An Aspiring Doctor: a Student Spotlight on Ayan Mohamed

When asked to describe herself in a few words, Ayan Mohamed, a Junior at SJSU currently studying Biology, says “Passionate for what she wants.” Ayan’s passion for medicine and making a difference in the world is palpable. She has a flame burning within her, sparked by both her parents and her native country, Somalia. 

Her story unfolds in 2019, when she embarked on a life-changing trip to her native country Somalia for the first time. Witnessing the stark absence of adequate healthcare, she was deeply moved. Her family, half-jokingly aspiring to become doctors themselves, struggled to access the care they needed. Inspired by this experience, Ayan made a resolute decision - she would become a doctor and make a difference. 

Her early years were marked by frequent moves, language barriers, and behavioral challenges in school. As the only Somali and Muslim student in her classes, Ayan faced isolation. However, as she slowly found a community around her, she put herself on a new path and began a focus on her education. Now that she’s met her Somalian family, she has an even greater purpose. 

Ayan’s passion for medicine now fuels a hectic schedule preparing for medical school applications. Aside from preparing for the MCAT, she immerses herself in diverse experiences from research labs to shadowing doctors to clinical work at El Camino Hospital. She also gives back to her community through mentoring activities through the Illuminate Family organization, a nonprofit that works to empower and support youth and families in the Bay Area. 

Her close relationship with her mentor, Yixiu Bagley, allowed her to receive the support she needed learning to navigate the college system, especially as a first generation college student. She looks forward to continued support from her mentor as she begins preparing for medical school applications. The financial aid she receives from the Reach Foundation has been key in relieving the burden of MCAT prep books, school supplies, exam fees, and everything else that goes into the journey to medical school. 

Ayan feels incredibly lucky that she gets to live a life her parents were never able to as immigrants who were not fortunate enough to complete higher education. She has scholarships, a college education, food, a roof over her head. Now she finally has the chance to reach goals her parents couldn’t. 

Looking ahead, Ayan envisions herself at one of her top medical school choices in the coming years - UCSF, UCLA, or NYU. Further down the road, she sees herself realizing her dream as a neonatologist, specializing in the delicate care of newborns in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). 

Ayan Mohamed’s journey is a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of education, mentorship, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion. As she continues to navigate her path towards medical school, Ayan remains steadfast in her commitment to creating positive change in the world of healthcare.

Supporting our students, like Ayan, is central to the Reach Foundation’s purpose. We empower our students as they pursue higher education and achieve their career aspirations. Consider getting involved through mentoring or donating to The Reach Foundation today.