By Noelle Larson
If you are interested in the medical field at all, the best decision you can make in high school is to apply for UNMC. This program is an opportunity for upperclassmen to earn dual-credit. According to UNMC’s website, “You'll observe, shadow, and take college-level classes from UNMC's doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, public health advocates, researchers and other health care professionals. You'll also perform hands-on research in some of UNMC's state-of-the-art laboratories.” When bidding into this program, there is a written application, and an in-person interview. These written accounts can help with future college applications, and the interview helps with any job or career path. Mrs. Huber, the high school counselor, who is the middle ground between UNMC and the students, says, “It’s actually a pretty simple process.”
As much as UNMC is helpful, it really is a lot of work and dedication. Junior Brylee Peterson, the only Louisville student involved in UNMC, is a two-sport athlete and extremely involved in extracurricular activities, but she still completes her UNMC work punctually. She does say that she has homework pretty frequently. “Even today, I have a bunch of medical imaging homework that I need to get done, and I took it on the bus (ride to a volleyball game) so I can try to get caught up on it.”
In comparison to the school she’s been at her entire life, she responded: “Their coursework is a lot more grueling than like my C1 class. Yeah, it's very different to see different sides of learning. But I do think it will help me to adjust even better when I do go off to college.”
In regards to being an athlete, it really doesn’t throw off her schedule too badly. Although, she mentioned: “I am often running late to practice coming from Omaha, but Mrs. Zwiener has been super accommodating to me.”
Brylee also talked about the experience she has gotten in just a month. She gets to work with 3rd year college students, and it puts her ahead of the rest. Not only that, but she gets to use her social skills with other students and professors.“I've gotten to meet so many new people. I could name 30 kids that I know their names and I've talked to them.”
UNMC has helped with Brylee’s work ethic, “I think I have become a better student, and a harder worker because of this program.” In her personal opinion, she has had nothing but a positive experience.