Hello, I am Mary B I am an upcoming senior at Cofc majoring in Public Health and minoring in psychology I have aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) or being in the healthcare field. I enjoy going to the beach, pilates and hanging out with friends downtown.

Hometown

Cooperstown NY, moved to Myrtle Beach, SC

Major(s)

Public Health, Biology

Minor(s)

Psychology

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Med life Cofc, Best buddies (Quinnipiac)

Describe your college experience

I went to public school at first during freshman-sophomore year and a boarding school during my high school which was when covid-19 pandemic hit. It was pretty isolated from the outside world but I did gain many incredible skills and experiences and I was on the IEA Grier School team that made it to nationals for horse back riding. My transition to college first semester was really hard as I wasn’t used to being in a different environment after the pandemic, I enjoyed my roommates and friends but I did have a harder time adjusting academically from online classes in public school that I didn’t gain great knowledge in chemistry to college chemistry which was very challenging for me. I did eventually gain more knowledge and found better studying habits. I enjoyed transferring to college of charleston as there so many opportunities here and downtown charleston is a wonderful place to live as a young adult. My journey has taught me valuable lessons and the pandemic has shaped a path for me to pursue a public health degree, my goal is to be there for the community and help others.

Tip for future students

Before starting college I wish I knew some valuable information and tips. One thing I learned was talking to your classmates, you think oh well I only have class with them this semester I won’t see them again. Definitely not I have had multiple classes with people i’ve seen all throughout my college career. Get there number and find a place to collaborate information and study. I really found this out the hard way when I was in organic chemistry and I thought no one would want to help me but all of us were struggling and it was an eye opening experience that we all pulled through organic chemistry and spent hours working together even our professors encouraged working with others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. College of Charleston is a create place to learn, Go to your professors for help or if your confused on material, you might think i’ll never use this again just need it for an exam. It probably will be on the final exam make sure you are learning the material it all builds on each other not just memorizing the night before the exam. Your professors want to see you succeed so ask for clarification or go to office hours or email so you can understand how to properly learn the information.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been my psychopathology this past semester. The professor is very passionate of teaching psychology but doesn’t expect us to know everything. The professor knows that anxiety and depression can affect college students as the material can be overwhelming and he allows us to learn at our own pace. We would take the exams online in our own safe space which allowed us to concentrate on each question. I appreciate this as I have test anxiety and this method allowed me to not be nervous before a test. I think this allowed to listen to the material in the classroom and enjoy going to class.

Career goals

After college, my goal is to apply to PA school and I have aspirations of becoming a PA specialist in dermatology.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is to go to yoga around 4pm, make dinner and watch a tv show with friends. This allows me to unwind after school but still have normalcy and enjoy spending time with others.

High school or secondary school

Cherry Valley Springfield Central School, Cherry Valley, NY The Grier School, Birmingham, PA

Previous college

Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT My transfer experience was positive, I wasn’t progressing at this school and was far away from family so I decided I needed a new start myself and It was the best decision I made. Charleston is such a lovely place, I love that i’m able to walk to school and go to coffee shops during a study break and get dinner with friends almost every night. The beach on the weekends is always a hit.