Mia Lambert
Graduation year: 2020
High school: Macomb Senior High School
Hometown: Macomb, Ill.
Majors: Pre-medicine, Classical studies
Minor: Biochemistry
Activities: Varsity basketball, Mortar Board, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Be The Match, Phi Beta Kappa
Internships: Cardiovascular medicine internship with CVM; research assistant at Keck Graduate Institute
Post-grad plans: Attend Southern Illinois University School of Medicine!
Why Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø?
I chose Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø because I knew it would prepare me for medical school. From a young age, I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor, so this school was a perfect fit for me academically. After my senior season of high school basketball ended, I knew I wasn¡¯t quite ready to give up the sport. Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø gave me the opportunity to continue playing basketball competitively and learn from the best of the best. It was a no-brainer!
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes and no. When I first got to campus, playing basketball and getting into medical school were the only things on my mind. I pictured myself playing all four years and studying a lot to get good grades, but I didn¡¯t expect to be a double major in Classical studies. That was never in the game plan, but I¡¯d say it worked out pretty well.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
To my family - thank you for making me the person I am today. I truly appreciate all you have done for me. From coming to my games to encouraging me each and every day, I can¡¯t thank you enough for all that you have done to get me here.
To my friends - thanks for making my college experience amazing. You kept me sane, always knew when to make me laugh, and gave me countless memories that I will cherish forever.
To my professors - thanks for making me smarter! In all seriousness, I know I still have a lot more to learn, but you have helped me to create a solid foundation to build from. I¡¯ll forever be a lifelong learner, just like you all.
To my teammates - thanks for always bringing joy to my life. You constantly challenged me to be a better player and person. I will forever be thankful to you guys.
To my coaches - thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me continue playing. I have grown so much as a person throughout our four years together.
Peak experience?
I have two. Getting into medical school was by far the best feeling. I have to attribute a lot of that success to the education I got at Augie. I¡¯ve always been a little shy and reserved, but I found my voice at Augie. A voice I was confident in and proud to promote to medical schools.
The second peak of my college career was setting the Most Three-Pointers Made in a Season record for the women¡¯s basketball team. It was such a surreal experience.
What surprised you?
Augie helped me to realize my potential and groomed me to have faith in my abilities. I have a confidence in myself that I didn¡¯t have before, and I believe full heartedly that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I¡¯m surprised by how much confidence and faith I have in myself, but I think it¡¯s all a result of the environment and community Augie promotes.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I went to Greece! During spring term of sophomore year, I learned about Ancient Greek culture and art during a learning community. After classes ended, we traveled to Greece to see all the sites. The food was great, the people were friendly and the sites were breathtaking. 10/10 recommend.
What will you miss the most?
Easy, the people. It may sound clich¨¦, but it¡¯s the truth. I gained friends that will one day be my bridesmaids, professors that will be lifelong mentors, and a team that I can always count on to support me. Augie is such a special place, and I¡¯m so thankful my path led here.
Advice for the Class of 2024?
Use CORE. If I could change one thing about my experience, it would be to use CORE more often. I had a 20-minute mock interview with a career coach to practice my skills for interview day and crushed those interviews because of the helpful feedback. You won¡¯t regret using CORE¡¯s resources.
"Mia is a bright, young woman who understands the value of studying Classics alongside her pre-med major. She has drunk deep of what a small liberal arts college has to offer, becoming a standout in basketball, participating in study abroad and excelling in both her majors and a biochemistry minor to boot. Her well-rounded education has helped her develop a sophisticated, nuanced and compassionate disposition that will serve her well in medical school and beyond."