Welcome!
Introduction:
-Many experiences throughout my undergraduate career have shaped me into the honors student I am today. However, these three experiences stand out among all others. The skin cancer research paper I completed, being a Top 100 recipient and Instructing at Morning Dove have been some of the most important experiences I have taken part in. I think a part of being an honors student is demonstrating excellence academically, co-curricularlly and extracurricularly which is why I have chosen to include these specific experiences.
Skin Cancer Research Paper
Introduction: One of my honors experiences consisted of a research paper on Skin Cancer. I wrote this paper for Statistics as an honors contract. This topic in particular has great meaning to me as I try to advocate for skin protection and regular Dermotology visits. This is because I have had many people in my life including myself struggle with s basal and squamous cell carcinomas. In this research paper I compared the three different types of skin cancers, explored risk factors as well as explored various treatment and prevention plans.
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Reflection: This topic overall holds great importance to me because I have always wanted to specialize in Dermatology. Being able to research and write about something I am genuienly passionate about was extremely rewarding. Through this experience I was able to educate myself further on an importnat topic and utilize my prior knowledge to form a well written research paper. Although, most importantly I was able to share this paper with friends, family and the community around me in order to better the health and wellbeing of our society.
Top 100 Students Award
Introduction: The Top 100 award recognizes students who are academically strong, involved in co-curricular activities, and also are involved in extracurricular activities. A letter of recommendation and a personal statement was also required in the application. I decided to apply this year as a senior since I felt that my application had the greatest potential as it is nearing the end of my undergraduate career. Ultimately, I had the honor of being recognized as ​​a Top 100 student.​
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Reflection: This is more than just an award to me, it is instead a testament that a relentless work ethic and undying thirst for success will trump anything else. I was never smart or even thought of associating myself with that word growing up. Although, I had an epiphany in the beginning of my sophomore year of college that I wouldn't stop until I was at the top even if it meant I had to work significantly more than my peers. I say this all to inspire any potential reader to know that anything is possible with a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.
Morning Dove TRC Instructor
Introduction: I started teaching at Morning Dove Therapeutic horse back riding center approximately two years ago. At Morning Dove I am able to combine the two biggest aspects of my life, Medicine and horses. I have been riding horses and competing nationally since I was 8 years old. I am able to utilize my expertise here to ensure the safety and care of the horses is top notch at all times. I also am able to use my academic career to my advantage when consulting physician notes and coming up with lesson plans for my riders.
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Reflection: Teaching at Morning Dove has truly awarded me with experiences and learning curves I would have never imagined. I have learned how to make split second decisions in a calm and methodical manner while also taking extreme safety precautions. In one lesson there are so many things that could go wrong with three horses, three riders, and multiple volunteers in one lesson. Although, I can say this particular experience has been the most rewarding one I've had in my life thus far. I plan on utilziing the skills in both the arena and outside of the arena in my career as a future physician. The loyalty of my riders, parents, volunteers and fellow staff members have had towards me is incredible and has helped create more of a family instead of a workplace.