The first two years of my undergraduate experience were dedicated to getting into the neuroscience undergraduate program. Neuroscience is a capacity-constrained, multidisciplinary program that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. I dreamed of becoming a future neurosurgeon, and I knew a neuroscience undergraduate degree would set me on the right path to achieve my goal. I spent most of my freshman and sophomore years trying to become the perfect neuroscience major applicant; I 4.0ed the introductory biology series, I joined Grey Matters Journal, I met with current neuroscience students as mentors, I sought out neuroscience lab experiences, and I shadowed neurosurgeons. Almost everything I did was to get into neuroscience, and I did it. Admission into the neuroscience program was one of my proudest moments. Entering UW, I was “Pre-Sciences.” I remember feeling embarrassed telling people my major, and instead saying, “My intended major is neuroscience.” Saying I study neuroscience fills me with pride; I feel like it sets me apart. As someone pursuing an interdisciplinary education, I really love how interdisciplinary neuroscience can be, from mental health to understanding how our senses interpret art to diagnosing tumors. In almost every class I’ve taken at UW, I see connections to neuroscience. I am incredibly proud of myself for achieving this goal, and I am looking forward to seeing what my future holds with my background in introductory neuroscience.

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Admission into the neuroscience program was one of my proudest moments.

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While part of the undergraduate program, my favorite moments were in Neuroanatomy (NEUSCI401) and our labs (NEUSCI301 and 302). I included pictures from my acceptance notice, study guides, and labs. Learning neuroscience at the levels of anatomy and disease was exciting. I found myself wanting to dig deeper into the research, hear from patients with the conditions we were studying, and get hands-on practice with identifying structures. My neuroscience coursework helped me gain respect for the brain’s complexity and influence. It laid the groundwork for my future in the field. While shadowing in the OR, I have been able to discuss cranial nerve damage, neuroanatomy structures such as the choroid plexus, and predict patient symptoms based on the neurosurgical procedure. Neuroscience tends to be a tough topic for most medical students, but I find it exciting and feel equipped to continue in the field as I apply for medical school.

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My neuroscience coursework helped me gain respect for the brain’s complexity and influence. It laid the groundwork for my future in the field.