Claudia (Biochemistry - Brownsville, TX)
Name: Claudia Samaniego
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
Major: Biochemistry
Expected Graduation: Spring 2016
CNS Council for Diversity Engagement Member
What sparked your interest in science?
Science has been my favorite subject since I was in elementary school. My mom was my 2nd grade science teacher, and she really urged all her students to compete in science fairs. She really reinforced my love for science, and it's been my favorite subject since then.
Why did you choose UT Austin?
My stepdad always really wanted me to go here, and I had never really thought anything of it. However, my 10th grade World History AP teacher talked to me about applying to different universities besides the one back home because he wanted me to explore my options. I then started looking into UT, and I fell in love with it.
How (or why) did you choose your major?
I knew I wanted to major in something science-related. I loved Chemistry in high school so I started out undergrad as a Chemistry major. A friend of mine was a Biochemistry major and I asked him exactly what Biochemistry was. He explained it to me and it sounded interesting enough to change my major. I took my first Biochemistry class a year ago and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Over the course of your time here, what have you gained/experienced that you perhaps did not expect?
I think I experienced how to be an adult. As funny as it sounds, juggling organization meetings, jobs, and school really forces someone to mature. I was extremely immature in high school, and I guess I never expected to mature, but college definitely changed that.
What academic programs and student orgs have you participated in?
I have participated in the Hispanic Health Professions Organization (HHPO), Global Medical Brigades, Texas Interdisciplinary Plan Scholars (TIP), Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) and intramural basketball, softball, and soccer.
What has been your most rewarding or exciting experience as a CNS student?
I think my most rewarding experience as a CNS student was finally mastering how to study for a science class.
What advice do you have (or what myth/concern would you like to dispel) for students considering joining CNS?
If you enjoy science, definitely major in it. Don't be afraid of failing in classes as a CNS student. Science is a tough subject, but it's also the best subject. UT offers a lot of tutoring services and other student resources to help you achieve the grades you want, so don't be afraid of majoring in science just because it sounds hard.
If you had to sum up your experience at UT in one sentence, what would it be?
Amazing.
Plans after graduation?
DENTAL SCHOOL!
Claudia (Biochemistry - Brownsville, TX)
Name: Claudia Samaniego
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
Major: Biochemistry
Expected Graduation: Spring 2016
CNS Council for Diversity Engagement Member
What sparked your interest in science?
Science has been my favorite subject since I was in elementary school. My mom was my 2nd grade science teacher, and she really urged all her students to compete in science fairs. She really reinforced my love for science, and it's been my favorite subject since then.
Why did you choose UT Austin?
My stepdad always really wanted me to go here, and I had never really thought anything of it. However, my 10th grade World History AP teacher talked to me about applying to different universities besides the one back home because he wanted me to explore my options. I then started looking into UT, and I fell in love with it.
How (or why) did you choose your major?
I knew I wanted to major in something science-related. I loved Chemistry in high school so I started out undergrad as a Chemistry major. A friend of mine was a Biochemistry major and I asked him exactly what Biochemistry was. He explained it to me and it sounded interesting enough to change my major. I took my first Biochemistry class a year ago and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Over the course of your time here, what have you gained/experienced that you perhaps did not expect?
I think I experienced how to be an adult. As funny as it sounds, juggling organization meetings, jobs, and school really forces someone to mature. I was extremely immature in high school, and I guess I never expected to mature, but college definitely changed that.
What academic programs and student orgs have you participated in?
I have participated in the Hispanic Health Professions Organization (HHPO), Global Medical Brigades, Texas Interdisciplinary Plan Scholars (TIP), Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) and intramural basketball, softball, and soccer.
What has been your most rewarding or exciting experience as a CNS student?
I think my most rewarding experience as a CNS student was finally mastering how to study for a science class.
What advice do you have (or what myth/concern would you like to dispel) for students considering joining CNS?
If you enjoy science, definitely major in it. Don't be afraid of failing in classes as a CNS student. Science is a tough subject, but it's also the best subject. UT offers a lot of tutoring services and other student resources to help you achieve the grades you want, so don't be afraid of majoring in science just because it sounds hard.
If you had to sum up your experience at UT in one sentence, what would it be?
Amazing.
Plans after graduation?
DENTAL SCHOOL!