Hi, I'm Vanessa! I'm a junior studying biology at the University of Michigan! I know that college can be a big change, so one of my goals is to give you all the information you need to manage through this change! Some of my expertise include: the optimal path to take in the winter to stay warm, perfecting your class schedule, and finding your place in such a big school! I also am pre-MD​/​PhD (Physician Scientist​/​PSTP), so if that is something you're interested in​/​wondering about I would love to talk about it!

Hometown

Dyer, Indiana

Major(s)

Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB)

Minor(s)

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

- Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) - Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) - University of Michigan Science Olympiad (UMSO) - Pre-Medical Club (PMC) - University Blood Initiative (UBI) - Barista

Describe your college experience

My transition to college was somewhat difficult, as it probably is for everyone. I am a first-generation student, so I wasn't 100% sure what to expect. Though I said it was somewhat difficult, it would have been so much harder if it wasn't for my living-learning community (MRADS), which placed me in a cohort. I was able to make close friendships and bond with my peers. I would say it has been difficult to manage studying, working, and other requirements while not neglecting your mental and physical health; even at my stage in college, I still have difficulties maintaining this work-life balance. But, having a support system and staying organized are such important ways to stay on top of this!

Tip for future students

- Optimize a calendar app (I use Google Calendar). I put my class schedule on it with notifications set 30 minutes before each class. You can also set reminders for assignments on it, which can be very helpful if you have something with a strict deadline! - Be prepared to be humbled. College is hard, and that's ok. It can be very humbling to receive a grade you aren't used to, or be challenged in a way you haven't been challenged before. But that feeling comes with learning, so learning that it's ok to struggle is very important! - You are probably not an early bird. Unless you are, which is great! I know this is something everyone says, but it's true: 8 AM in high school is very different from 8 AM in college. Avoid scheduling those 8 AM classes unless you HAVE to (or are very committed, and if that's you I respect it).

Favorite class

I may sound a bit crazy for this--but I think my favorite class so far has been organic chemistry. The class was a bit outside of my comfort zone, and I honestly still don't fully understand it, but I think that's the charm of it.

Career goals

My career goals is to become a physician-scientist (MD​/​PhD). Ideally, I would love to study genetics and cardiology.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Free nights are rare, so you have to use them wisely. To be completely honest, I would probably use this time to catch up on missed sleep. But ideally, assuming I had a full nights of sleep already, I would love to hang out with some friends (maybe watch a movie together) while I draw.

High school or secondary school

Lake Central High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place probably depends on the season. During the summer, the Diag is probably my favorite; it's lively--but not packed--and the squirrels are out. In the fall, Nichols Arboretum (the Arb) is one of my favorite places--it's relaxing to get away from the stress of the beginning of the year and enjoy the colors changing on the trees. In the winter (and extended winter, aka spring), I would probably say my favorite building is the Undergraduate Library. It's a good place to study and has a cafe.