Terri-Ann Bennett will never forget the big family celebration that followed her May 2006 graduation from the University of Miami. But that's nothing compared to what's being orchestrated to honor her graduation from the Miller School next spring. It's such a huge deal that her kinfolk already have plans that cover the tiniest details: A big party with extended family and friends and even a teacher or two from her elementary and high school days. Some of Bennett's relatives have even gone so far as to map out her graduation-day wardrobe!
"It's very exciting," said Bennett, a fourth-year student who was elected Student Government president in March. "My mother is an LPN (licensed practical nurse), my dad was a roofer and they never went to college. But I'm in medical school, my brother has double bachelor's degrees in economics and finance and is going for his MBA, and my little sister aspires to become a doctor as well."
"My family is a group of hardworking people and they have done everything to give my brother and I everything they could ever give us," said Bennett, who moved with her family to Florida from St. Catherine, Jamaica at age three. "I feel that my accomplishments are all because of their hard work. There is no way I could have become a student at this medical school without the love and dedication of my entire family. There was just a great group of people supporting me the entire way."
Talking about the support of her family and the numerous mentors throughout her life is emotional for Bennett. Her words, initially bubbling over, become a mere whisper. "I've had so many great people pushing me along the way. A lot of people. A lot," she said, her voice breaking. "That in itself has inspired me to want to give back, inspired me to want to become a doctor."
Because mentoring played such a large role in Bennett's life, she is a big believer in programs that foster mentoring and those that allow people to make connections with people outside their normal daily contacts.
As an undergraduate, Bennett's early exposure to women's health came when she was able to shadow a mentor, Boca Raton physician Dr. Tara A. Solomon.
"She is such an awesome woman and being around her gave me a real perspective on women's health," remarked Bennett. "It made it clear to me that I should also be involved in preventive health. I want to become the kind of doctor that is there at the beginning of someone's life and remain their doctor for 20, 30 years."
While Bennett works toward graduation, and a future in obstetrics and gynecology and health policy, leadership can already be listed on her resume. "Her leadership skills are truly remarkable," said Mark O'Connell, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education who met Bennett when she was still an undergraduate. "She pushes us to address legitimate concerns from the students and does so in a professional and genuinely concerned manner."
As Student Government president, Bennett uses her direct contact with Miller School and University leadership to ensure that medical students have the best experience possible.
Starting with her stint as president of her sophomore-year Class Council, she's played an instrumental role in getting new computers for the student lab, an updated lounge with a new pool table and microwaves, and launching a new student activities Web site with a view to offering more interaction between groups of students. Now she and her team are embarking on overseeing plans for various events such as the Fall Ball, the Dean's Cup, and the medical convention for first- and second-year students.
"I really believe in connecting classmates with each other and creating a bond among students. I also believe they should get the experience they are paying for," Bennett said. "I am such a big fan of UM and UM is such a great place, such a diverse place, that students should get the best education and the best experience. I have been involved in UM organizations since I was an undergraduate and I know how things work and how to get things done. A big part of that is I know that President Shalala and Dean Goldschmidt and everyone else want us to have a great experience."
"Her passion for all thing UM is infectious," O'Connell said. "Students like Terri-Ann make our medical school what it is, one of the best medical schools in the country for students who want to become the most competent, caring and professional physician that they can be."
Another part of the "great UM experience" Bennett insists, is embracing the "diversity of UM." The University and medical school have such an array of students of different ethnicities and social backgrounds that, she says, it would be unfortunate if students do not get a chance to expand their social circles.
"A big part of why I came to this medical school and why I did undergrad here is the diversity," said Bennett. "In addition to getting a great education, I wanted people to see that although others around you may speak differently, may dress differently, may be less educated or have no family members who are also doctors, or even went to college at all, we are all here, and we can learn from each other."
Outside of UM, Bennett also extols her alma mater. She frequently tells high school students, especially at Fort Lauderdale's Blanche Ely, her former high school, to consider the "U." On visits to the school she still speaks to members of The Ladies of Intrigue, a group she founded as a high school student. While the group is a step dance team, it also focuses heavily on the young women learning about "who they are, their history, and how to become smart, well-rounded women."
"I grew up in neighborhoods and went to schools that many people consider disadvantaged," said Bennett. "And yet I'm at a University that has given me such an advantage. I want young people to know that so much is possible. That's why I go back to my high school. It's good to tell students about people who are doing good things, but it's much more effective when they can see them."
