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: Quinn Nelson
- High school: Westside High School
- Year: Senior
How did you get involved in the UNMC High School Alliance?
I was exposed to the program by upperclassmen at Westside when I was a junior. Each person spoke extremely highly of the program. So considering their high remarks of the program and with advice from my parents, I decided to apply. I am very involved in extracurricular activities at my high school, but my school counselor said we could make this program work for me.
What sparked your interest in science?
Frankly, as a kid I was interested in the police, army and anything that had camouflage on it. This program really sparked my interest in science. Throughout school, I enjoyed most every subject. In freshman biology and frequent trips to the physical therapist and orthopedic doctor, I developed an interest in health care. In this program, I developed a deep interest in research and finding answers to the many questions I have about health care and medicine. Through the classes offered in this program, I was given insight into the avenues to pursue my aspirations in science.
What are your career aspirations?
I have many aspirations for my life. For the next year, I have committed to play Division 1 men’s soccer at UNO. Also I was awarded the Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship, and I plan to study bioinformatics at the Peter Kiewit Institute. After college, I would love to travel the world, learn about other cultures and possibly pick up a new language along the way. I would like to complete some medical research, coach a soccer team, start a business, maximize the health care system, record/release some original music and maybe build my own home, among many other things.
What has been the best part of your UNMC High School Alliance experience?
The best part of my UNMC High School Alliance experience was meeting so many new people from across the metro area. I enjoy every day when I am given the opportunity to learn from highly regarded medical professionals in a world-class setting.