The Alliance in Focus: Meet Megan McClanahan









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Megan McClanahan
Fifty-five members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC.

The students come from high schools around the Omaha area and take college-level classes at UNMC to prepare for health careers. Each month, UNMC Today profiles an alliance student.

Today we meet :

  • Name: Megan McClanahan
  • High school: Papillion-La Vista South
  • Year: Senior

How did you get involved in the UNMC High School Alliance?

In the summer of 2012, I was navigating my school’s website when I came across a link. The link took me to an information page on the High School Alliance. I became very interested in the program, and I visited my school counselor to see what I needed to do to apply. I applied in the first part of 2013 and got accepted into the program later that spring.

What sparked your interest in science?

Science, especially biology, has always been an interest of mine. Throughout my high school career, I excelled in all things science. I made the decision my sophomore year to pursue science in my future education. My love for science sparked my interest in Chaminade University of Honolulu, where I will be attending college starting this fall. I plan on majoring in biology. Science is a world of invention, imagination and teamwork. I could not be more excited to continue dedicating my life partaking in that awesome world.

What are your career aspirations?

Being a member of the alliance has opened up my mind to the incredible variations of health careers out there. As of now, I am leaning toward becoming an M.D. Looking around campus and seeing all the medical students, I can’t help but picture myself in their shoes. Last semester, I was enrolled in the biomedical research course — an eye-opening experience into the world of research. Research is a career I could see myself pursuing. What I know for sure is, that whatever career I choose, it will take time, effort, teamwork and dedication.

What has been the best part of your UNMC High School Alliance experience?

Getting to grow relationships with UNMC HSA staff, the UNMC professors, and all of the wonderful peers I get to learn with on a daily basis. I like being surrounded by passionate hardworking individuals who love to learn as much as I do.