I came into college without having too much planned out. I didn’t know for sure what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be when I got here. Upon arriving at UAB, I had some phenomenal mentors who advised me to take classes in all the fields of which I was even remotely interested. This pursuit of curiosity led me to Dr. McFarland’s Psychology 101 course. Being honest, it was a bit daunting walking into the 600-student lecture for the first time, but I’m glad I ventured into that classroom because I discovered very early into the course that I wanted to spend the rest of my undergraduate career studying the brain. Thus, I began my journey in the UAB neuroscience program.
I have greatly enjoyed my time in the Neuroscience Program. My neuroscience classes have been insightful and each class has challenged the paradigms I have held about the limits of the human mind. The neuroscience professors are very passionate about their field of study, and many of them are actually on the cutting-edge of the field. I think it would be impossible to not be inspired when this many innovative people surround you. Since the neuroscience program is still relatively small, each student gets a lot of one on one time and personal connections with many of the professors. With the help of the neuroscience program, I began research my sophomore year in Dr. Meador-Woodruff’s lab studying the alteration and modification of proteins in the post-mortem brain of patients with schizophrenia. I appreciated the experience doing hands-on research in the lab. However, I most enjoyed imagining the extent to which my research could potentially play a role in improving the lives of not only the patients with schizophrenia but their families’ lives as well.
My college career has been nothing short of a blessing, and, though I have enjoyed academia, I feel my true bliss during my time at UAB has been student life. I think I tried to take advantage of every opportunity that the neuroscience program, the University Honors Program, and UAB student life had to offer. During my four short years here, I was fortunate to serve two summers as a Goin’ Green Orientation Leader, join a Greek organization, be elected as Mr. UAB 2015, dance on Rangeela (a Bollywood fusion dance team), volunteer as a Mental Health Coordinator at a clinic for the homeless population in Birmingham, and serve as a TA for the University Honors Program. Beyond these positions, I have loved cheering on the Blazers at the UAB basketball games, performing at StompDown, and hanging up my hammock on the Green on an autumn day. I sincerely feel that I have found my home here at UAB.
My time at UAB has provided me with experiences that have taught me invaluable lessons that have nurtured my personal growth as a leader, student, and a human being.
For my next step, I have accepted a position to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mozambique for the next two years. Upon my return from living abroad, I intend to pursue a career in medicine. I believe that all of the experiences I garnered during my time at UAB have more than adequately prepared me for these next steps in my life, and, more importantly, I have loved every minute of my time here.
