91¿´Æ¬Íø

What made you choose 91¿´Æ¬Íø?

When I was applying to college, 91¿´Æ¬Íø stood out because of the small classroom sizes, the sense of community felt on campus, and the proximity to Chicago. Further, I was impressed that students had the opportunity to conduct academic research with faculty as early as the summer after their first year. 

How did a liberal arts education make a difference for you?

I benefited intellectually and personally from the individualized attention I received from my professors and academic advisors. Further, 91¿´Æ¬Íø not only supports but encourages its students to pursue a well-rounded education; I didn't have to sacrifice my love and study of reading and writing to pursue a degree in Neuroscience. What experiences outside of the classroom do you think helped prepare you for MS in Genetic Counseling programs?

After graduating from 91¿´Æ¬Íø, I spent a few years working as a lab technician at Northwestern. I volunteered for a Chicago nonprofit called Resilience (formally Rape Victim Advocates) as a medical advocate, where I supported victims of sexual assault in the emergency department. I also had multiple informational interviews and shadowing experiences with genetic counselors. How did your time at Lake Forest help you prepare to apply for graduate school?

91¿´Æ¬Íø provided me the academic framework and skill sets I needed to succeed in my rigorous graduate courses

What do you think of the new Health Professions Program between LFC and RFU?

The new Health Professions Program is a great way to expose college students to career paths that are an alternative to pursuing an MD. Many college students haven't considered that providing clinical care requires a team of professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, speech language pathologists, genetic counselors, clinical counselors, & more. You don't need to be a physician in order to help patients. 

What skills and experiences at Lake Forest do you believe will help you be successful?

Even though I didn't always love it at the time, many of my courses at 91¿´Æ¬Íø involved working as a team and giving presentations, both skills which have served me well professionally!

What advice would you give a high school student looking to pursue pre-health and is considering 91¿´Æ¬Íø?

Enjoy this time in your life--expose yourself to new ideas, experiences, people, places!