- Global Awareness: In order to prepare for a future in the healthcare field, there are two aspects of global awareness that I would like to become actively involved in and learn more about. The first issue is the lack of healthcare for individuals below the poverty line. The second issue involves the disparities in healthcare quality among racial and ethnic minorities. In order for all healthcare professionals to do their most effective work, it’s important for people to be aware of the many inequalities in medical care so that they can become educated on how to bridge some of the gaps. Therefore, it is one of my goals to study abroad in a country where the majority of the population identifies as a racial/ethnic minority and/or are below the poverty line. This will allow me to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the difficulties people face trying to receive healthcare around the w
- Original Inquiry: Hopefully, I plan to get involved with research during my time as an undergraduate. I want to pursue a career in medicine, so I want to pursue research that is focused around medicine, medical technology, psychology, or sports medicine. As a physician, it is important to understand the scientific method, which I will be able to explore as a student involved with research.
- Academic Enrichment: I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Behavioral Neuroscience, and a minor in either Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, or a minor in African American & African Studies. I am creating a rigorous course load for myself by filling my schedule with classes that are either necessary for my major/minor, or will challenge me academically instead of just taking classes for an easy A. So far, the majority of my classes have been difficult pre-med requirements, and I have been focused and determined to do my best and excel in all of them.
- Leadership Development: Currently, I am a Peer Mentor with HSS, I am a Peer Leader with the PASS program, and I am an Ambassador for the College of Arts & Sciences. These positions help me develop as a leader because I am taking charge as a role model for children, first year college students, and prospective incoming college students. Speaking from experience, it can be very lonely and confusing as a first-year student. Therefore, it is my responsibility to help acclimate students to college life, answer any questions, and support them through various struggles they may have, both academically and personally. Over time, this will prepare me for a career in healthcare because the best physicians are those that listen and communicate well with their patients, those who are empathetic and can establish trust between themselves and their patients, and those who are confident in their medical decisions.
- Service Engagement: The two programs that I am the most involved with currently are HSS and the PASS program. Through both of these, I have been lucky enough to participate in a few community service opportunities, and in the upcoming semesters, I plan on becoming even more involved with these organizations. However, I plan on spending the majority of my time volunteering for either hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or food pantries. I want to give assistance to those in need however I am able to, but I also want to be familiar with these environments and the types of work that occurs at each of these places so that it can help me become more aware of issues as a future physician.