Editor’s Note: Each month, InterCOM will highlight a "Student of the Month" from the College of Medicine. Students will be featured for their participation in activities outside of medical school and for making a difference in the community. The goal is to recognize students for what they are doing and to encourage other students to get involved in the community. After all, medical school should be much more than studying.
Name: Andrea Langeveld
Hometown: Orem, UT
Program/Year: Third-year medical student
Personal:
I was born in Columbus, Ohio, but grew up in Orem, Utah, as the middle child of five. Growing up, I wanted to be a writer or a teacher. My parents encouraged us to do a variety of things, so I played the violin and piano, and took dance lessons. It wasn't until high school that I fell in love with science – biology in particular.
In college, I took one "fun" (aka non-science) class each semester to keep myself sane like French, cooking and aerobics. I was away from college for a year and a half to serve as a missionary for my church in Slovenia where I got to learn Slovene! Unfortunately I don't meet many Slovene speakers in Omaha!
After I finished college, I married the best guy ever and moved to Omaha and have been here since. One of my first memories here is of jogging around my neighborhood and being amazed that nearly every house had Herbie Husker somewhere!
Education:
I got my bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in physiology and developmental biology with a minor in international development.
Activities:
I got to work with two great organizations here on campus: the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), where I helped organize education sessions at a local Girls, Inc; and Bridge to Care, where I helped organize and evaluate health education sessions with different refugee communities here in Omaha. They were both great opportunities to be in the community and remember what I was studying so hard for! I loved meeting amazing people from all over the world and people who've grown up right here in Omaha. Last year I also got to participate in the Healers Art course – an amazing experience I would highly recommend.
Hobbies:
I love watching documentaries with my husband, finding deals at my favorite thrift stores, perfecting my Just Dance skills on the Wii, and hiking at Hitchcock Nature Center.
Staying Balanced:
When I'm at school, I'm at school; when I'm at home, I'm at home. Spending time with my husband helps me de-stress – he can make me laugh even on the worst of days. We also have rules – my husband's a lawyer, so both doctor and lawyer TV shows are outlawed at our house to keep ourselves sane!
My church is a big part of my life, and it helps me set my priorities. At church I teach a group of girls 12-13 years old, and we have weekly activities. It really helps me stay grounded even when it feels like I have no time.
List three things people may not know about you:
I love British mystery shows. My favorites are Inspector Lewis and Poirot.
I've gotten to learn three different languages. I spent my third-grade year in Vienna and learned German, I took French in school, and learned Slovene as a missionary. I wish I could still speak them all!
My favorite way to eat oatmeal is with pesto and Gouda cheese!