LA med student turns small van into ideal dorm on wheels, $14K total

Thank you all for watching, and thank you to Kirsten for her beautiful storytelling. It is a privilege and honor to share my story with you all. Your kind words mean the world to me. I want to be clear that living in a van by choice is much different than living on the streets because of life circumstances that forced the decision. For me, this was a choice. While yes, part of this had to do with wanting to save money, there is more to the story. I am doing this because I enjoy the simple life. I enjoy challenging myself to find water, to find a place to shower, to cook with few ingredients, etc. It’s a really beautiful practice to go fetch your own water or bike around to find a shower; it makes you deeply appreciate the little things most of us take for granted. Sadly the world of medicine has become a world of money and greed, driven by profit rather than compassion. And I’ve come to the realization that if I really want to practice medicine selflessly and if I really want to make a difference, I need to create a life for myself that doesn’t require a lot of money or things. I have dreams of becoming a really, really amazing physician, someone who listens, understands, and really cares, and this act of living in a van, I believe, is helping me grow into that very person I so deeply aspire to become.

I definitely would want him for my doctor. He knows whats most important in life. He is creative, he thinks outside the box, lives cost effectively,hes humble,confident,kind and takes care of people constantly along the way. What a wonderful human being.

He’s going to make an excellent doctor. His mannerisms display professionalism. Doesn’t matter if you live in a van. He’s in the present and is comfortable. That’s all that really matters.

The student is just being practical on how to go to school without getting too much student loans. And it's a genius move.

Less than 10% of applicants get accepted into UCLA. Mad respect to this young man for his forward planning and affirmative action.

If I had a place close to wear he is at I WOULD LET HIM KEEP HIS VAN IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND LET HIM USE MY WATER, this young man is great!

He said most of his classmates are paying about $1600 to $1800 a month in rent, so that's $19200 to $21600 a year (incuring more debt in student loan's). So, for a $14k investment, he can live all of his student life on less than one year's rent, and recoup some of his money when he's done, by selling the van. It's a perfect solution.

He’s not just book smart. He’s wise and empathetic ❤

This young man really gives a lot of credit to his dad. He’s doing his father proud!

My thoughts: 1. This kid is amazing. He can do anything. He’ll be an amazing doctor. 2. The economic pressures of living in these top tier cities is unreal. I have absolutely no judgement of people who live in vans. 3. That to say I love my suburban home outside of Buffalo, NY. It is so nice and very afrordable. 😃 4. When you park your van in a fancy neighborhood you get the wonderful benefits of the neighborhood without the expense and taxes. That is brilliant.

I met Ethan during his first van experience. He’s the real deal. The medical system need a business model that supports this type of thinking. Here’s hoping his generation succeeds.

I studied medicine and wished so many times I had a van like his so that I had saved more money for better things like healthcare in the future. Plus once you start going on hospital duties having this would be such a great help cause you can just go the parking lot and freaking sleep like a baby. You're lucky dude. Bless you.

This is the third college student living by choice in a van. I so admire each one of them. I'd love to see a university take the risk and make the commitment to providing student van livers with a safe place to live with water and trash facilities available - perhaps sewer disposable or porta potties. This would be just one way to alleviate student debt.

to be perfectly honest, his setup is not groundbreaking, its all been done before BUT his sheer humility, energy and eagerness makes him such a sweetheart. he is so cute ❤

I’ll admit I’m emotional when watching this. What has our world come to that people need to live in a van and that society then normalises it. What a fine young man that takes a hold of his life and thinks outside the box and then executes his plan in spite of the stress of potential ridicule. He will go far

The fact he thinks about professionalism, means he’ll always keep his personal and work life professional. He comes across as a very down to earth, humble, empathetic, intelligent young man who thinks outside the box and will make a great physician. Keep going young man!

Went to UCLA for undergrad, the prices for apartments in the Westwood area are no joke! Props to him, wishing him all the success

"... grew up on a farm..." THAT is what gave him his amazing work ethic! Great JOB, Doctor!

I've been watching Van tours for years. I've heard many people explain electric systems. This guy did it so concisely and simply that I finally understand. I really appreciate that!!!

He's mellow, adaptable and focused - a pretty rare combination that I think would serve him well in any career, including the one he's chosen.