The Alliance in Focus: Julissa Bakken

Sixty members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC this academic year.

The students come from high schools around Omaha and take college-level classes to prepare for health careers.

Today we meet:

• Name: Julissa Bakken
• High school: Douglas County West High School, Valley, Neb.
• Year: Senior

How did you learn about the UNMC High School Alliance?

I learned about the UNMC High School Alliance from not only my guidance counselor, but also previous members who participated in the program. One girl in particular spoke very highly of the program. She talked about the unforgettable experiences, the connections made, and the friendships created. After hearing such great things, I couldn’t wait to apply.

What sparked your interest in science?

My interest in science was initially sparked when I started volunteering at the nursing home in Valley. The more I volunteered, the more interested I became in not only the medicine and care provided, but also the personable relationships between the staff and patients. Some days I would follow the nurses around just to get a better taste of their roles. Although geriatrics is not a field of care I plan to be a part of, it built my love for medicine.

What are your career aspirations?

After graduating high school, I intend on graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in both biology and business administration. From there, I hope to gain acceptance at UNMC and train to be a surgeon, specifically in the field of oncology.

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

Thus far, the UNMC High School Alliance has been nothing but amazing; I could not have asked for a better experience. Choosing the best part of the program is difficult, however, the friendships I have made stand out the most. Although I enjoy the high school I attend, the program has allowed me to meet so many new people, some of whom are now my best friends.