During the 2010-2011 school year, 377 of our 393 medical students received some form of financial aid. Of those who received assistance, 93 percent received loans that must be repaid. To combat their future financial obligations, today’s students are balancing rising education costs with a more frugal lifestyle. Brandon Huffman, a second-year medical student from Lathrop, Mo., shares a single car with his wife, a nurse. Despite living modestly, he anticipates having about $150,000 in debt when he graduates. This doesn’t deter Huffman from enjoying his time in school, though. He and his wife take pleasure in walking the many trails in Columbia and watching the occasional independent film. He also serves as a Mizzou Medicine Student Ambassador, and as the diabetes case manager for MU’s student-run free health clinic, MedZou.
About his scholarship donor, Huffman says, “I am humbled and honored that you chose me as the recipient of your own hard work. At times, medical school can feel very stressful. We’ve been told to rely on our family and friends when those times get tough. Well, I feel as though I have an addition to my family support system: You have shown your support through this scholarship. You believe in me. Thank you. Your support gives me added strength in hard times.”
More stories: Students and scholarships
