From Memphis to Medicine

As a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Sciences, Michelle Le’s journey from high school to college is a story of the power of perseverance, self-discovery and resilience.

From her beginnings in Memphis, Tennessee playing high school lacrosse to navigating the intricate web of collegiate life, her path demonstrates the importance of prioritizing one’s passions while embracing newfound opportunities.

Beginnings and Inspirations  

Le hit her stride when she discovered the sport of lacrosse as a freshman in high school.

“I had never played a sport before lacrosse, but it ended up being the right fit for me,” Le recalled. “I wanted to try ‘the fastest sport on two feet’ and I became obsessed with it. I made some of my best friends from the sport and I stay connected with my high school coaches who still inspire me to continue playing.”

Le was inspired to pursue health care by her mom who is a medical technologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Le was fascinated by her mom’s work running hematology tests and urinalyses in the lab.

“Her work taught me about the intricacies of the human body and diagnosing illnesses, sparking my interest in the medical field. Seeing her impact on children’s lives motivated me to follow in her footsteps,” Le said.

Choices and Transitions: Adapting to College Life

With a passion for lacrosse and medicine, Le sought a university that supported both interests. Her high school lacrosse coach recommended University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis.

“Even though I didn’t originally have a small campus in mind, I decided to visit UHSP,” Le recalled. “After seeing what the school had to offer, it felt like it fit because I could have a personalized experience.”

Feeling confident that UHSP was the school for her, Le committed to the inaugural Eutectics Women’s Lacrosse team and officially joined the team in the fall of 2022.

“There were so many things to do on campus and I had to learn how to prioritize my classes, social life and lacrosse, and make sure I had time to rest,” Le stated.

Today, Le has found her balance. In addition to being a member of the lacrosse team, she is involved in the Student Government Association, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, eSports and the Pre-Med Club. She also joined the Eutectics Women’s Soccer team.

“Being at a smaller school gives me the chance to be more involved and meet more people,” Le said. “I like having different circles of friends, but it’s important to find that balance with all the things I’m involved in, so I don’t exhaust myself.”

I didn’t originally have a small school in mind. After seeing what [UHSP] had to offer, it felt like it fit because I could have a personalized experience. Being at a smaller school gives me the chance to be more involved and meet more people.

Finding Support

Being as involved as Le is in campus life and taking challenging courses as a Biomedical Sciences major, she relies on her roommate and fellow lacrosse team members for support.

“Many of my teammates are in the same classes as me, so we study together and support each other academically, and my roommate is one of my best friends,” Le said. “We all hold each other accountable with managing our time and they are there to keep me going and give me encouragement when I need it.”

Le also finds support from her professors.

“I have such a close relationship with my professors because they know who I am and make me feel like I can make a difference,” Le noted. “They make me feel valued and are aware of my interests and everything I am involved in, and they are always willing to help me when I need it.”

I have such a close relationship with my professors because they know who I am and make me feel like I can make a difference. They make me feel valued and are aware of my interests and everything I am involved in, and they are always willing to help me when I need it.

Looking Ahead

Through engaging in classes like Human Anatomy and Global History of Medicine and Pharmacy, Le says she has plans to attend medical school.

“I enjoyed learning how our body’s systems are intertwined and want to devote my life to helping others and reducing medical disparities,” Le explained.

Beyond medical school, Le says she’s excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

“The best part of my personality is that I don’t like to quit,” Le said. “I like to dabble in everything. I’m a ‘never say no’ type of person and that is what stands out most about me and drives me to achieve my goals.”

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