Biochemistry and Spanish Major
I chose Heidelberg because of the sense of community I felt every time I visited campus. It immediately felt like home. Especially after the Scholars Day, I could tell how much the faculty and staff truly invested in the students' education and I knew I could succeed in that type of environment.
I majored in biochemistry and Spanish. I changed my major to biochemistry because I started to enjoy the material more than my previous major and I liked the challenge of the courses. I also felt like the faculty in the biochemistry department held really high standards yet were extremely supportive and I knew this would benefit me in pursuit of graduate school. I majored in Spanish because I loved the language after taking years of it in high school and I didn't want to lose my Spanish ability.
A major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was finding a balance between school and having fun. I handled it by learning how I studied most efficiently, taking breaks between homework to hang out with friends, and ultimately learning to prioritize. In the end, I was able to work hard yet also was able to go on many adventures with my friends. This also included finally saying yes to academic travel opportunities, the perfect example of school and fun.
Above all, Heidelberg prepared me to handle anything that comes my way. I feel like Heidelberg has truly taught me how to be flexible and adapt. From pandemic semesters to figuring out a unique path that allowed me to study abroad for a semester, Heidelberg has taught me how to define my goals, then be flexible in pursuing them.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in World Student Union, Chemistry Club, and Tri-Beta. I played soccer for the first two years, but I have truly enjoyed supporting my friends ever since I stopped playing.
My favorite extra-curricular activity was World Student Union in 2021 because of the International Dinner. WSU has other events, but the International Dinner is one of my favorites because of the opportunity to learn about other cultures and discover their food as well. WSU also allowed me to form a connection with Julie Arnold, who has also been extremely supportive of me during my time at Heidelberg.
It's impossible to pick one faculty member who impacted my 'Berg experience, and for that I am so lucky. Dr. Nate Beres, Dr. Emily Isaacson, Dr. Cynthia Lepeley, and Dr. Aaron Roerdink have all really impacted my experience at Heidelberg. Academically, navigating being a double major in sciences and humanities was always a challenge, but they were all extremely supportive and flexible in working out my courses. Dr. Beres and Dr. Roerdink definitely pushed me to do my best, but were also very supportive in and out of the classroom. They helped me figure out what I really wanted to do after graduation. Dr. Lepeley helped me keep my love of Spanish and worked with me so much to earn my major. Dr. Isaacson has been more of a mentor and has been there for me in the worst moments and the best moments, and I couldn't be more grateful. Above all else, all of these professors have been the most supportive of me both as a student and as a person throughout my entire time at Heidelberg.
My advice to new freshman me would be to go get involved in extra-curriculars as soon as something seems interesting! I always wanted to wait to join clubs with my friends, but I started meeting new people and making more friends when I finally got involved on my own. I started enjoying the experience even more when I was making new friends and was involved in new activities.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. It took a lot of hard work to be able to spend my last semester of undergraduate abroad, but I wouldn't change a thing. Studying abroad allowed me to live my life speaking Spanish for a semester and if it was possible, I fell even more in love with the language and culture. It also helped me see that my crazy dreams could actually become reality. I met so many wonderful people and was able to take all my courses in Spanish, which was so fun for me. Ultimately, studying abroad allowed me not only to work on my Spanish-speaking ability, but also to grow as a person. I feel like I have gained a new perspective on life and I am confident in the foundation I have obtained from my education at Heidelberg and my experience studying abroad.
My plans after graduation are to attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a Master's in Biomedical Sciences. Ultimately, I would love to get my Ph.D. and move back to Sevilla to teach there.