By Madalyn Wenger
School of PA Studies Class of 2026
Student Ambassador
Madalynwenger.spas26@ketchum.edu
If you’re entering PA school, you’ve probably already heard the warnings… it’s intense, it’s fast-paced, a fire house of knowledge and that it’s going to stretch you in ways you’ve never experienced. All of that is true and then some. However, what I’ve found is often left out of the conversation is just how powerful your mindset can be throughout this journey. Especially the role of positivity.
I want to be clear first: positivity isn’t toxic optimism. It’s not pretending things are fine when they’re not or plastering on a smile when you're running on fumes. In PA school, positivity is a mindset and a daily choice. It’s a tool that, when used intentionally, makes a real difference. I saw that early on.
There will be days when you feel like you’re falling behind, even though you’re doing everything you can. Positivity helps you reframe those moments. Instead of, “I’m not cut out for this,” it becomes, “This is hard, but I’m learning.” That shift makes all the difference. When you see your situation through that lens of positivity, you can believe in yourself more. You believe in your ability to grow, bounce back after a bad day or exam, show up next Monday and do it again… better.
PA school isn’t a solo sport. You’re surrounded by classmates who are just as overwhelmed, tired, and determined as you are. Bringing a positive attitude to your team doesn’t just lift your own spirits, it lifts the whole group. A kind word, a shared laugh, or a simple, “You’ve got this,” goes further than you think. When you cultivate positivity, you’re helping to build a culture of encouragement and community when sometimes the natural attitude is negativity.
We are so fortunate to be here — to learn about the miraculous human body, to be entrusted with people’s health, to pursue a calling rooted in service. We get to do this. We get to work hard and grow into the providers we’ve dreamed of becoming.
You chose this path to serve, to heal, to care for others with compassion. That purpose can get buried under exam scores and clinical charts, but positivity keeps it close. Celebrating small wins like finally understanding a tough concept or connecting with a patient on rotation keeps your “why” in mind. It reminds you that this is worth it for you and for the people you will care for. Some days will knock the wind out of you. You’ll cry, question yourself, and maybe even want to quit. That doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human. Choosing to show up with grace, humor, and hope anyway is strength. And it’s a strength that lasts well beyond graduation.
PA school will humble you. It will challenge every part of you. It has challenged me academically, emotionally, and mentally. But it will also shape you into the kind of provider your future patients need. Let positivity be part of your toolkit. Use it to build resilience, foster connection, and protect your purpose.