I am a senior majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. I was given the incredible opportunity to begin research my freshman year after participating in the STEM lab – an interdisciplinary lab incorporating physics, chemistry and biology into one class. After applying to colleges with my best friend, and making the decision to go to the University of North Georgia, I didn’t know what to expect stepping onto campus for the first time at orientation. My professors encouraged me to get more involved on campus and helped me find opportunities to succeed in my passion for working in the lab. After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school for either synthetic organic chemistry or medicinal chemistry. My end-goal is to complete my PhD and work in a medical lab creating new anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications. I want to give back by creating new medicines with less severe side effects and that are easily accessible to those in need. “Thank you for giving back. The scholarships I’ve received have made all my hard work and everything I’ve achieved thus far worth it. I am grateful to represent Doctors Simms and Doctor Hair in receiving their scholarships. I am truly honored to have my name associated with theirs.” I completed my collegiate career at UNG in December 2021, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology on a Pre-Dental track. I am currently studying at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. As a first-generation college student, everything was new to me – from college applications to stepping foot on campus for the first time. As I learned more, I was inspired to pass on my experiences to other first-generation students. I was the founder and president of the PreDental Club at UNG. I wanted to create a community of pre-dental students where we could learn from each other and share the wealth of knowledge with freshmen and other firstgeneration students. Even as an alumn, I still check in with the members to see how they’re doing and offer advice. Since the age of 12, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. With that goal in mind, I knew my education would be expensive. My parents always encouraged me to achieve my dreams, and told me not to worry about finances, but it was always in the back of my mind. “Not only didmy scholarships pushme to keep going, knowing that it was possible to continue my education and attain a degree, but they helped to relieve a large financial burden onmy family who’ve always wanted a better life for my brothers andme. You have played a significant part inmy acceptance into dental school. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!” MEET RENE First-Generation College Student Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund Mattie Moon Scholarship MEET KATE Dr. Clayton Maxwell “Max” Hair Scholarship Drs. J.C. and J.A. Simms Endowed Scholarship Academic Giving 5
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODU4Nzgx