By the time she was 17 years old, Sheridan Evans had already had three knee surgeries. Surgery after surgery could have been a daunting experience, but for Evans it was the catalyst that opened her eyes to the field of medicine. And with a brand-new bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in Native American studies from the University of Oklahoma, Evans is well on her way toward her goal of becoming a surgeon providing high quality care for Native Americans.
Evans decided to become a doctor at an early age. Growing up in Owasso, Okla ., a small suburban town just north of Tulsa, Evans had great support from both her family and her Sperry High School guidance counselor. All encouraged her to pursue her dream. “I am a first-generation college student, so my parents constantly encouraged me to do better than they did,” she says. It would not be easy, they cautioned her, but her parents knew that once Evans set her mind to something, it was as good as done.
Evans is no stranger to hard work and pushing herself to always do her best. As long as she can remember, Evans and her twin brother, Jake, have encouraged each other to excel academically. They consistently received the same grades on tests and assignments, and were constantly striving to outdo one another. Both took the ACT multiple times because they kept getting the exact same score. Evans finally scored one point higher than her brother.
It was never a question of if Evans would go to college — it was only a question of where. Early on, she had her heart set on the University of Oklahoma, and after being accepted she arrived eager to begin her journey to becoming a medical doctor. But her introduction to college did not go smoothly. As a first-generation student, Evans didn’t know what to expect. She had never had to work hard to excel in high school and had not built close relationships with any of her teachers. But the tactics that worked for her in high school now left her floundering.
Eventually, Evans came to understand that studying and connecting with her professors would be the keys to success. “I often asked my professors to look over assignments, papers, or presentations before I turned them in,” she recalls. “I don’t think many students take advantage of their professors’ office hours or help (I didn’t at first), but they love having you and it definitely helps you succeed!”
Evans’ start at OU coincided with her introduction to AISES, which helped smooth her transition into college life. The week before her freshman year began, the university held a Native American student orientation. It was there that Evans learned about AISES and had the opportunity to connect with other Native Americans across campus. “AISES has been everything to me during my college career,” she says. “It gave me a great group of Native friends on campus that shared interests with me and supported me in my endeavors.”
AISES also helped Evans develop and grow the skills she will need to become a successful doctor. Through AISES, Evans has learned how to create and update a resume, and she had the opportunity to hone her leadership and public speaking skills as an officer for the OU College Chapter, a Regional Representative, and the Junior National Student Representative. “It gave me my own Native family outside my community,” she says. “This organization has constantly ignited in me a passion for my heritage, my people, and the AISES mission, and it renews my desire for success.” Evans’ determination, hard work, and perseverance have already paid off in a prestigious internship at the Oklahoma Surgical Hospital in Tulsa. After submitting her application to human resources and not hearing anything, Evans wrote a letter to the CEO. With HR’s approval, she walked right into the CEO’s office and gave him the letter, explaining her passion for medicine and her interest in working at the hospital. The CEO gave her the internship, which turned out to be one of the most influential experiences in Evans’ medical journey so far.
As an intern at the hospital, she spent the summer between her sophomore and junior years observing surgeries and assisting in preparing the OR. If Evans hadn’t been clear on her medical path before, she was then. “I feel like I truly learned how grueling and rewarding the field of medicine was during this time,” she says. “More important, I learned that if you really want something, you have to be persistent and bold despite obstacles you may face.”
Evans is well aware of the obstacles she faces as she pursues her dream of becoming a general surgeon for Indian Health Services. She cites poor facilities, wait times of several hours, and the need for translators at appointments as some of the biggest hurdles Native Americans face when seeking medical attention. But she also knows that this is the area where she can make the biggest difference and have the greatest impact. “I know that with my background in science, my passion for medicine, my ability to relate to patients, and my knowledge of the culture, I could help this population substantially as a physician,” she explains.” I know that I can realize this change for the benefit of my people.”
As a new college graduate, Evans is already thinking about her next step. This summer she will work as a pharmacy technician while applying to medical schools, with the hope of starting classes in the fall of 2017.
Evans has some advice for students who want to pursue a specific dream. “Talk to your school counselor and find an academic mentor early on,” she says. “Come up with study plans and stay determined to achieve your goals.” No path is ever easy, as Evans well knows, but nothing is impossible. You just have to ask. Evans agrees, adding, “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no!”
