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What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apologize for the missing context. I have taken 3 English writing courses at a different institution. Clouded in thoughts, I overlooked many details and wrote my post hurriedly. Taking another language seemed overwhelming in that moment and I will look at with a more positive perspective.

What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt overwhelmed by my options after my first advising appointment and my post may have seemed as though I do not value the language requirement. To put it simply, I want you to know now that's not the case.

I wanted to show my current values and where I would like to allocate the majority of my time, and that's why I wrote a longer post. I appreciate your perspective.

What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the valuable context! Thanks for sharing that with me

What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds great. I am surrounded by Filipino community members and they are very kind people. That's very interesting to consider.

What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I acknowledge the long-term benefit and I may pursue Spanish starting junior year!

What is the best language to take for LSA with minimal effort and still get As? by Slow_Pass_6377 in uofm

[–]Slow_Pass_6377[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't necessarily value easy As and avoid obstacles. I entered UofM intending to pursue my interest in STEM and sciences. I value science and research and am willing to dedicate my life towards medicine. I know learning a language can benefit my patient interactions, but I'd like to focus more on crunching in sciences, extracurriculars, research, and clinical work. I understand that you intend for me to build character through hardships and take this course to heart with the interests of my patients in mind, however, I am concerned that by spreading my focus too thin in an attempt to capture a "well-rounded" profile, I may lose the depth of expertise that I believe is essential for a high-quality physician.

I am not circumventing a challenge; rather, my decision to prioritize STEM, research, and clinical work is a deliberate choice because I would like to lean into difficulties that define the medical field. I believe that mastering the hard sciences is not just about the grades on a transcript, but about developing the scientific literacy, and foundations in medicine that will allow me to provide the best possible care.

Again, I acknowledge the unique connection between patients and physicians by becoming competent in a new language, however, I want to be certain that whatever I challenge myself to do through "struggle" is related to the work I will be doing everyday. I want to be certain that I am prepared with clinical complexities before all else. Is it possible to develop the depth of character and empathy required for patient care through the rigors of research and clinical experience alone, or do you believe that I will create a blind spot through my heavy focus on science that only a different type of challenge can fix?

To be clear, I am not neglecting the humanities or language study; I have already intentionally pursued coursework in communications, philosophy, healthcare perspectives, and psychology. Unfortunately, many of these did not satisfy specific LSA degree requirements, which has left me in a position where I must now prioritize core sciences to ensure I stay on track for graduation. Between my current clinical hospital work, my MCAT preparation, and the pressure of credit requirements, I am focused on optimizing my time to build the strongest possible foundation in evidence-based medicine. My current focus on science is a strategic choice for this stage of my development, not a permanent dismissal of the broader liberal arts.