Hello, I'm Zaria, a current undergraduate student at UMICH. I study Biomolecular Science with a French minor, and I transferred in during the fall of 2023! I volunteer and shadow at the hospital while also being an active member of the Kidney Disease and Screening Awareness Program club. In my free time, I go out to eat with my friends, work out, and speak French with other students on campus!

Hometown

Jackson, MS USA

Major(s)

Biomolecular Science

Minor(s)

French and Francophone Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

- Kidney Disease and Screening Awareness Program - Le Comité Francophone - Salt Company

Describe your college experience

Because I am a pre-med student and a transfer at UMICH, I've found it hard to adjust to the academic rigor of my classes. Even socially, it wasn't the easiest making friends in the beginning, but now that I've been in Michigan for 2 years, I can truly say that I'm blessed to have the friends that I do now. I've gotten to do analytical​/​anthropological research, improve my proficiency in French, go to France, grow my Faith in Christ, see more live music from local bands, and fall more in love with medicine.

Tip for future students

To future students, I encourage you to explore your interests and allow yourself to grow. Be kind to others and take care of your mental health! This is your time to take on the world and I hope that you make these most of these next few years; you'll always have someone rooting for you!

Favorite class

My favorite class was BIO 173 because I love lab and I'm not really a biology person, but this lab was enjoyable! I got to meet some very special people, go on a few field trips, and I loved learning from Dr. Nowicki.

Career goals

I plan to go to medical school and specialize in spine surgery as a neuro​/​ortho surgeon. I also would like to pursue chemical research in my spare time!

Ideal way to spend a free night

I would either get dinner with a group of friends then go to Pinball Pete's, or have a movie night where everyone brings snacks and we watch something like Shrek or Sing.

High school or secondary school

The Mississippi School for Math & Science- Columbus, MS Oak Grove High School- Hattiesburg, MS

Previous college

MS Gulf Coast Community College- I loved MGCCC! This community college changed my life and will always have a special place in my heart. I got to meet so many new people and even obtain my AS in 1 year, so that was nice! I was a part of a campus ministry group, an RA, a member of the Honors College, and I received a "Who's Who" as well as "Hall of Fame" award. The MS University for Women- I took a few composition classes at this institution while also being enrolled at MSMS, so I didn't experience The W like a normal college student would. Still, I loved their gym and would often go to the dance classes available, whenever I could!