What stood out about your experience in Carleton’s Department of Neuroscience?
I feel very proud to be able to call myself a Carleton University neuroscience graduate. In my mind, the Department of Neuroscience epitomized the essence of a rich and stimulating learning environment and true education – that is, education not as a mere stepping stone, an A+ on a transcript or a series of letters to put next to your name, but rather the opportunity of an education in which the purpose is to inspire interest, share passion, be curious, and the privelege to learn from and collaborate with the truly brilliant minds of the faculty and graduate students. For me, Neuroscience at Carleton tickled my neurons (so to speak) and fostered in me an excitement about science, research and learning which continues to be a driving force in my medical education today.
Do you have any advice for incoming students?
Choose a degree or major that allows you to explore a what genuinely interests you, and approach these courses with a sense of curiosity. Study because you “want to”, and not because you “have to” (although, really, you have to anyways…but it just makes it easier if you can enjoy it!)
Do you have any advice for students pursuing medicine?
Take courses, get involved with extracurricular activities, and explore research opportunities not based on what you think will “look good” on your CV, but for what you are interested in and love to do. Undergrad can be challenging and demanding not only academically, but also physically and emotionally. Staying involved in activities that you love and that are important to you will make it easier to keep your zen and build a better CV anyways – win-win.
Everyone seems to have advice or an opinion about getting accepted into medical school, but ultimately your voice is the most important. I do think that medicine is something that you have to truly want and be willing to work hard for. I also think that you’re the only person that can definitively decide whether you can or can’t get to where you want to go. If medicine is something you want, then you can.
