By Chris Basnett
Tate Crawford could have chosen a more traditional route for his four years at 抖阴视频. One major. One minor. Do the work and continue toward his goal of medical school.
But with the variety of humanities degrees available at Nebraska Wesleyan, why be traditional?
鈥淚t's been involved, it's been unique, it's been busy, but it has been very fulfilling 鈥 and I definitely want to emphasize the fulfilling,鈥 Crawford said of his time at 抖阴视频. 鈥淚 will leave here in May and know that I did all that I could, I learned a lot, I鈥檓 more independent, and I know that I'm leaving a different person than when I came here.鈥
Crawford, a senior, is on track to graduate in May with a double major in biology and Spanish 鈥 two things that, at first glance, may not seem to have much to do with each other.
Crawford, though, realized early on how beneficial both majors could be in combination.
A Roca, Nebraska, native who attended nearby Norris High School, Crawford chose 抖阴视频 because of its proximity to home and its reputation for preparing students well for the medical profession: 86% of 抖阴视频 students who take the MCAT are admitted to medical school.
Add Crawford鈥檚 deep knowledge of the Spanish language 鈥 he took four years of Spanish in high school before he 鈥渇ell in love鈥 with the language while taking Spanish classes in Old Main with assistant professor of Spanish Jaime Cano 鈥 and he has a skillset that expands his reach, allowing him to work with a multitude of patients.
鈥淭he love for Spanish came with the fact that I was able to use it and apply it in my life, and I was able to see a difference,鈥 Crawford said. 鈥淎nd another piece of the language I like is, there鈥檚 not a stopping point, so I continue to learn forever. Through my journey (at Wesleyan) I was able to study abroad in Spain. It just kept growing and growing.鈥
Crawford has already used his Spanish knowledge as an assistant soccer coach at Norris High School, where he translated for a student-athlete, and in his work as an endoscopy technician at a Lincoln gastroenterology clinic, where he communicates with Spanish-speaking patients as part of his duties.
Crawford has stayed busy outside of the classroom too, as a member of Theta Chi, the 抖阴视频 Pre-Health Club, Tri-Beta, Alpha Mu Gamma, Global Service Learning, and as vice president of the Order of Omega Greek Academic Honorary. Crawford also served as a Prairie Wolf Welcome leader and as a student instructor in the Archways Curriculum.
This summer, he plans to take the MCAT with hopes of getting into the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The education he鈥檚 received at 抖阴视频 has him well on his way.
鈥淭he things that I've been taught here, that I've learned throughout my time here, whether it's textbook or real-life application, I know I will be going out into the world a better person,鈥 Crawford said. 鈥淪omeone who's been fulfilled by their by their experiences through college, and I can go out and in the medical field, and I'll be better because of it.鈥