, look around and be introspective and as time goes on you will find the best mindset that works for you. It's a journey.