Thousands of medical students gathered at locations across the nation to find out the next step in their academic journey.

Today was MATCH DAY 2024 when, at exactly 11am CST, the hopefuls were able to open the envelope that would reveal the hospital or medical center that would be their home for the next three or more years.

Here in Springfield 78 young people, along with family, friends and many well-wishers, came to the Memorial Learning Center to be presented with the purple envelope that revealed their fate.

Many cheers and tears after a loud countdown to the big reveal.

Class president, Joey and his girlfriend, Emma, tried for a ‘couples match’ and succeeded. Both will be assigned to the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to study internal medicine.

Another student is carrying a double load. In addition to the challenges of completing a difficult residency she is eight months pregnant. She doesn’t consider her new daughter a burden but rather, in her words, she’s a bonus. Shes staying in the Midwest to continue her studies.