Samantha Chin
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?What is the most fundamental change you’ve experienced since your time as a first-year student?
Traveling abroad to London for a semester was a meaningful and liberating experience. Having the opportunity to travel to other countries on long weekends and explore London with my friends was fun and memorable. Being abroad I was able to step outside of my comfort zone and experience different cultures and traditions. It was eye-opening, made me more independent, and discover new hobbies.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
My favorite Wake Forest tradition is that every time it has snowed on campus, I go sledding with my friends on baking sheets. Being from the north I am used to snow and ice, but having that weather at Wake is a completely different vibe and is so fun to experience it with my friends.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
I would say that Dr. Gary Miller has most impacted my Wake Forest experience. I first met him in my FYS where he influenced me to switch my major from Engineering to HES. It is clear that not only is he a great academic advisor and professor, but has a deep caring for his students as well. He provides mentorship, a positive environment both in and out of the classroom, builds connections with the students, and helps guide career/academic decisions. Ultimately, he has motivated me in various paths.
What was the most rewarding experience you had as a Wake Forest student?
The most rewarding experience I have had as a Wake Forest student was my URECA fellowship. I developed my own research project and plan with the help of the HES department and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The project allowed me to delve deeper into correlation between nutrition and eye health, gain hands-on clinical experience and experience with data collection, and build connections. It provided me with an active and immersive learning experience where I could also showcase my leadership and critical thinking skills. Additionally, I was able to create my own research project in a field that I am extremely passionate about.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
My career plan as a first-year student was to become an ophthalmologist, seeing as how that has been my dream career for years. However, my career plans now include potentially pursuing physical therapy or sports performance as well as becoming an ophthalmologist! My plans changed because Wake provided me with opportunities to expand my horizons and try new things, one of which was an internship with the athletic department. My HES classes and the internship solidified my interest in sports/physical therapy which opened up different career paths for me.