- Global Awareness: Starting in the second semester of my freshman year, and continuing to the current semester, I have been taking coursework in American Sign Language. This has given me exposure to the Deaf culture – a culture about which I had very little previous knowledge – and a new insight into the lives of these people. With this new background in the Deaf culture, I will be able to better communicate with the community as a medical professional. In the future, I hope to expand my global awareness by staying involved with the Deaf and Hearing club on campus, as well as travel to another part of the country with Buck-I-Serv.
- Original Inquiry: This past semester, I have been taking a 4000-level course for the Neuroscience major, Intro to Psychopharmacology. I had not planned to take this course when planning for graduation, but I was very intrigued by the subject matter and wanted to hear from Dr. Wenk firsthand in his last year as a professor. This summer, I will be shadowing/observing a neurosurgeon at University Hospitals in Cleveland and hope to be exposed to any research she is pursuing. Next year I would like to join a research lab here on campus.
- Academic Enrichment: My Honors Contract displays a commitment to this goal because I have consistently been taking and will continue to take upper-level coursework (3000 level or above) as well as honors level GE’s. I chose to major in Neuroscience because I have a strong interest in the inner workings of the brain and how this impacts our behavior. This past year I decided to add a minor in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies, because I also have an interest in why people commit crime and the inner workings of the criminal justice system. I am still pursuing a pre-med track, and to prepare for this I have almost completed a year of coursework in organic chemistry. My major and minor coursework, along with my GE courses, will be academically challenging and make me a more well-rounded person.
- Leadership Development: In the autumn semester of my sophomore year I decided to join the Wishmakers on Campus Club, and I have been an active member since joining. Earlier this semester I joined a small group of club members in attending a Wish Reveal for one of the wish kids, and it was an amazing experience. Next year I plan to apply for a position on the subcommittee for this club and gain leadership experience in that role. This club relates closely to what I want to do professionally because we work with helping kids in the hospital, and I hope to have a career in the medical field.
- Service Engagement: After my freshman year ended, I spent the summer participating in the volunteer program at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in the Emergency Department. I plan to continue volunteering at the hospital during this upcoming summer, as well as taking advantage of any opportunities the Wishmakers on Campus club offer. I still have plans to go on a Buck-I-Serv trip, potentially in the next year, and work with a group of other students to provide some help to a community or organization in need.