Why did you choose to attend UM?
UM is by far the most beautiful campus I toured. Moreover, the people here are very friendly; the number of students who took the time to say hi to my parents and me was very surprising. You just can't find this level of community anywhere else in the world.
UM is by far the most beautiful campus I toured. Moreover, the people here are very friendly; the number of students who took the time to say hi to my parents and me was very surprising. You just can't find this level of community anywhere else in the world.
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 difficult. While by no means is it impossible to graduate with a B.A. Biochemistry degree, you have to work a lot more than the average bear. Sometimes, instead of doing what I want to do, I have to prioritize what I HAVE to do. With that said, I love my major and don't want to change it, but a biochemistry degree comes with the tradeoff of less free time.
My major is difficult. While by no means is it impossible to graduate with a B.A. Biochemistry degree, you have to work a lot more than the average bear. Sometimes, instead of doing what I want to do, I have to prioritize what I HAVE to do. With that said, I love my major and don't want to change it, but a biochemistry degree comes with the tradeoff of less free time.
Why is your department a special place?
The chemistry department is a surprisingly close-knit community. There are constant opportunities to get together with UM faculty and fellow students. For instance, Dr. Ritchie teaches a Boy Scout merit badge and allows chemistry students to assist. Another great opportunity offered by the Chemistry department is SMACS, or Student Members of the American Chemical Society. They put on several events throughout the school year, and recently allowed club members to sit in on the interviews of prospective new professors. Overall, the chemistry department truly cares about keeping students involved in their learning experience.
The chemistry department is a surprisingly close-knit community. There are constant opportunities to get together with UM faculty and fellow students. For instance, Dr. Ritchie teaches a Boy Scout merit badge and allows chemistry students to assist. Another great opportunity offered by the Chemistry department is SMACS, or Student Members of the American Chemical Society. They put on several events throughout the school year, and recently allowed club members to sit in on the interviews of prospective new professors. Overall, the chemistry department truly cares about keeping students involved in their learning experience.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
My first ever college course was General Chemistry 1, and I was nervous. I didn't know anyone else in the course, but in walked Dr. Ritchie, happy as ever. He told the class his name and a little bit about the course. Over the next two semesters, I came to know that he very much cares about his students and the community. My fondest memory was in the last couple of weeks of class, second semester of that year, and we made little "algae-balls" that contained flavored water. They were absolutely vile, but my classmates and I had an amazing time goofing off. Looking back, I wish every professor cared as much about their course as Dr. Ritchie did, but I know now how I'll run things if I ever wind up as a teacher.
My first ever college course was General Chemistry 1, and I was nervous. I didn't know anyone else in the course, but in walked Dr. Ritchie, happy as ever. He told the class his name and a little bit about the course. Over the next two semesters, I came to know that he very much cares about his students and the community. My fondest memory was in the last couple of weeks of class, second semester of that year, and we made little "algae-balls" that contained flavored water. They were absolutely vile, but my classmates and I had an amazing time goofing off. Looking back, I wish every professor cared as much about their course as Dr. Ritchie did, but I know now how I'll run things if I ever wind up as a teacher.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I fully intend on applying and attending medical school. Upon finishing residency (hopefully dermatology, but who knows at this point) and all my fellowships, I hope to return home to Paris, Tennessee, and open my own practice.
I fully intend on applying and attending medical school. Upon finishing residency (hopefully dermatology, but who knows at this point) and all my fellowships, I hope to return home to Paris, Tennessee, and open 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)?
I would tell myself to enjoy the little things. The walk back to my dorm after a long night of studying and going to eat in the Union with my friends is all a distant memory now. I didn't realize just how temporary my freshman year would be, and I should have cherished my time more.
I would tell myself to enjoy the little things. The walk back to my dorm after a long night of studying and going to eat in the Union with my friends is all a distant memory now. I didn't realize just how temporary my freshman year would be, and I should have cherished my time more.
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