Class Scholar: 1975

Jill Kelly, Class of 2001

Bio
Thank You Letter

August 5, 2008

Dear Class of 1975,

Thank you for your generous gift. I am honored to be the recipient of your scholarship and to be named a class scholar.

I am definitely a nontraditional medical student. In addition to leaving an established career to begin medical school, I moved thousands of miles away from my family and friends to attend UCLA and settle in California . Despite these sacrifices, beginning my medical training here, at UCLA, has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Not only have I interacted with many of the best minds in medicine, but I also have made dear friends, witnessed the strength and diversity of the human race, and learned valuable lessons about myself. However, I also have faced the financial and personal challenges of starting a completely new life. As a result, your award holds special significance me. While the scholarship will reduce my financial concerns, knowing that you support me in this journey is even more meaningful. I am deeply appreciative of your generosity and kindness.

I have just completed my first year of study and look forward to the future. I am passionate about the health and well-being of the oldest members of our society and entered medical school with the goal of becoming a geriatrician. That is still my desire, but I will try to keep an open mind as I learn more about other specialties.

Once again, thank you for your generous support of my dream and for your investment in my future. I hope to meet many members of your class and will continue to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Jill Kelly

Class of 2011

DG SOM at UCLA