Gabe Reiman, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), is majoring in biological sciences with a minor in humanities in medicine.
After graduating from Adams Central High School in Hastings, NE, he began his journey at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). Though he had several honors and dual credit science courses under his belt from high school, he refrained from declaring a major his freshman year. After a year of contemplation, he had narrowed down his career aspirations enough to declare a major.
“I knew that I wanted to study biological sciences because I knew that I wanted to be in a profession that helped others, whether it was through research, healthcare, or anything in between,” he said.
By the end of his sophomore year, Reiman had chosen the Pre-Optometry track and had also declared his minor.
“Humanities in medicine really focuses on ethical practices and the more human side of medicine," he said. "For this minor, I have taken courses like gender studies, gerontology—the study of aging and older adults—which is particularly relevant to my future profession as an optometrist, as well as a few courses on palliative care and hospice.”
Gabe Reiman in a lab.
When asked for a word of advice for fellow biology students, a motto from the college's career coaches comes to mind: You don't need to know where you are going to get started. Reiman says that he too did not know exactly what he wanted to do when he started college, and that it is normal to take time to explore different paths and options before deciding! However, he recommends thinking not only about what you want to do, but also why you want to do it while considering different options.
“I knew that I wanted to positively impact people and to be able to witness their progress," he said. "I found that Optometry provided a one-on-one environment that allowed me to connect with my patients and talk with them directly, but also offer them a service that greatly improves their life quality.”
The “why” factor, the desire to help and witness the improvement in his future patients, is what keeps him powering through long nights of study, and he encourages you to find your motivational “why” as well!
Gabe Reiman writing on a whiteboard.
If you are undeclared and are exploring your options like Reiman, you can speak to an academic advisor and/or a career coach in CAS’s Academic and Career Advising Center.
“In my freshmen year before I knew what I wanted my major to be, CAS advising really helped me out," he said. "My advisor was helpful and pointed me towards many resources. At that time, I felt a bit lost, but my advisor was able to help me find my way.”
Now, he is confidently approaching graduation with plans of attending optometry school.
Q&A
What is your favorite course you have taken from your program(s) and why?
I think this is a strange answer, but my Anatomy course was probably my most favorite. It was by far the most difficult and challenging course I've ever taken, but I feel that I've learned the most and gained a ton of helpful experience while doing so. Being able to go into the cadaver lab and see the structures and body in real life, and not just a textbook page, was instrumental in learning and understanding how every organ in the body fits and works together for a greater whole.
Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
Every professor I have had has been very friendly and supportive. Any time I have reached out for help from them, they genuinely seemed concerned for my wellbeing and were invested in helping me, if possible.
What are you involved in on campus or in the community?
While I lived on campus, I was part of the rock climbing club, and even competed once or twice. I was also part of the War Gaming club for a while too.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans are to take a gap year, just to take a little break from schooling and to get all my applications and entrance testing ready, and then to enter postgrad. I've looked at a few optometry schools, but we don't have any in Nebraska, so my greatest priority is to find something close to home.
For more stories like his, check out undergraduate student spotlights from other students in CAS—and then share your story!
