ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The next generation of doctors began their journey at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Elmira (LECOM); meet the class of 2028. Students woke up bright and early to arrive on campus to kick off the first day with 100-plus classmates.

"This is the official first day of class where they really get oriented to what it will be like to be a medical student here at LECOM at Elmira," says Dr. Richard Terry, DO, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at LECOM Elmira. 

In the first two years, students will dive into their textbooks and problem-based learning. In the second portion of medical school, students will spend two years hands-on in clinical rotation across 12 hospitals with various rotations and specialties. 

"I'm thinking of going back to Long Island, my hometown, and specializing in neurology," shared Darian White, Class of 2028.

Another student, Alex Dean, says he likes the idea of surgery and is interested in seeing where the next four years take him.

As the excitement and anxiety filled the air Friday morning, those nerves settled as everyone bonded with their new friends and classmates.

At the end of WENY's conversation with some students in the Class of 2028, Samantha Dimitrescu-Dyson explained her classmates' mission over the next four years and throughout their careers as doctors. 

"We're from different backgrounds and we all came here for the one goal of treating and helping other people and while that is pretty stereotypical as an answer to be a physician, it is the core of what we want to do and it is our mission to provide care for any and all people," says Dimitrescu-Dyson. 

Doctor Terry's message to the class of 2028 is to hang in there and remember the words "resilience." 

"Stick with it, be resolute," shared Dr. Terry. 

Information about academics and student life can be found here.