Title: Physician, Clinical Pathology, Anatomical Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital How has your Hood education benefited you? The education that I received at Hood has been invaluable to my subsequent education and career progression. The rigorous academics at Hood coupled with small class sizes and one-on-one interactions with faculty provided fertile ground for my academic interests to expand and grow. Going into graduate school, it was clear that I had an incredibly robust background ranging from political science to the basic sciences, which I completely attribute to the unique liberal arts education I received at Hood. How did your time at Hood prepare you for the future? The excellent academics at Hood prepared me to be successful in the rigorous academic climates of graduate school, medical school, residency and now fellowship. Additionally, because Hood offered a myriad of student leadership positions, I was encouraged to hone my leadership and communication skills early in my Hood experience through practice and mentorship from the faculty, advisers and the Dean of Students. Now that I am a physician, I use these skills on a daily basis to communicate with patients and colleagues. What were your extracurricular experiences? My involvement in the multiple extracurricular activities, including student government, choir and the Black Student Union, allowed me to hone my leadership, organizational and social skills. Because Hood is self-governed, I was afforded the opportunity to work directly with faculty advisers and the administration to run the campus in a way that completely benefited students. I have carried these skills with me, which has prepared me to be a productive member of social and community boards as well as academic committees. Did you decide your major right away? I knew my major was going to be biochemistry going into Hood, but I added a minor in my sophomore year based on the excellent and interesting classes offered by the African American studies program. What is your favorite memory of Hood? My favorite memories center around the people of Hood: the administration, the faculty and staff, and most importantly my friends and classmates. It is the people, most importantly the students, that make Hood a great place to be! Who were your mentors at Hood? My mentors included Professor Hoda Zaki, who continues to mentor my career. Even after I graduated from Hood, Professor Zaki encouraged and inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a physician. I also looked up to Dean Olivia White; her positive, upbeat attitude was contagious and she constantly encouraged the student leaders to excel in academics as well as extracurricular activities. What is your opinion on the value of a Hood education? A Hood education is invaluable and unsurpassed. The environment at Hood is the perfect match for students who want a solid liberal arts education while gaining important social and leadership skills. What is your opinion on the value of a liberal arts education? A liberal arts education prepares students for any type of career or life goal—from the humanities to the metaphysical. Experiencing an academic setting that encourages the intellectual pursuits of areas outside of a student's chosen major leads to expanded horizons and novel perspectives. Consequently, Hood students and alumni are well rounded and prepared for anything the future may hold for us. What would you say to students applying to Hood? I had an incredible time at Hood—the best years of my life were spent in the Hodson Science center, the Whitaker Campus Center and the residence halls (Shriner and Memorial). My closest friends are my fellow Hood alumni. I had a great college social experience, while at the same time getting a rigorous and challenging education. What role has Hood College education played in your career? My Hood College education has been central in helping me attain my career and personal goals. I likely would not be where I am today if it wasn't for the excellent education I received at Hood. Why did you choose to attend Hood College? I choose Hood because it offered a unique opportunity to merge excellent academics, unparalleled student leadership opportunities, rich tradition and an extensive social and career network all on a beautiful campus not far from my hometown in Gaithersburg, Md. |