ÂÜÀòÉç

Julia Payne

Julia Payne

Hometown: Arkport, NY

Major: Biochemistry and Pre-Medicine

Graduation Year: 2025

Why did you choose ÂÜÀòÉç?

I chose ÂÜÀòÉç for the opportunities available in the medical field. My career goal is to be a pediatric surgeon so I need to get as much experience possible and ÂÜÀòÉç offered that. I am looking forward to completing a research project later in my time here. In addition, the environment on campus made me feel more at home and the small campus was the best fit for me, especially coming from a small town.

Why did you choose your present major?

I have known that I want to be a pediatric surgeon since I was in eighth grade, so I decided to go pre-medicine in order to reach this goal. My major is actually biochemistry, which I chose because of my passion for sciences and the research opportunity in the program.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day. 

Arriving at my Scholar's Day, I was very nervous for my interview as I did not have a lot of experience with them and I am not the best at talking about myself. Everyone working quickly made me feel more comfortable, telling me that most people felt that way and that I would do fine. The Trustee Scholars there were a great group of individuals and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. My interviewer was a professor in my program and her kindness allowed me to open up and be comfortable. My interview was one of the ones that lasted the longest so after a Trustee Scholar just walked a couple of us down to our parent waiting so we could go on a tour. Being able to interact with more people who I would possibly see on campus, made me realize that I could really see myself going to ÂÜÀòÉç.

Please describe your academic experience at ÂÜÀòÉç.

It was a little difficult to adjust to the style of classes at first as they were a lot harder than those I took in high school. After this adjustment period, I have been doing well in majority of my classes and my professors are willing to help if I have any questions. My study methods have had to change some, but seem to be more effective.

What do you like best about ÂÜÀòÉç?

My favorite thing about ÂÜÀòÉç is the people. No matter where you are on campus everyone is very accepting and willing to help you if you ever need anything, the staff especially. I feel like at larger institutions this is not as possible since many people do not know each other, whereas at ÂÜÀòÉç, you generally at least recognize someone and many will just reach out to you as well. In addition, interactions and relations have a major impact on the college experience.

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at ÂÜÀòÉç? What kinds of things do they do?

Honor's Program (community of like minded individuals, having the opportunity to work on projects to further one's knowledge on a topic), Women's Soccer Team (ability to work as a team toward a common goal while advancing athletically), ÂÜÀòÉç College Rescue Squad (gaining experience medically while helping others)

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description. 

I am a tour guide on campus. I enjoy the opportunity to give prospective students insight on ÂÜÀòÉç and the environment on campus, hopefully helping them make their decision of where they will be attending. It is great how the rest of the staff is super inviting and supportive.

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

Squeeze Juicery

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students? 

I know deciding where you will be going to college can be a very stressful experience but wherever you attend, if you put yourself out there and get involved, you will meet people from many different backgrounds and make some friends. These people will impact not only your college experience but also who you are going to be leaving college, so surround yourself with people who are going to support you and help you grow.