Hi, my name is Fiona! I'm majoring in Public Health with a minor in Nutrition. In my free time, I enjoy reading, skating, painting, and going to the IMA to workout. My favorite spots on campus are the quad, the waterfront, and the third floor of Odegaard!

Hometown

Walla Walla, WA

Major(s)

Public Health major

Minor(s)

Nutrition minor

Clubs, organizations & involvement

GenAction, UW Stage Notes, and Film Club

Describe your college experience

I honestly don't think I could've picked a better college to help me thrive, personally and professionally. Moving away from my hometown felt unnatural at first but now I've actually come to consider Seattle my home because of the people, public transport, and numerous opportunities UW allows me to work in my field.

Tip for future students

Before starting college, I wish I knew that it's okay to look a little silly in pursuit of human connection. I think we often feel a pressure to act a certain way or pretend we don't care but it's actually more beneficial to open yourself up to new people and experiences. Showing people you care will allow more friendships and opportunities to reveal themselves to you in my experience.

Favorite class

Some of my favorite classes have also been the most challenging. For example, before coming to UW I was staunchly against anything related to math or science, I thought I wasn't smart enough for them. Now however, I'm majoring in a STEM field and some of my favorite classes have been BIO 118, GH 210, and EPI 320. These classes have stretched my thinking in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Career goals

After undergrad, I'm going to apply for the Peace Corps which is a two-year program overseas. I hope to work in healthcare​/​education in either South America or Africa. I feel this hands-on approach will help me make the biggest different right out of college and allow me to understand what I like about the field and what I wish I could change. After the Peace Corps, my goal is to earn either my MPH with a concentration in epidemiology, or to pursue medical school to become a nurse practitioner or OB-GYN. I'm very passionate about advancing the healthcare system in way that benefits historically underprivileged groups, including women and people of color in rural areas.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Ideally, my free nights are spent with friends. Often, we'll attend film club together and it's always refreshing to turn our phones off and tune out our adult responsibilities. Afterwards, we'll discuss the movie at length over dinner and it's always fun to hear others' perspectives and agree to disagree on certain points.

High school or secondary school

Walla Walla High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the quad for multiple reasons. It's always changing which I love and I've had so many realizations while sitting on those benches. Of course, it's fun to visit when the cherry blossoms are out but it's also nice to go early in the morning when there are fewer people. I like to journal or catch up on the book I'm currently reading.