Sixty-five 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: Alicia Hogan
- High school: Omaha South
- Year: Junior
How did you learn about the UNMC High School Alliance?
I first found out about the UNMC High School Alliance through a brochure I picked up off the floor in my school. The name UNMC caught my attention because I have always been interested in medicine. After seeing that there was a program I could potentially be a part of, I sought out more information from my guidance counselor. My counselor told me that I would be a perfect candidate for the program, so I began the application process.
What sparked your interest in science?
I first realized that I had a love for science in my forensic science class. My teacher was very interactive with her students and pushed all of us to do our best. I always looked forward to this class, and — realizing that I enjoyed learning something that was so new to me and I grasped so easily — I developed a love for all science, not only forensics.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to be a pediatrician, but that is subject to change. While in the High School Alliance, I have been exposed to so many new careers that I most likely never would have considered, and I’ve found special parts in each career that I find interesting.
Tell us your three favorite things about UNMC High School Alliance experience so far?
- The hands-on activities I have done in my pathology class, including suturing, phlebotomy, blood typing and giving injections. These are all activities I would have never been given the opportunity to do without the High School Alliance.
- I always look forward to the guest speakers in my community health class. It’s good to hear from so many new people who are experts in their field.
- One of the most exciting activities so far has been the “Jeopardy” review we do in pathology. We separate into teams and compete to win, but it is a huge help to prepare for whatever is going to be on the test.