The summer between high school and college is a challenging one. The trio move into the dorms at Seton Hall and participate in a seven-week program designed to get them fully prepared for the fall coursework. The hours are long, with classes until 5pm each weeknight and mandatory lights out at 10pm. The friends are at times exhilarated and at times exhausted. Carla, however, is always there to offer whatever message they need to hear at the time, whether it is a firm rebuke to work harder and complain less, or a gentle word of encouragement.

In addition to academic work, the seven-week program contains sessions that focus on professional attire and the three friends debate how to dress as doctors in a way that still represents who they are and where they come from. The students are also required to make a speech, one accepting an imaginary award. From that experience, they glean public-speaking skills, as well as a sense of all the work that will go into future accomplishments. The program’s graduation ceremony includes a speech from a notable African-American pulmonologist, who encourages them to work hard and to give back, knowing that their successes can help redress societal inequities.