First-gen Bio grad sets sights on medical school
Photo by Lee Ferris
A major milestone in Nicole Kalinowski’s journey to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine happened on Saturday, May 17, when she graduated with a degree in Biology.
While she initially had been studying nursing when she arrived at the Mount, Kalinowski soon reached a crossroads: She was torn between continuing down that path, or pursuing her love of the sciences. It was her advisor, Suparna Bhalla, associate professor of Biology, who helped Kalinowski to choose.
“She pointed out how much I like science and suggested I try Biology,” Kalinowski explained. “It was a great decision. I couldn’t be happier.”
Now with her career path set, there’s not much time for Kalinowski to rest. First she needed to prepare for and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) right after graduation in May before she started applying to medical schools in June. It’s a breakneck pace to be sure, but that’s not a problem for the industrious student.
“I’m ready for the challenge,” she said. “I think I’ll enjoy it.”
After all, Kalinowski, a first-generation college student, is used to challenges by now.
“I’m learning the college process as I go through it; I didn’t know how to apply to college,” she explained. “But it’s really inspiring because it pushes me to succeed.”
While Kalinowski was the first in her family to graduate from college, the second will be her sister Danielle, a Nursing student at the Mount. It was great to have a family member experiencing the same challenges and triumphs of college life, Kalinowski said.
“It’s really amazing because my support system is right here on campus,” she noted. “I get to talk to her all the time. It’s nice.”
Kalinowski transferred to the Mount after her freshman year at another institution. Thankfully, she knew that it was the right decision from her first day on campus.
“Here, there’s more one-on-one time with professors, which I love,” she said. “It helped with my education. There’s also more working with your friends and getting to know your classmates better thanks to the small class sizes. That was a big green flag for me.”
For a student who has been on campus for one year less than most, Kalinowski has really made her mark on the Mount’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), where students work closely with professors on applied research. Each year since she arrived, she’s taken part in the program. Her projects included examining the effects of thyroxine (a type of thyroid hormone) on the metempsychosis of grey tree tadpoles with faculty mentor Carl Hoegler, professor of Biology; studying crows with Doug Robinson, associate professor of Biology; and more.
Even outside of SURE, Kalinowski’s list of accolades is impressive. At the Mount, she was an executive board member of Alpha Chi, the interdisciplinary honor society; treasurer of the college’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the national honor society for Biology; secretary of the Women’s Empowerment Club; a Resident Assistant; a member of the American Chemical Society; both a Ralph and Aquinas Scholar, recognitions given to the college’s best and brightest students; and a regular on the Mount’s Dean’s list. The list goes on.
On top of everything else, she’s also a volunteer at Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp. It’s good hands-on experience for another of her passions, she said: Until recently, Kalinowski spent her days at the Mount, and her nights at Dutchess Community College, studying to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
“I try my best to stay on top of things, especially with the different workloads,” she explained. “I have an exam practically every week. It’s definitely a lot, but it’s doable.”
For freshmen who will be starting a major in Natural Sciences next semester, Kalinowski has some important advice: “Don’t get discouraged by one bad grade,” she said. “Your grades don’t define you. I remember I used to have that mindset, and if I got anything below a certain grade, I’d feel down about myself. But don’t let that discourage you from your path. You’re going to do great regardless.”
