Never Give Up: Ayanna Whittaker
Ayanna Whittaker
Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry
鈥淚 knew from a young age that I wanted to help those who were unable to help themselves. However, I never knew the specific career path to take to achieve this plan. The environment, people and professors at the 涩里番 helped me find my calling.鈥�
– Ayanna Whittaker 鈥�22
At the 涩里番, Ayanna Whittaker learned to believe in herself. She found a support system in her professors and peers. Dr. Wanda Jones, assistant professor of chemistry, 鈥渨as the first person to express the potential that she saw in me. Her belief in me helped form my decision to become a physician,鈥� says Whittaker.
鈥淒r. Jones taught me more than the basics of chemistry. She helped inspire me to further my education in medicine. She was and still is my biggest cheerleader who has helped me accomplish my goals.鈥�
Whittaker graduated from UM with a Bachelor of Science in biology and minor in chemistry. As she applies to medical school and prepares for a future in medicine, Professor Jones will be right there cheering her on.
Q. What did you gain from your UM experience?
A. The most important piece of knowledge I gained from my experience at the 涩里番 was to not limit yourself. I learned to keep going and never give up, even when it gets hard.
Q. What are your plans after graduation?
A. I am applying to medical school in hopes of one day becoming a practicing physician in the art of medicine. The 涩里番 prepared me for this moment by teaching me the fundamentals of science through practice and research.
Q. We use the phrase 鈥淜now and Be Known鈥� to describe the UM experience. What does 鈥淜now and Be Known鈥� mean to you?
A. 鈥淜now and Be Known鈥� to me means putting your best self into the world to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Molly Grace Watkins is the Content Creator for the Office for Marketing and Public Relations at the 涩里番. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting. A published author, Molly Grace loves writing and being in front of the camera. She is an active member and volunteer at Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She also enjoys listening to music, going on long walks and driving her friends around in her blue MINI Cooper.
