Name: Destiny
Major: Biology
Year: Junior
Hometown: Lake Arrowhead, California
What was your college search like?
My college search was guided by my career goal of becoming a physical therapist. I had only applied to 4 or 5 different colleges but I had made sure that each one contained my major and was able to get me onto the right path for my career. I also had a general idea of what I was looking for in a college and location, which helped narrow my search even more.
How did you hear about Pacific University?
I heard about Pacific online while I was searching for colleges that had health professions/pre-med courses and that’s when Pacific Health Professions Education (HPE) program had popped up. After further research I learned that this program offered a great advantage into getting an interview with one of Pacific’s graduate schools and I wasn't going to surpass this offer.
What was your first Pacific visit like?
My first visit to Pacific was actually the day I was registering for classes and meeting with my advisor. I hadn’t had the chance to visit before I accepted to come to Pacific, but I had looked up pictures of campus and the town surrounding it. I was amazed by how beautiful the campus was, the scenery was vibrant and green when compared to California’s national forests that I’m used to. I felt at peace being on campus, everyone I met was beyond friendly and helpful, it felt as though I had belonged here which was great feeling since it was now my new home for the next four years.
Why Pacific?
There were a few main reason why I had choose Pacific over all the other schools I was accepted into. I liked the fact that I was able to get involved with the HPE program, which would help turn my career goals into a reality. Pacific was more personal than any other school I applied to, I lovedthe fact that I had received hand written letters in the mail as well as getting personal phone calls from current Pacific students and my admissions counselor. I figured since Pacific was making a huge effort to make their incoming students feel welcomed then it would be the right choice for me. I also liked the fact that Pacific was a small private university, so it gives you the opportunity to know you professors on a personal level and there’s not a chance that you’ll be lost in the system as you would at a bigger school.
Are you happy with your college choice?
There’s going to be a time in your decision process where you start to question whether or not you made the right choice and if you ended up where you needed to be and Pacific is exactly that for me. I love the fact that I know each and every professor on a personal level and that they are always willing to work with us students so we can succeed. It’s also nice to see professors on campus and having the opportunity to have conversations with them outside of the classroom. This is something that a larger school wouldn't be able to offer their students and I think that this makes Pacific more personal for students.
What are you involved in at Pacific?
I’m a part of the admissions student workers here, as well as a part of an intramural sports team. In the past, I was a part of Outdoor Pursuits and helped lead the white water rafting Voyage which was an amazing experience and I would highly suggest any freshmen take part in the Voyages program.
What are you planning on doing with the rest of your time at Pacific?
I plan to finish my Biology major as well as try to finish up my Exercise Science minor. I also plan to do some research and gain more knowledge from the amazing faculty here.
What are your plans after Pacific?
After Pacific I plan on attending medical school so that I could pursue my goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. There are many different paths to becoming a surgeon, but I think that I may become an Air Force surgeon so that I help give back to those who need it.
