A future physician steers UC student government
It’s time to advocate for, connect and elevate Bearcats, says Madison Wesley
Madison Wesley is navigating the rigorous pathway that leads to a career in medicine.
But the 21-year-old medical sciences major still finds time to be a leader at the University of Cincinnati.
She is part of the Connections Dual Admissions Program, a BS/MD pipeline program that allows top-achieving high school seniors to apply and be accepted as undergraduates and then gain early admission to medical school.
Wesley, a fourth-year student, is also UC’s student body president and a passionate spokesperson for all things that boost students' well-being during their time as undergraduates. She joined Khalid Davis, a finance/management major and student vice president, to push for policies they say advocate for students at all UC campuses, connect them to resources and elevate existing campus services.
Khalid Davis and Madison Welsey | Photo/provided
“Madison and I are in 100% for each and every Bearcat,” says Davis, also in his fourth year at UC. “Our door is always wide open for any conversations or questions. We are all in, so don’t be afraid to reach out.”
The duo ran a winning campaign this past spring on the slogan ACE: Advocate, Connect and Elevate.
“I would not have been able to run for this position and dedicate the time and put together a campaign in my junior year, which is a hectic year for students planning to go to medical school, had I not had a little more flexibility with the BS/MD program,” says Wesley, who is from Greater Cincinnati.
“One of the things they push for is developing those skills outside of your science knowledge and your research skills. They really want you to develop those interpersonal skills, and that program has allowed me to do that in ways I would have never thought I would have the opportunity to do so in college.”
It allowed Welsey to balance time as a student researcher focusing on interneuron morphology and its potentially protective factors against epilepsy at Cincinnati Childrens’ Hospital with serving on the College of Medicine Tribunal and welcoming new students as a Medical Sciences Ambassador.
Student government has been a constant during my time at UC.
Madison Wesley UC student body president
She’s also been a volunteer for Cincinnati Remote Medical Access, a member of medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon and a volunteer at Ohio Alleycat Resource, helping to care for cats in need of a home. Wesley is part of the University Honors Program, a Cincinnatus Scholar and a National Technical Honor Society scholarship recipient.
Wesley found a community working with the College of Medicine Tribunal and the growing number of medical sciences undergraduates, who thrive in a college largely dominated by medical, graduate and doctoral students. She found time to get involved in a student government mentorship program as a first-year student and quickly found her niche.
“Student government has been a constant during my time at UC,” Wesley explains.
Listening to student concerns
Wesley and Davis say they want to make sure that as student leaders they are listening to concerns from students across all UC's campuses.
Photo/provided
“When having meetings with administration or campus partners, we keep that in the back of our minds in advocating for everyone,” says Wesley. “We also want to do that in different programs. One project we have been working on diligently this summer is trying to bring student legal services to campus.”
Wesley says some peer institutions in Ohio already offer legal services through a nonprofit known as Student Legal Services Inc.
Wesley and Davis are working with the UC Center for Community Engagement and the Chamber of Commerce to come up with ways to better connect students to the larger Cincinnati community. That could mean providing better transportation opportunities to ensure students can visit the city’s business district or arranging fun excursions to special events. They hope to arrange college nights, FC Cincinnati games and trips to Cincinnati museums like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Davis says now that UC is part of the Big 12 athletic conference, the university has upped its game in athletics, and the same should be done for other aspects of student life.
“Let’s elevate the Bearcat experience throughout campus life,” says Davis. “We want each Bearcat to feel heard, seen and definitely welcomed here at the University of Cincinnati.”
My first day on campus, it felt like no other place I had ever been to.
Khalid Davis UC student body vice president
Connections can be lasting
Davis and Wesley met during their first week at UC. Previously called Welcome Week, it’s now Bearcats Welcome, a month of activities geared toward new UC students.
“There were all kinds of opportunities going on around campus, and I was trying to meet people,” says Wesley. “He was trying to do the same, and we ended up just constantly running into each other in the same places.
“The group I met my freshman year have been my best friends through my four years of college. Khalid is one of those people.”
Davis and Wesley had different interests and areas of study, but one thing in common was their desire to serve the UC community. Wesley’s interests were heavily tied to medicine, her field of study, while Davis was active in Lindner College of Business, serving in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional fraternity, and Business Fellows, a networking organization for students. He is minoring in Spanish and has enjoyed two co-op experiences with First Financial Bank in Cincinnati.
Khalid Davis | Photo/provided
“My first day on campus, it felt like no other place I had ever been to,” says Davis. “The sense of community at UC is amazing. Coming from a high school, I know what it is like to be unseen and unheard, but coming to UC, it was the opposite. Everyone is welcoming.”
Davis became active in Cupcakes for the Cure, a UC organization offering support to those who have battled breast cancer; Scholars of Finance; and the UC Boxing Club.
Davis says UC is a place to step out of your comfort zone. He did it by training in boxing. He was extremely involved in high school, running track and being part of the drumline. At UC, boxing offered uncharted waters.
“Boxing training has pushed me to my limits, and it’s a great workout,” says Davis. “I definitely love it."
He says new students can do something similar.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway,” says Davis. “Growth lies in the midst of awkwardness. Get involved, talk to people, be out there, and enjoy the Bearcat experience.”
Wesley echoed her first lieutenant's thoughts.
“It can feel embarrassing to put yourself out there, and it's intimidating, but it’s all mental,” she adds. “If you don’t allow yourself to try those new things, you are the only one holding yourself back. Don’t let it keep you from meeting really great people.”
Featured image at top of Madison Wesley: Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
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