When selecting where I would be
spending the next four years of life I did my best to look past the surface of
each institute of higher education. Past the tag lines, the beautiful campuses,
the records of athletic teams and the raving reviews of cafeteria food. Sure,
it’s nice to be a part of something exceptional at a beautiful place with
superstar football players who eat like kings, but that’s not what mattered in
the end. What mattered most was the reputation of academics, the passion of the
professors, the number of graduates who went on to do great things, and the resources
available to the students. I chose The University of Mount Union because I felt
that it best met my criteria of what matters most at this point in my life. Mount offered me all of the resources and
opportunities I need to fulfill my vision.
Although my vision has been altered
and enhanced many times over the past few years, I feel as though I finally made
a decision. This time last year it became clear what I was to do with my life. In
the crucial moments of finalizing college scholarships and applications, my mom
was diagnosed with Stage 3 HER 2+ breast cancer. As my world was flipped upside
down and spinning faster than I thought possible, I was enlightened. From the
day of diagnosis I wanted answers; why is this happening, how is this
happening, and most importantly, how can we stop it. I became intrigued with
the cancer; the mutations of cells, the treatments, and the uncertainty. All of
the unanswered questions have led me to where I am now, pursuing a biology
degree with hopes to study and work in oncology.
It is a mission of The University
of Mount Union to prepare students for "fulfilling
lives, meaningful work, and responsible citizenship." I believe that by
aiding me in the completion of my personal academic and life goals, Mount will
complete their mission. Throughout my four years on this campus I hope to
fulfill both my dreams and the dreams of others, work for the good of others
and never do anything without a purpose, and learn to be a responsible adult in
the process. If I complete my goals, I will continue to live in such a way that
will meet the standards and mission of the University. Mount truly has a great
reputation, passionate professors, a high graduate placement rate, and endless
resources. Everything I need is here, now I must utilize what I have
been blessed with.
The next few years of my life will
be spent in Bracy Hall as I take the courses necessary for my degree. With a
wide variety of major classes and electives, there is no doubt I will leave
this campus with a detailed knowledge of my field. All of the science courses
offered through Mount will benefit me in some way. I hope to take as many of
the offered courses as possible. With dedicated professors who are extremely passionate
about their research and teaching, I will learn to be passionate about the
field as well. I believe when a professor loves what they are teaching the quality
of the course is higher. Not only will the science courses help me achieve my
goal, but the required courses as well. The required courses will allow me to
become well rounded. Mount has passionate professors in every area of study
which leads me to believe I will be receiving a quality education, as long as I
fulfill my duties as the student. Responsibility will most definitely be taught
in the classroom, which will help me to become a responsible citizen.
The resources and opportunities on
Mount’s campus will play a vital role in my success. Aside from our wonderful library,
laboratories, and technologies, the campus provides me with many opportunities
to become involved. Through various activities and clubs I will learn responsibility
and in most cases serve my community. One activity I recently became involved
with is the St. Jude’s Up all Night. This event raises money for St. Jude’s
Research Hospital, which is a hospital specializing in childhood cancer. By
being a part of this event I am being exposed to an organization specializing
in something similar to my goal. Not only does this allow me to gain experience
and knowledge, but it allows me to network. As I work with representatives from
the hospital I am creating relationships that may help me after graduation. I
believe one of the reasons Mount has such a high job placement rate is due to
the networking opportunities available throughout your time on campus. I hope
to be a part of an internship with one of the hospitals involved with on campus
activities. I am confident that the resources and opportunities Mount has for
me will be essential in my success.
As I complete courses and take part
in many activities on campus, I believe I will fulfill my life goals and hope
to fulfill the lives of others through my work. As I work as an oncologist or
in the field on oncology, my work will be for a purpose. To me, there is no
work more meaningful than the work that helps, or even saves, another person. I
will become a responsible citizen as I learn the critical duties expected of me
while serving others. I believe that my time here at Mount should reflect the mission
statement. It is my duty as a student here to fulfill the statement. It’s more
than what Mount can do for me, it’s what I can do for Mount. I hope to
positively impact this campus before I leave it. To make a mark, to do something
great, to adequately represent what this University stands for. When I turn my
tassel and depart from this campus, I hope to say that Mount Union has prepared
me for fulfilling lives, meaningful work, and responsible citizenship, but more
importantly I hope Mount Union can say confidently that I will withhold their
mission throughout my life.
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