WAUSM Student Story: How Delvonae Beckles Built Resilience in Medical School

“Medicine has always been something I felt called to,” said Beckles. “Ever since I was a little girl, I knew it was what I wanted to do. It’s a dream I’ve spent my life pursuing.”

Beckles has come a long way since the days of caring for her stuffed animals. As a 3rd year WAUSM student, she is currently participating in her clinical clerkships Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Chicago.

Finding Strength in Self-Doubt

Despite knowing her whole life what she wanted to be, Beckles strength and resilience have been tested throughout medical school.

“I often questioned whether I was good enough to be in medical school, if I truly deserved to be there, or if I was as capable as everyone else around me,” said Beckles. “That self-doubt held me back from reaching my full potential.”

In the beginning of medical school, Beckles felt overwhelmed.

“The workload, the pace, the constant pressure it felt like so much all at once,” said Beckles.

It wasn’t until one of her professors had a conversation with Beckles that things shifted.

“They reminded me that I was meant for medicine, and they believed I would make a great doctor,” said Beckles. “Hearing that from someone who had already walked this path was eye opening. It gave me the confidence I needed to keep going and to finally believe in myself.”

Over time, she realized that no matter how hard things got, she always found a way to push through.

“I learned to trust myself more and to keep showing up even on the tough days,” said Beckles. “Looking back, I can really see how much I have grown, not just as a student but as a person.”

Life Beyond the Books

Outside of medical school, Beckles enjoys “reading, binge-watching a good Netflix series, spending time with my family and friends and volunteering.”

One of her most memorable experiences at WAUSM was a beach party hosted by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

“We played volleyball, enjoyed water sports, and just took time to relax,” said Beckles. “My friends and I went together, and it was the perfect break from studying, a chance to enjoy sunshine, the ocean, and each other’s company. It was such a great experience, and I’m so grateful OSA for putting it together.”

Reflecting on the Journey

As Beckles looks ahead to a career in pediatrics, she carries with her every challenge that helped her grow.

With that perspective, she wants future medical school students to know that it’s okay to make mistakes and that perfection isn’t the goal.

“What matters is how you learn from those experiences and rise above,” said Beckles. “Never quit. Always believe in yourself and always keep going. It will get better.”