Daniela Garcia '16
Class Year
2016
Area(s) of Study
Major in Neuroscience and Minor in Psychology
Hometown
Waukegan, IL
Graduate Study
MSN
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
What made you choose Lake Forest College?
I chose Lake Forest College because of the small class sizes. I knew I wanted to go to a college where I could build close relationships with my instructors and my classmates. Lake Forest College was able to provide that for me and it was a big contributor to my educational success.
How did a liberal arts education make a difference for you?
A liberal arts education made a difference in my life by allowing me to expand my knowledge on various subjects. I knew from the outset I wanted to go into health care, so a liberal arts education allowed me to explore and expand my knowledge in other areas as I pursued higher education in health care.
What experiences outside of the classroom do you think helped prepare you for MSN school?
I worked throughout my undergraduate career. Lake Forest College provided a work-study opportunity that allowed me to pay for school. With that opportunity, I learned to balance work and my studies. This helped me prepare for graduate school by teaching me how to prioritize and study efficiently.
How did your time at Lake Forest help you prepare to apply to MSN school programs?
Lake Forest College provided a foundation that has allowed me to thrive in graduate school. With the help of my instructors, I improved my critical thinking skills and communication skills and became a better writer. I also had immense support from my instructors. They believed in me and my ability to succeed. Thanks to my instructors at Lake Forest College I am where I am today.
What do you think of the new Health Professions Program between Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University? What do you think of the future 3-2 BA-MSN program being developed between Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University?
The new Health Professions Program between Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University will be a great opportunity for students who want to pursue a degree in health care. Students who decide to enroll can take advantage of what the College currently offers along with the added benefits of the joint program. What is most interesting to me is the variety of career choices or opportunities students will have with this new program. If this program had been available when I started college, it would have saved time I spent applying for graduate school. I am excited for upcoming students who can take advantage of this new opportunity and look forward to hearing about their achievements.
What skills and experiences at Lake Forest do you believe will help you be successful?
At Lake Forest College I learned how to collaborate with others, strengthen my communication skills, and improve my critical thinking skills. I grew more confident with myself and learned how to be a leader. With these skills, I am confident that I will become a competent health care professional. Also, I wanted to highlight how supportive instructors are at Lake Forest College. They truly want you to succeed and will do anything to help. This has helped me a lot as I know I can always reach out.
What advice would you give a high school student looking to pursue pre-health and is considering Lake Forest College?
If you are a high school student currently looking to pursue pre-health and are considering Lake Forest College, I highly encourage you to apply. Lake Forest College has a lot to offer, and they have great instructors who care about your success. If you are unsure about what route you want to take within health care, take advantage of their new joint program with Rosalind Franklin University. I am confident that within the program, you will find the right career path that best suits your interests. You will also have great support from your peers and instructors to help you along the way.