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Samuel Young Hometown: Danbury, Conn. Major: Biology (Pre-Professional) WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Biology Internships: Shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, primary care physician and an optometrist Activities: WCSU Biology Club, Pee Wee Football coach |
Honors and Awards: Dean's List throughout two years at WCSU, 3.89 GPA, magna cum laude honors, Biology Department Award recipient
Danbury resident Samuel Young started his college career at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., before transferring to WestConn and finding his true calling. Along the way, he worked as an Air Force dental assistant and as assistant director of the Summer Playground Program for Danbury Schools as he prepared to focus on his dream.
"Throughout my life I had always been confused as to what I desired in a career," Young says. "After injuring my knee and requiring multiple surgeries, I became fascinated with patient care, particularly in the field of medicine. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology is an integral part of attaining my goals."
And while he could have studied biology anywhere, he came to WestConn "to be close to home, but primarily because of the outstanding facilities located in the recently constructed Science Building."
Young credits several of his professors as leaving a lasting impression. "Professor of Chemistry Dr. Paul Hines, Associate Professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences Dr. Mitch Wagener and Professor of Biological and Environmental Sciences Dr. Frank Dye all became mentors in my life, as well as good friends I can count on in the future," Young says.
Asked what he will remember most about his WestConn experience, Young says, “The many late nights studying at the Science Building, the camaraderie experienced among classmates, and a great faculty that bent backwards to help its students excel!”
After graduation, Young’s long-term goals include attending medical school in the fall of 2009. "I aspire to become a doctor in the field of sports medicine with a concentration in rehabilitation. Currently I am pursuing an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) state certification."
Young’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “Have fun but work hard. Never sell yourself short. Anything you wish for in life is within reach ... believe in yourself and take it!”
