When students choose the pre-med path, they know they’re signing up for a rigorous journey — packed with demanding coursework, MCAT prep, and hours of volunteering and shadowing. For recent University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Honors College graduate Brooke Casey, the experience offered more than just an academic challenge. It became a journey of learning to make an impact in the spaces where she lived, worked, and studied — long before donning a white coat.
Throughout her time at USF, Casey balanced rigorous academics with multiple jobs and family responsibilities while supporting her peers. She served as a Peer Advisor Leader (PAL) and an orientation office assistant, helping incoming students navigate the transition to college, manage their finances, and build a sense of community.
In recognition of her resilience and dedication, Casey received the 2025 Courageous Bull Award from the University of South Florida. Presented annually since 2017, the award honors students who demonstrate “courage in the face of adversity, the courage of conviction, and/or the courage to act when others might not.” She was nominated by her supervisor in the New Student and Family Engagement office, who noted her consistent commitment despite an overloaded schedule.
“During my entire junior year, I was working three different jobs across seven days a week — over 40 hours — and I was taking a full course load,” Casey said.
At first, Casey was surprised to learn she had been nominated.
“I didn’t do anything wild or extreme. To me, my achievements were kind of mundane,” she said. “But being recognized for the award showed me that there’s courage in everyday actions. You don’t have to do something remarkable to be recognized or have courage. Courage is required in day-to-day events.”
Finding Balance
Maintaining balance wasn’t always easy. As a pre-med student studying for the MCAT while working three jobs, Casey often struggled to take time for herself.
"You don’t have to do something remarkable to be recognized or have courage. Courage is required in day-to-day events.” - Brooke Casey
“My self-care slacked a little,” she said. “I wasn’t sleeping as much as I should have been — I was staying up late doing homework, and my relationships faltered a little bit. But having open communication about my capacity with people close to me and having a strong support system was really important to finding balance.”
Support from her coworkers helped her manage her many responsibilities.
“One of my supervisors told me to imagine I’m taking off one hat and putting on another,” she said. “That’s something I embodied at each job: If I’m going to work at USF, then I’m wearing my USF hat. It doesn’t matter how my last test went — it’s a new opportunity to restart.”
Encouraging Others with Her Story
Casey mentored first-year students through being a PAL, where she scheduled calls with first-year students and guided them through joining on-campus organizations, study strategies, and other tips for assimilating into college life.
2025 USF Courageous Bull Award recipient Brooke Casey with Honor Roll Podcast host Fabiana Requena.
“Because the transition to college was a little rocky for me, I wanted to help other people feel supported during their transition,” she said. “Even if they’re excited about coming to USF, it’s still a big change.”
Many students confided in Casey, expressing the challenges of balancing school and work. She offered not just advice, but empathy.
“I was able to resonate with those students who were going through similar situations to me, and in a way, they helped me too,” she said. “We found community together.”
In her role with the Office of Orientation, she also supported incoming students who called with concerns about class schedules, involvement opportunities and time management.
“I think being able to talk to them and share my story — as a way to relate — helped them,” she said. “Providing resources was important, but being a listening ear was even more important.”
Preparing for the Future
While juggling three jobs and full-time study, Casey was preparing for the MCAT. She studied whenever she could, pushing through exhaustion and external pressure.
“I was really committed to still taking the MCAT during my planned year, despite circumstances in my personal life that led me to work so much,” she said. “During that time, I was getting in a couple hours a day, just because that’s what I had the capacity for.”
Besides taking the MCAT, Casey also credits her Honors College experience with helping her prepare to one day work as a well-rounded and critically informed physician.
“Every Honors course has enriched me, especially the ones focused on global medical humanities,” she said. “I think having that cultural competence is extremely crucial when going into the medical field. The Honors College provided me with a holistic approach — through peer collaboration and understanding others’ lived experiences.”
Looking Ahead
Following graduation, Casey feels confident in her accomplishments and newfound perspectives.
“I've just learned to stop comparing myself to others and just compare myself to myself,” said Casey. “I’m proud that I have completed the rigorous application process for medical school, and whatever happens, happens.”
Having personally witnessed issues of access and inequity in health care, Casey hopes to use her future career in medicine to advocate for underserved populations.
“Having seen close family members go through health issues and not feel supported — and working as much as I did last year — I’ve learned that being able to get good health care is a privilege, but it shouldn’t have to be,” she said. “Knowing that people are working all the time and unable to prioritize their health, I want to take that into my future career in medicine by advocating for the underserved.”
Her advice to students juggling school, work, and family responsibilities: Be present.
“Give yourself time to relax. Get involved with the campus community. Live in the moment,” she said. “Show up to each role with a fresh hat on and give yourself grace to enjoy what’s around you.”