How did you benefit from being part of the Honor’s Program?

“The Honors Program has opened a lot of doors for me. It is a very welcoming community that enabled and encouraged me to travel and study a mix of things I was already interested in and things I had never heard about before. I have loved going to different honors events and appreciate how they have allowed me to get to know some truly wonderful people – students and faculty alike.”

How has your experience been traveling abroad?

“Before I came here, I had never been away from my parents for more than two weeks. I had never served as an ambassador for anything. I had never seen a musical on Broadway (or been to New York City at all for that matter).
I had never been to Europe or South America. I had never snorkeled with sharks, attended a music festival, or been to a castle. My time at FMU allowed me to experience all of that. Some of those experiences were things I had dreamed of maybe one day doing or seeing, but most were things I had never expected to actually get to experience, let alone in the span of less than 3 years.
One thing about this university and this program specifically is that learning via travel and real-life experiences is encouraged at every turn. New opportunities are constantly offered; you just have to be interested and open to going for them.”

In what ways have you had the chance to serve the community?

“I had the pleasure to volunteer as a camp counselor at an MDA camp and hope to do so again. I am also about to start volunteering at my local hospital’s oncology infusion center during break.”

What is your Honor’s Thesis?

“I plan to do my Honors Thesis on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) efficacy in treating neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s.”

What would you like to do after graduating?

“I want to go to Physician Assistant (PA) school after I finish my undergraduate degree here so that I can become a PA. I am currently interested in specializing in Neurology or Pediatrics.”

What advice would you give to future McNair Scholars?

“Do not be afraid to reach out to your peers. Many of us may be on different career paths, but we can still help each other navigate around campus, suggest certain courses, explain when and how to get textbooks, etc. As a McNair Scholar, you understand the drive to both succeed and give back to help others. You may think that that means you shouldn’t ask for help or that one setback is an indicator that you don’t belong, but you are wrong. You are joining a group of people who have likely felt the same way at one point and want to help”

How did you benefit from being part of the Honor’s Program?

“The honors program has allowed me to take some exciting classes that I may not have been able to take if it weren’t for their special topics courses. I have learned about dialects within America, politics, food policy, and some other interesting things. It’s helped instill a strong work ethic and push me to become a better student. It also helps build connections and good relationships with the honors and international professors and staff.”

How has your experience been traveling abroad?

“During my freshman year, I was able to travel to France with the honors program and McNair Institute. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was so cool to experience other cultures and learn about the history of France. From running around the streets of Paris and standing on top of the Eiffel Tower to visiting universities in Caen and Rennes and standing on the beaches of
Normandy, those are experiences I will never forget, and I am so incredibly grateful for them.
Through the McNair scholarship, I also had the opportunity to travel abroad and study at the University College of Cork in Ireland. I met so many amazing people and saw parts of the world I never thought I would see. I was able to fully embrace Irish culture, from fiddle music to rugby games in pubs; it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

In what ways have you had the chance to serve the community?

“McNair encourages all their scholars to be very involved in the community and help give back. Personally, I have volunteered at events on campus, such as First Friday and FMU A’Glow. But during the summers, I also volunteer at a local Presbyterian Church, helping set up for services and ensuring everything is ready for Sundays.”

What is your Honor’s Thesis?

“I hope to incorporate my student teaching and my thesis
together or do something related to academics and curriculum. Possibly comparing curriculum from here and another country, but it’s still a work in progress.”

What would you like to do after graduating?

“After I graduate from Francis Marion, I would like to get my master’s in special education with a focus on autism. Ultimately, I would like to become a first-grade teacher or a special education teacher.”

What advice would you give to future McNair Scholars?

“The best advice I would give a future McNair scholar is to embrace every opportunity you get. College doesn’t last forever; it goes by pretty quickly. During your time at FMU, you’ll be given many opportunities, especially to travel, join clubs, go to conferences, etc. My biggest advice is to just embrace it all and enjoy it.”