This past May, Adora Moneme graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Exercise Science and Sport Studies with Summa Cum Laude distinction. Although her scarlet uniform and cleats may be retired, Moneme's studies continue towards a career in pediatrics this August at the University of Pennsylvania.
In the mix of acceptances to programs at Cornell, Baylor, USC and more, Moneme ultimately enrolled to the Perelman School of Medicine at Penn as a medical student. The four-year program consists of one and a half years of pre-clinical coursework followed by two and half years of clerkships in the various hospitals associated with the University.
"I chose Penn because it really has everything that I'm looking for in a school. The next four years is where I'm really going to start building my foundation as an adult and as a future physician. So first and foremost, I wanted a school that was in a city that I could really enjoy and grow in," said Moneme.
"I also love how Penn is so committed to community engagement. My interest in community service really started at Rutgers with SAAC and Soles4Souls and I wanted to continue that after college. Penn offers an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and supportive, with an abundance of opportunities and experiences."
During her time "On the Banks," Moneme juggled life as a student-athlete. In Fall of 2017, the midfielder balanced MCAT prep with daily practices and weekly games. The following fall, Moneme bounced between match day and med school interviews effortlessly, helping guide Rutgers to its highest Big Ten finish in program history as runner-up to the regular season title.
Through it all, Moneme, a member of the first ever class of Honors College, registered a flawless GPA of 4.0 in four out of eight semesters. Her academic prowess earned Dean's List recognition eight times, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors three times and Academic All-Big Ten accolades three times, as well. Moneme was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma Society, the first national scholar-athlete society to honor collegiate student-athletes following her junior year. All accomplished while starting 26 games across 2017 and 2018 and adding her third game-winning goal of her career in the latter.
The academic resources at Rutgers and support from the coaching staff allowed Moneme to chase her medical career aspirations in unison with her athletic goals.
"I can't talk about academic resources without mentioning my academic advisor Randi Larson. She really helped me both in terms of academics and outside of academics. She helped me navigate a lot of requirements I needed for my degree, she was a source of endless support, and she was my travel partner junior year when I would have to meet the team for an away game, because I had MCAT class and couldn't miss it to travel with the team when they left on Thursdays."
Moneme also attributes the program as a whole, from coaches to teammates, to having a strong foundation for achieving success in her future career.
"The women's soccer team is responsible for a lot of my growth in college. I am thankful for all of my teammates and my entire coaching staff for all the support that they gave me and for all the experiences I was able to share with them," said Moneme.
"Being on the team has prepared me to go on to the next chapter of my life. I know how to face challenges and most importantly how to be accountable. Accountability is the best thing that I will take with me on to medical school. In medical school there is a lot of autonomy, to an extent you are able to order your own daily schedule. Being accountable even when no one is watching or checking in is what will allow me to be successful and make the best use of my time."
Another resource at RU that aided Moneme on her journey was ODASIS, a program that offers a lot of resources to minority students that are interested in a career in health professions. While providing peer support, the group also introduced her to the Bridging the Gaps program at Keck School of Medicine of USC, an undergraduate summer research program for minority students, that Moneme participated in summer of 2018. After shadowing at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) that summer, Moneme confirmed she wanted her future career to be focused around children.
"As of now I am interested in the field of pediatrics, but I plan to explore all my options and keep an open mind. And pediatrics consists of so many sub-specialties, like pediatric surgery and pediatric cardiology, that I may want to go into," said Moneme.
Although balancing academics and athletics to the high caliber that she has, Moneme encourages other young athletes aspiring to play soccer while pursuing a credit-intensive major that it is possible. Stressing the importance of time management and room for some fun.
"It's all about time management and prioritizing. Make time to focus on your sport, do the extras that you need, go to class, study, and relax," said Moneme. "The first year of college will be tough because you're still figuring out the order of where things fall on your list of priorities, but when you adjust it will be easier to fit everything you need to do in the day.
"Don't forget that you always need time during the day when you can relax and take a time to be with your friends or do something that's not related to school or soccer."
Until her start in August, Moneme plans to do just that, finding time to relax and enjoy summer before classes begin in the Fall. When asked if she will make a return to RU during breaks the in her studies, Moneme says she looks forward to returning to Yurcak Field for most home games to cheer on the Scarlet Knights and sister Nneka Moneme, a rising junior on the team.
"I'll be back. The train from Philly isn't that long."
FULL SOURCE: scarletknights.com | Alumni Feature: Adora Moneme Set to Continue Medical Studies at Penn