Monica Wierzbicki
Graduation year: 2018
Major: Biology
Minor: Studio art
Activities: Viking Pups, Equestrian Club
Internships: Medical service-learning in Nicaragua; Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship Program
Post-grad plans: Attend University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to pursue a master¡¯s in biomedical visualization
Why Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
Two of my cousins are Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø alumni, and they both highly recommended the college when I was searching for schools. The small student-to-faculty ratio, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s 3-4 veterinary program, extracurricular activities and scholarships were all factors that made me choose Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø.
Are you where you thought you¡¯d be when you first came to campus?
Not at all. When I first came, I was dead set on applying to veterinary school and was initially part of the pre-health track, which was all I focused on. My past self would never have thought that I would completely change my career path to become a medical illustrator and attend one of the three master¡¯s programs in the country for the profession. I don¡¯t regret my decision, and I¡¯m very happy with how far I¡¯ve gotten thus far.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Dr. [Kimberly] Murphy, my major advisor, and my mentor Scott Weldon from my internship in Texas have both been a huge support and provided me with invaluable advice. Dr. Murphy has always made time to assist me with school-related subjects or to just talk about life. Scott has taught me valuable skills for my future career and provided me with the encouragement and guidance that I needed to inspire me to do something that I thought I couldn't or wasn't allowed to pursue. I honestly don't know where I would be at this point if it weren't for these two.
Peak experience?
My peak experience was participating in the Texas Medical Center program at Baylor Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø of Medicine. I met Scott Weldon and learned what it¡¯s like to be a medical illustrator. I realized that it was definitely something that I¡¯d love to do, and the experience helped me decide to apply to grad school. I also traveled to numerous places while on this trip and met new friends that I still keep in touch with to this day.
What surprised you?
Being able to step out of my comfort zone and become more independent has allowed me to grow as a person.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I participated in the ACHOO/JETS Nicaragua medical service-learning trip.
What will you miss the most?
The close student-and-faculty relationships and the friendly campus community.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Don't be afraid of change; learn to embrace it. It¡¯s a normal part of life and an important skill to learn that will help you become successful in the future. It¡¯ll allow you to adapt to what life throws at you and help you grow as a person. As in my case, it may even provide you with opportunities you never thought were possible and can change your future for the better.
¡°I have been extremely fortunate to have Monica as an advisee, a student and a friend these past four years. Her curiosity, enthusiasm, commitment and perseverance have resulted in opportunities and successes. Conversations with Monica are experiences I will never forget. I look forward to hearing about her next journey in life, completion of a master¡¯s in biomedical visualization at UIC. Monica has so much to look forward to in her future!¡±