Q&A with Maria Jose Barrera
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
As corny as it may sound, I didn't choose UM; I feel like it chose me. Like many of you, I had a long list of what I thought I wanted in a university, but my experience here has been defined by the people. From the moment I started the advising process in high school. Through orientation and into my sophomore year, I've been welcomed with open arms. Being a student here, especially with the SMBHC, has shown me that I am more than just a number. The staff and community have quite literally helped me up at times when I felt overwhelmed. Whether I was navigating a difficult semester in organic chemistry or balancing my leadership roles, there has always been a mentor or a peer there to help me. I chose to stay at UM because it's a place where your success is a shared goal, and the support system is as rigorous as the academics.
As corny as it may sound, I didn't choose UM; I feel like it chose me. Like many of you, I had a long list of what I thought I wanted in a university, but my experience here has been defined by the people. From the moment I started the advising process in high school. Through orientation and into my sophomore year, I've been welcomed with open arms. Being a student here, especially with the SMBHC, has shown me that I am more than just a number. The staff and community have quite literally helped me up at times when I felt overwhelmed. Whether I was navigating a difficult semester in organic chemistry or balancing my leadership roles, there has always been a mentor or a peer there to help me. I chose to stay at UM because it's a place where your success is a shared goal, and the support system is as rigorous as the academics.
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?
Biochemistry is a fun major. It combines the world of chemistry and biology through a molecular lens. It's like learning how medicine interacts with a cell to how life might form in the atmosphere of another planet. It's a hard major like anything else, but with passion and discipline, a foundation can be built for success. My advice is to not let the complexity intimidate you. There is a community here to help make sure you are actually learning how things work critically, not just passing through the motions.
Biochemistry is a fun major. It combines the world of chemistry and biology through a molecular lens. It's like learning how medicine interacts with a cell to how life might form in the atmosphere of another planet. It's a hard major like anything else, but with passion and discipline, a foundation can be built for success. My advice is to not let the complexity intimidate you. There is a community here to help make sure you are actually learning how things work critically, not just passing through the motions.
Why is your department a special place?
The chemistry department is my special place because it is where everything that I find life in has found meaning. I'm not just learning formulas and random compounds; I am learning how this earth breathes and exists! The students in the department make me feel seen and understood when they also find so much meaning in what they are learning. Being involved in the research group has definitely been the highlight of my experience. I have had the opportunity to work with graduate students and learn things from peers, not just about chemistry but about life and balance while going through college.
The chemistry department is my special place because it is where everything that I find life in has found meaning. I'm not just learning formulas and random compounds; I am learning how this earth breathes and exists! The students in the department make me feel seen and understood when they also find so much meaning in what they are learning. Being involved in the research group has definitely been the highlight of my experience. I have had the opportunity to work with graduate students and learn things from peers, not just about chemistry but about life and balance while going through college.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
One of the most impactful experiences of my college career happened before my first semester even began, during a high-stress freshman orientation. I was completely overwhelmed and spiraling while trying to finalize my schedule, sitting in an advising room as the very last student left with four professors I had never met. Dr. Fortenberry stepped in, calmly reading my screen while the other three professors actually got up and used the chalkboard to map out a path forward for me. After that, he spent an hour in his office listening to my doubts and aspirations, offering wisdom that stayed with me long after I left. He even sent me an encouraging email on the morning of my high school graduation, a gesture that proved he truly cared about my success. Since then, he has been my go-to mentor for advice, and when I decided to join a research lab during my sophomore year, he welcomed me with open arms. His mentorship has done more than just help me navigate academics; it has made me feel like I truly belong in this department and in the world of science.
One of the most impactful experiences of my college career happened before my first semester even began, during a high-stress freshman orientation. I was completely overwhelmed and spiraling while trying to finalize my schedule, sitting in an advising room as the very last student left with four professors I had never met. Dr. Fortenberry stepped in, calmly reading my screen while the other three professors actually got up and used the chalkboard to map out a path forward for me. After that, he spent an hour in his office listening to my doubts and aspirations, offering wisdom that stayed with me long after I left. He even sent me an encouraging email on the morning of my high school graduation, a gesture that proved he truly cared about my success. Since then, he has been my go-to mentor for advice, and when I decided to join a research lab during my sophomore year, he welcomed me with open arms. His mentorship has done more than just help me navigate academics; it has made me feel like I truly belong in this department and in the world of science.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I hope to attend an MD/PhD program and become a neurosurgeon someday. I want to actively partake in research that will help heal others, not just put bandages on issues. I hope that, following my career ambitions, I will grow to have a loving family of my own.
I hope to attend an MD/PhD program and become a neurosurgeon someday. I want to actively partake in research that will help heal others, not just put bandages on issues. I hope that, following my career ambitions, I will grow to have a loving family of my own.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I would tell my past self is that this is a clean slate. Be yourself, create new routines, and change and keep whatever you want. This is not just about academics; it's about growing on your own two wheels. In college, you will face challenges that you would have never thought of, and it is completely up to you how to respond. Let these four years be ones of growth and opportunity, not regret!
One thing I would tell my past self is that this is a clean slate. Be yourself, create new routines, and change and keep whatever you want. This is not just about academics; it's about growing on your own two wheels. In college, you will face challenges that you would have never thought of, and it is completely up to you how to respond. Let these four years be ones of growth and opportunity, not regret!
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