Amanda Warren

Why did you choose to attend UM?

My dad went here, so I grew up in a UM household. I used to come to some games when I was little and I always had so much fun! When I went on a college visit with my older sister, I fell in love with the school, the beautiful campus, and the great community, and that's when I knew that I wanted to go here.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?

I've always known that I wanted to go into the medical field in some way, and I've always loved learning various aspects of biology. Biological Science is a straightforward path to be on the pre-med track, and it has the required minor of chemistry, which is also very helpful on my path to medical school. I wanted to also acquire the Society and Health minor to be able to broaden my views on the medical field through a social science perspective to be able to greater understand the medical world not only through a biological point of view.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

I would tell them that if they enjoyed learning biology in high school, they would really like being a biology major. Especially if they are wanting to go to medical school, this major is great to set them on the right course in preparing them for their future in medical school. There is a variety of different types of biology classes that they can take depending on what is more interesting to them and it allows this major to also have a very diverse group of career paths joined together in similar classes.

Why is your department a special place?

My department is a special place to me because of all the great professors. I have had so many amazing professors that really help us to learn the material rather than just memorize it. These professors also make the course very intriguing and often make jokes during class pertaining to what we are learning, and I love it so much.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?

The professor that has had the most impact on me is Dr. Gray from my virology class. He is very good at teaching and describing each virus we learn about and providing extra ways to help us understand the material if we do not. He provides lots of opportunities for extra credit and we get to present a case study based on a virus, which is really preparing us for medical school and what we get to do. He also makes the class very entertaining and engaging and I always enjoy going to his class.

What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?

One of my most memorable moments at UM had been being a part of Student Dance and getting to meet so many people and put on a show each semester with my best friends. I love that I got to continue doing what I love, dancing, here at UM and I was able to find such a great community of people that always lifts each other up and encourages each other to be the best that they can be.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?

I would tell myself that college is full of ups and downs, but the good things greatly outweigh the bad, and you will be able to grow and find yourself along the way.