Jasmine Sanders

I chose to attend UM because I loved the beautiful campus and the honors college! I was very drawn to the feel of walking around campus and all of the beautiful scenery as well as the amazing academic and professional opportunities the university has to offer. The scholarship I received to attend was just a cherry on top, and I am so grateful to attend such a generous university and to be a part of such a prestigious community of students within the College of Liberal Arts!

I chose my major sophomore year of high school and my minors senior year. I knew I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon going into high school, but I still didn't know what major I wanted. After taking high school level chemistry and biology, I grew an even greater love for both but knew I wanted to do something in the chemistry department. After researching what options are available for students who are interested in chemistry, I decided on biochemistry because it seemed like the perfect mix between bio and chem, both of which I needed to be a premed student. As for my minors, I decided on those senior year after writing my senior thesis about health disparities. Health disparities are discrepancies in quality and access to care due to socioeconomic factors including race, income, culture, etc. I strive to be a medical professional that is culturally conscious and able to break down cultural barriers and prejudices so that health care can be amazing for each and every individual no matter who they are or where they are from. Studying sociology gives me that holistic perspective of the sociological influences on health, and I would like to become fluent in Spanish by the time I've obtained my degree!

I would tell a high school student that my major is far from easy, but as long as you are willing to put in the effort and utilize all of the amazing resources the university has to offer, you will succeed. In all things, but I think especially with more difficult STEM classes, you are going to get out what you put in. If you spend time with your professors, spend time in supplemental instruction (free tutoring), make friends and study groups in your classes, and find other ways to make learning easier for you, I am convinced that you can make it through any class and do exceptionally well. The most important thing to know if you are interested in being a pre-med student or biochemistry major (or both) is that there are resources to help you. If a class seems really hard and overwhelming, know that the faculty as well as the professors are there to help you succeed, so just ask for help and do not struggle in silence.

Surprisingly enough, my most challenging class last academic school year was my favorite class. It was a general chemistry class, and I took it with Professor Steven Davis who is the sweetest man and an amazing teacher. Believe it or not, I looked forward to going to chemistry class because the environment he created was not only fun but also a comfortable environment for learning and asking questions. He cared about each and every one of our understanding of the material and performance in the class, and I was able to finish both semesters with high marks due to his great teaching! This class was very impactful because even though the class was difficult, I was encouraged by the fun that I had despite still having to put work in and was amazed at the positive outcomes that came from keeping a positive attitude and not giving up!

I am currently binge-watching Grey's Anatomy, actually. I am a little late to the game, but I always hear people talking about it, so I figured I'd give it a go. Another fav for me right now is The Mindy Project on Netflix! As for books, I am currently reading two different books. The "fun" book I am currently reading is the second book of the Firebird trilogy by Claudia Gray and the other is a book by the Benham brothers called Living Amongst Lions.

I would tell myself, "Contrary to what you believed coming in, it is harder to adjust to being in college than you think. Adjusting to being so far from home is difficult at times, learning to navigate new friendships and also your newfound freedom can be quite intimidating, but give yourself a month or so to adjust and continue to meet new people every chance you get. Put your best foot forward when it comes to your classes and if you feel lost and overwhelmed you are not the only one who feels that way. It's going to feel uncomfortable. It's going to feel a little bit like starting school for the first time all over again because it's new and scary but give it time because you will find comfortability.”