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Laura D. Thomas
A Western Carolina University Honors College graduate, Laura began medical school at The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in fall 2011. While at WCU, Laura designed her own Special Studies Degree Program called “Public Health Sciences.” After medical school, she plans to specialize in oncology and work in a hospital serving the needs of a rural community.
“Attending WCU allowed me to reap the benefits of small class sizes, hands-on experience, and individualized instruction. Through customizing my major course of study, I was able to prepare for medical school, participate in undergraduate research, and get field experience in the health care industry.”
Candice Roberts
Candice graduated from The Honors College at WCU in 2008 with a B.S. in Psychology. She is now enrolled in the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Class of 2013. Upon completion of her medical degree, she plans to run her own clinical practice and volunteer her time and services to the underinsured and uninsured residents of rural North Carolina. Candice also plans to mentor and teach premedical students and residents.
"While attending Western Carolina University, my dream of becoming a physician became a goal. The faculty at Western Carolina University in both The Honors College and the Psychology Department were dedicated to helping me gain successful admission into medical school as well as broaden my medical experiences with local physicians and patients. These valuable experiences are what strengthened my desire to become a physician and aided my admission into medical school."
Emily A. Nantz
A Western Carolina University Honors College graduate, Emily began the Masters of Physical Therapy program at Western in fall 2009. She plans to concentrate in pediatrics and find a job in which she could enrich the lives of children through her profession. Emily also hopes to participate in mission work that involves physical therapy in a Latin American country.
“I really feel that attending Western Carolina University was one of the most important and influential decisions of my life. Not only did I gain an excellent education, but I also was transformed into the person that I am today. Everyone at WCU has been a family to me; providing support, encouragement, and anything I needed throughout my undergraduate career. I could never say enough about the benefits of the one-on-one attention from professors or the small class size. The opportunity to get to know the classmates in your major and form study groups outside of class was one well worth taking. Western Carolina truly provides you with a firm foundation in your education as you prepare to enter the health field and achieve your ultimate educational goal.”
Joel Stroot
Former WCU Honors College Board of Directors President, Joel graduated in 2005. He entered UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in fall 2009 and plans to earn his D.D.S. degree and pursue a career in dentistry through private practice, government and both foreign and domestic mission work. Joel has also written a helpful guide for pre-professional students called A Non-Traditional Path to Graduate School.
“WCU and The Honors College have given me a great start to my career and have prepared me for the challenges ahead. I am grateful for all that the Honors College offers and look forward to keeping in touch as a proud alum. Being the Board president for the H.C. was very helpful in preparing me for leadership positions, building confidence and being able to do a lot of good work while making great and lasting friendships. Thank you!”
Joel Stroot's Guide to the Graduate School Essay
Lindsay Collins
As a junior at Western Carolina University, Lindsay was accepted into Mercer College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in October 2009. She concentrated her studies in Biology and completed three years as an undergraduate at WCU. She will begin classes at Mercer College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in fall 2010. Upon completion of the Pharm D. program, Lindsay plans to move back to her hometown and work in a community pharmacy there. With the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Lindsay plans to work closely with patients while contributing to the community and bettering lives every day.
“Becoming a pharmacist has always been a dream of mine. Going to Western Carolina University further made that dream a reality. The Honors College and Biology Department supported and encouraged me in my career path towards becoming a pharmacist and their undeniable help and loyalty ultimately made a difference in my undergraduate work here at WCU. Western Carolina University provided me with a firm foundation that was necessary for gaining admission and enrolling in Mercer’s Pharm D. program. Due to my experiences at WCU, which have been long-lasting and memorable, I owe my gratitude for helping make my dreams come true.”
We are growing ~~~~~
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