While most students first engage with The Pathway Initiative in middle school or high school, the journey doesn’t stop there. TPI is designed to support students from the spark of interest in medicine and STEM, through college, all the way to medical or graduate school and their future careers, providing mentorship each step of the way.
Eno Okyere is one of these students. Now a senior at Providence College studying neuroscience on a pre-med track, she shared with us how TPI has been a part of her journey and how she’s playing it forward for future students.
Tell us a bit about your career ambitions. Did you always want to study medicine?
I’ve always been drawn to medicine because it combines science, service, and problem-solving in a very human way. I didn’t always have the language to say, “I want to be a physician,” but I knew early on that I wanted a career where I could help people and understand how the body and mind work. My interest really solidified through early exposure, through initiatives like TPI, to STEM programs and mentors who looked like me and believed I belonged in these spaces. Learning about the brain and seeing how science could directly improve lives is what ultimately led me to neuroscience and medicine.
How and when did you first get involved with TPI?
I first got involved with TPI as a high school student when I was looking for opportunities that would give me real exposure to STEM and healthcare. I heard about the program through school and community networks, and what stood out was that TPI didn’t just talk about access; it actually created it. I decided to participate because I wanted hands-on experience and guidance from people who understood the challenges students from underrepresented backgrounds face.
What was the TPI internship like? How did it influence your college and career goals?
The TPI internship was transformative. It gave me hands-on experience, mentorship, and confidence at a critical time in my academic journey. Being in professional and research-focused environments helped me see myself as a future scientist and physician, not just a student who was interested in science. The exposure I gained through TPI directly influenced my decision to pursue neuroscience and stay committed to a pre-med path, even when the coursework became challenging.
How has the transition to college been?
The transition to college has definitely been challenging, but also rewarding. College requires a new level of independence and resilience, especially in STEM. I’ve stayed connected with TPI through mentorship with Lawrence (TPI founder and CEO), who has been a great help to me in navigating my postgrad plans. I also stay connected through check-ins, and by giving back to younger students whenever I can, whether that’s sharing my experiences, offering advice, or serving as an example of what’s possible after the program.
Is there any advice you’d give to a younger student who is considering a career in medicine or STEM?
My biggest advice is to not count yourself out before you even begin. You don’t have to have everything figured out to belong in STEM or medicine. Ask questions, seek mentors, and take advantage of programs like TPI that are designed to support you during and beyond the program. I would absolutely recommend TPI because it provides early exposure, real mentorship, and a community that continues to support you long after the internship ends.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your education and career journey?
My journey hasn’t been linear, and I think that’s important to say. There have been setbacks, moments of doubt, and challenges along the way, but programs like TPI reminded me that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. Representation, mentorship, and opportunity truly matter, and TPI played a major role in helping me believe that I belong in medicine and STEM.