What makes you a Difference Maker?
The diversity cultivated in my academic classwork, extracurricular experiences, and interpersonal relationships has enabled me to be a Difference Maker. I’ve gained technical knowledge through the chemistry and biology programs, and received invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance and critical thinking while living alongside others pursuing careers in research, industry and medicine. The German program has taught me another language. This, in turn, has opened up a world of literature, music, art and culture that was previously inaccessible to me—and now I’m able to share that with other people. Through the CASL Honors Program and Poland study abroad trip, I learned to communicate, connect and learn—not only from peers, but also from people who are not like me. Above all, UM-Dearborn has provided me with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. From coordinating with classmates on research projects in chemistry to meeting international students at German Club’s monthly meetings, I’ve had an impact on others lives just as much as they have impacted mine. I am a Difference Maker because of my tenacious work ethic both on and off campus, and because of my enthusiasm for the UM-Dearborn student community. The skills, experiences and opportunities I’ve encountered at UM-Dearborn have caused me to be recognized as a Difference Maker in the present, but they have also equipped me to be a Difference Maker in each new community I encounter in the future.
Highlight your campus achievements:
This year I’ve had the honor of being the president of German Club, as well as being a member of the Chemistry Club E-board. Throughout my four years at UM-Dearborn, I’ve received many awards for academic achievement, including the William J. Branstorm Prize, University Honors for six consecutive semesters, Chancellor’s Scholarship, being named a James B Angell Scholar and the 2017 CASL Honors Scholar for the Chemistry department. I’m graduating in April of 2017 with High Distinction and with completing the CASL Honors Program. The German program has awarded me each year with a certificate of outstanding achievement, as well.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
I’ve had many positive experiences in the student organizations that I’m involved with, and I especially enjoy interacting with students that are just entering the university. Many of them show great hunger for learning new things and getting involved with everything they can. Our monthly meetings for German Club could be just an addition to my already busy class schedule, but instead they provide me with energy and an ignited passion to learn about different cultures and meet new people. It can be challenging to be responsible for a student organization, however, I feel a profound sense of personal accomplishment when the meetings bring together students from various disciplines and colleges throughout the university and we get to experience a connection through a common interest. The Chemistry Club has also provided me with a smaller community of people with a shared interest. I particularly appreciate the moments when I’m able to pass along my acquired knowledge of study strategies and information about professors and classes to the underclassmen.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
My dream career is to practice veterinary medicine, while incorporating my education in German and chemistry and my passion for honeybees. I’ve been accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU for Fall 2017. My education in chemistry (major) and biology (minor) has provided me with a strong foundation and I’m excited to apply the knowledge and technical skills in larger application in the medical field. One of my personal interests and long-term goals is to improve the lives of food animals, including honeybees. I hope to use my chemistry background to do pharmaceutical research and develop more effective treatments for the diseases that are now affecting bees. Successful treatment of these diseases will ensure preservation of several vital human food sources.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
The moment that stands out during my time at UM-Dearborn came at the end of my junior year, when I had to ask professors for letters of reference for my application to veterinary medicine programs. At that moment, I realized that I’d been able to create strong relationships with many of my professors at this university, and that I would have no issue with acquiring more than enough reference letters. I’m overjoyed that my German, chemistry and history professors have not only been formative in my education, but that they will remember who I am and what my life goals are when I return to visit them in future years. They are the ones who’ve encouraged me to pursue leadership roles and who’ve supported me in following my goals—both in academics and extracurriculars.