I met Russell Ledet @thguywithyes a few months ago on Twitter. When he shared his #humblebeginings I was blown away. Thank you @TeenVogue for allowing me to write about his journey.
This is a great story of how one can "Climb the Ramp of Medicine."
teenvogue.com/story/racial-d…
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This is a great story of how one can "Climb the Ramp of Medicine."
teenvogue.com/story/racial-d…
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Exposure
He hadn't planned to attend college growing up. I recognized his perspective; it wasn't a common part of our upbringing (in families/at school) to be pushed to attend college. That lack of exposure to Black success stifles talent in our Black communities.
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He hadn't planned to attend college growing up. I recognized his perspective; it wasn't a common part of our upbringing (in families/at school) to be pushed to attend college. That lack of exposure to Black success stifles talent in our Black communities.
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Mentorship
After 10 years in the US Navy, he went to college. His professor saw his potential. After hearing he planned to become a social worker she set him up to be mentored by a Black researcher and from that relationship he was inspired to get a PhD from @nyuniversity.
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After 10 years in the US Navy, he went to college. His professor saw his potential. After hearing he planned to become a social worker she set him up to be mentored by a Black researcher and from that relationship he was inspired to get a PhD from @nyuniversity.
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Ambition
While Russell Ledet was getting his college degree he was a security guard for ~ 4 years at his local hospital. He would watch doctors walk past him daily and say to himself, "that could be me one day." He used to escort doctors around the hospital, to the ER & OR.
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While Russell Ledet was getting his college degree he was a security guard for ~ 4 years at his local hospital. He would watch doctors walk past him daily and say to himself, "that could be me one day." He used to escort doctors around the hospital, to the ER & OR.
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Persistence
After completing his PhD, on the day his daughter was born, he received notice that he was accepted to an MD/MBA program @Tulane. The same hospital he was once a security guard standing on the ramp outside, would now see him, a Black father, as a medical student.
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After completing his PhD, on the day his daughter was born, he received notice that he was accepted to an MD/MBA program @Tulane. The same hospital he was once a security guard standing on the ramp outside, would now see him, a Black father, as a medical student.
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Funding
Russell Ledet has been provided a chance to pursue his careers (PhD, MD, and MBA) without having to pay for his education. There are already enough structural barriers for POCs in education, controlling financial strain allows students to focus on the opportunity.
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Russell Ledet has been provided a chance to pursue his careers (PhD, MD, and MBA) without having to pay for his education. There are already enough structural barriers for POCs in education, controlling financial strain allows students to focus on the opportunity.
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Advocacy
Students like Russell Ledet need a protected space to speak about the strengths and weaknesses of their educational experiences. Leaders and administrators should welcome the feedback based on lived experiences.
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Students like Russell Ledet need a protected space to speak about the strengths and weaknesses of their educational experiences. Leaders and administrators should welcome the feedback based on lived experiences.
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Thank you @TeenVogue for allowing me to interview @theguywithyes. Russell and I spoke about this experience recently and would love to hear from others about your journey and #humblebeginnings. Please share with us your journey climbing the ramp.
