Student of Veterinary Medicine
Lauren McKay is a recent May 2019 graduate. Lauren is from Joliet, IL and is currently living here in Urbana working as a research assistant in Animal Biology and matriculated to the U of I College of Veterinary Medicine Fall 2019.
Lauren studied Molecular & Cellular Biology and says the best part of majoring in MCB was the wide variety of coursework available which allows students to find their own niche. Lauren also notes that the supportive resources and advising staff of MCB are invaluable. "There were many moments in my academic career I doubted my abilities to be successful as a potential veterinarian. It was the insight and support of many advisors, particularly Jennifer Brandyberry, who listened to my concerns and wiped away the tears and reminded me of the potential I had. I could not have completed this degree without that unyielding support of the advising staff."
Her favorite memories include the first day of her first Animal Science class where the professor took all 100 hundred students to the campus dairy farm to escape a classroom with a broken A/C unit. She recalls her professor engaging with the students in an effort to provide the best class environment to encourage student curiosity. She credits this experience and many others like it to all the U of I has to offer.
Here is some advice from Lauren for current and new MCB students: "My biggest piece of advice would be to not compare yourself to other students. Go out of your comfort zone and take things that interest you. The professors are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, fully take advantage of those individuals and make relationships that can help you grow as a student and person. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will hear all about other students excelling, but you very rarely hear when they struggle. You are not alone and there are so many people in your corner."