Q&A with Isha Patel
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
I chose to attend UM because I saw many opportunities for me. I saw an opportunity to make long-lasting friendships. I saw many opportunities that would help me prepare for my future career. I saw an opportunity to be a part of clubs and organizations with people who are passionate about the same things as me.
I chose to attend UM because I saw many opportunities for me. I saw an opportunity to make long-lasting friendships. I saw many opportunities that would help me prepare for my future career. I saw an opportunity to be a part of clubs and organizations with people who are passionate about the same things as me.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
My major is biochemistry, and I chose that major because I am a health professions student on the pre-optometry track; with my major, I can take classes that are both required for my degree as well as for optometry school, so I thought of it as an easier path for me.
My major is biochemistry, and I chose that major because I am a health professions student on the pre-optometry track; with my major, I can take classes that are both required for my degree as well as for optometry school, so I thought of it as an easier path for me.
Why is your department a special place?
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a special place to me because I still get to have classes with people who aren’t from the same department, so I end up knowing people from all over campus. I also like the department because the people here are super helpful and sweet. If you have a question, they will most definitely answer or direct you to someone who can. Oh, and also we have the best Starbucks on campus in Coulter hall, I find it best to grab a drink and find a nice study spot on one of the upper floors of the building.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is a special place to me because I still get to have classes with people who aren’t from the same department, so I end up knowing people from all over campus. I also like the department because the people here are super helpful and sweet. If you have a question, they will most definitely answer or direct you to someone who can. Oh, and also we have the best Starbucks on campus in Coulter hall, I find it best to grab a drink and find a nice study spot on one of the upper floors of the building.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
The class that has had the most impact on me was definitely organic chemistry because it served as a wake-up call for me. I was one of those kids who never studied in high school, so this class forced me to put time and effort into studying for my classes, and I saw my grades improve greatly over time.
The class that has had the most impact on me was definitely organic chemistry because it served as a wake-up call for me. I was one of those kids who never studied in high school, so this class forced me to put time and effort into studying for my classes, and I saw my grades improve greatly over time.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I hope to get into optometry school and earn my doctorate of Optometry degree and one day start my own practice.
After graduation, I hope to get into optometry school and earn my doctorate of Optometry degree and one day start my own practice.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I would say that college changes a lot of people, including yourself, but it is up to you if you want to change for the better or the worse. Not everyone is going to be your friend, no matter how hard you try; you cannot please everyone, and that is okay. The best thing you can do is to learn from your mistakes and experiences because that’s all a part of growing up. I would also tell her that it does get better with time.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I would say that college changes a lot of people, including yourself, but it is up to you if you want to change for the better or the worse. Not everyone is going to be your friend, no matter how hard you try; you cannot please everyone, and that is okay. The best thing you can do is to learn from your mistakes and experiences because that’s all a part of growing up. I would also tell her that it does get better with time.
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