Kelly VandenBos

Kelly VandenBos

Major(s)

Biological Sciences and Psychology (Pre-Health)

Shawnee, KS

Why you chose your major

I originally just chose Biological Sciences as my major because I had enjoyed all of my biology classes in high school. I knew I had a generalized interest in healthcare and the class requirements for the Biological Sciences major seemed to closely align with many of the graduate school prerequisites for programs and careers I was interested in. I did not expect to enjoy my psychology classes as much as I did. When I heard about the neuroscience option for the psychology major, it was an easy choice to add a second major because I knew that I could still graduate within four years. Since, I have really enjoyed seeing where my majors overlap and complement each other.

Favorite and/or most impactful course

The class that has had the greatest impact on me was PSYC 273 Brain and Behavior. I knew that I loved studying neuroscience and the brain, but this class truly gave me the opportunity to dive deep into the content and understand what I was interested in specifically in psychology. I also believe this is the class where I have gotten to see the most overlap between biology and psychology.

Research or internship experience

One internship experience I have had was as an Americorps VISTA for Catholic Charities. I had the opportunity to spend my summer teaching Citizenship classes to refugees. I gained a variety of insight into governmental programs along with learning educational psychology and teaching skills. This experience enforced my desire to work with people in healthcare and made me far more aware of the unique challenges different populations can face.

Other involvement

Service and leadership: I am volunteer English tutor for a young mom from Myanmar through Lincoln Literacy.

Service: I am a volunteer for Nebraska Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Internship: I am a member of the DeBruce Foundation Career Corps which helps advance career pathways for economic growth.

Internship/job: I am a Medical Laboratory Assistant for UNMC Regional Pathology Services.

I am involved with the Salt Company, a campus ministry here at UNL.

Why you chose Nebraska

I decided to come to Nebraska to gain a new level of independence. I knew that going out of state could be difficult and potentially more expensive. Nebraska offered a variety of scholarships that made it much easier to afford school out of state. When I toured Nebraska, I felt at home on campus and within the local community. I knew this was a place where I could be supported and could thrive for four years.

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