Fifty-five members of the UNMC High School Alliance are among the students taking classes at UNMC.
The alliance 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 will profile an alliance student to let us get to know more about these young learners.
Today we meet Sujana Maddipati, a senior from Millard West High School.
How did you get involved in the UNMC High School Alliance?
My high school counselor introduced me to the UNMC High School Alliance program. When I asked my friends if they heard about it, one of my friends told me how much she enjoyed working with the doctors and teachers, and I realized I wanted to be part of the UNMC HSA program as well.
What sparked your interest in science?
Science was always one of my favorite subjects because it is a subject that comes easy to me. However, if I had to pick one moment when I was completely blown away and was truly drawn to the idea of science, I would pick the time I spent in physics class. The fact that scientists created formulas and mathematic solutions to explain the phenomenon of the natural world amazed me and deepened my love for science.
What are your career aspirations?
Ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to be a doctor. But, I also love working with children. This is why I decided to be a pediatrician. This career combines my interest of medical science and working with children. I can use my knowledge of medicine to help sick children and create cures for their diseases.
What has been the best part of your UNMC High School Alliance experience?
My favorite part of the high school alliance program is being able to shadow people from various areas of the medical field. Working with these professionals has opened my eyes to opportunities I never considered. So far, my favorite shadowing opportunity was with Dr. Erickson, a pediatric cardiologist. I enjoyed learning about the heart and problems associated with it. Also, being able to work with the faculty at UNMC has been wonderful.