Where did you attend/or currently are attending school? (high school, university, etc)
Cashton High School
What would you like to do in healthcare?
I am very interested in going into psychiatry. I have set myself up for this career path in high school by taking advanced science and psychology courses. I plan on going to UW-La Crosse to double major in biology and psychology. I think I would like to do my medical schooling at UW-Madison, and then I don't really know where I would like to do my residency.
What was your first AHEC experience?
Northern Health Careers Camp, June 2015
What was your favorite or most useful experience from the health careers camp?
My favorite experience at camp was just going to the hospitals and listening to all of the different paths that the medical professionals took to get to where they are today. I also really enjoyed the simulations at the Gundersen ICE House.
The experience at camp I found most useful: Many people have what it takes to become a doctor or have advanced medical training, but so many students are being scared off by expenses and the difficulty of medical school. When I talked to the doctors at the hospitals in La Crosse, they all had the similar piece of advice; if you have what it takes, don't let anything scare you off. This really motivated me to continue the path that I want to go down in life.
What other AHEC programming have you utilized or plan to participate in?
Since I completed the Health Careers Camp, I have already taken advantage of the wonderful opportunities that AHEC has to offer. I scheduled a job shadow with a Mental Health Professional through the AHEC program. They are really dedicated to helping you learn and grow in knowledge with the health career field.
What advice would you give to younger students starting to navigate their future in a health care career?
If you have a passion about something in life, particularly about a career choice, make sure you set yourself up in every possible way to help you achieve that career path. You should take advantage of AHEC, health career camps, and job shadows. Never let something get in your way of achieving what you want in life.