Dear Students,
Last week I urged you to think of what you wanted to accomplish this year and do something that works toward your goals every day. This week I want you to think about life after college and work toward that (even those of you for whom this is only your second week in college). Often we have ideas based on successful people we have known in life, but you should dig a little deeper and look for inspiration beyond people you know personally.
Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías, best known for her contributions in access to public health services for women and children in the US and Puerto Rico, said she knew she wanted to pursue medicine because it "combined the things I loved the most, science and people. I understood that medicine would give me more direct and independent ways to contribute to society, not through organizations or abstract studies, but acting directly on the individual."
UT offers many opportunities to discover the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and potential careers. This week there is a workshop "How to Get an Internship," and there is always the incredibly useful Experiential Learning Resources website, organized by your major.
We're scientists and research doesn't stay in a lab—we live it every day in the choices we make.
College is the best time to explore your interests and opportunities out there, so use the time wisely.
Best,
Dr. Vanden Bout
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