When Molly Cerda was 5, she had a serious brain infection that required a hospital stay.

“Throughout this experience, my doctors and nurses always kept me smiling and gave my family and I so much hope,” she said. “This is what initially got me interested in medicine. I wanted to have the same impact on other people my doctors had on me. As I’ve gone through many different science courses throughout high school and college, my passion for medicine has just increased.”

Turning to College of DuPage to start her education, Cerda was named a Presidential Scholar, an honor that included a full-tuition scholarship and enrollment in the Honors program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. That allowed her to save for her bachelor’s degree and graduate school.

“The Presidential Scholarship was such a blessing. Not only did it make my financial situation much easier, it led me to get involved with the Honors program, where I met a lot of good friends who were smart, involved students in the same situation as myself. It was awesome building those relationships.”

Graduating from COD with her Associate in Science degree, Cerda transferred to Wheaton College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a certificate in Neuroscience. She then continued at Midwestern University in the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an internship in general surgery at University of California-Davis. She also joined the Air Force as part of their Health Professions Scholarship Program and is a captain. Currently she is in a gynecologic surgery and obstetrics residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Cerda is thrilled to have received a high quality education from College of DuPage that provided a foundation for her future coursework.

“Honestly, when I initially decided to attend COD, I was a little disappointed I wasn’t going away to some big school to live on my own and have the typical college experience,” she said. “But COD exceeded all my expectations. I really cannot stress enough how incredible the Honors program is. The courses are challenging but manageable, and the professors are funny, engaging and really make you think.

“I would tell others to definitely give COD a chance. The professors want to see you succeed and are willing to work with you and help you out if you’re struggling. There are so many extracurricular activities you can get involved in as well, and the money you’ll save is so worth it. I’m very glad I chose COD.”

Learn more about the Biology program at College of DuPage