The Harker School had two medical students – who also happen to be Harker graduates – stop by upper school science teacher Anita Chetty’s classroom in late November. Alfred See and Geetanjali Vajapey, both from the Class of 2004, spoke to three different classes about what being in med school is really like, giving soon-to-be-college students an insider’s look into both the major and the career it leads to.

They emphasized that the skills one needs to become a doctor are not found entirely in books or classrooms. In fact, what you learn in school means nothing if you can’t calmly and professionally apply the knowledge to a human being in need. One needs the ability to remain calm in emergency situations (something doctors may deal with almost daily) and to have excellent customer service skills (as doctors speak with many patients every week).

The pair of students was home for Thanksgiving break when they decided to drop in and surprise Chetty, their former teacher. See, Chetty says, was also interviewing for a residency. Chetty was pleased to see both of them, especially considering they were only home for a few days. It’s a nice reminder that Harker is truly a family – even after graduation – whose students are always willing to share their time and expertise.