MEET andrea
Name: Andrea Park
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Human Biology
Classification: Senior
Expected graduation: May 2008
A Big and Lively Campus
UT is such a big and lively campus; there is always something to do or someone new to meet. Its educational system is very widely respected, which was important to me. It also seemed like a place I could live and never get bored… I was right!
An Opportunity to Prove My Academic Dedication
During high school I went through a rough semester where I struggled to stay focused on my classes. As a result, my class ranking dropped to second quarter.
When it came time for college admission letters to start coming in, I was a little disappointed to discover that most of my friends had gotten into UT while I had been offered CAP (Coordinated Admission Program). However, I eventually began to see this as an opportunity to prove my academic dedication once again.
I enrolled in the University of Texas at San Antonio and buried my nose in the books. My two semesters at my CAP school were an incredible learning experience; it gave me time to sharpen my studying skills and meet lots of other students in my situation.
Upon my acceptance to UT Austin, I felt like the most proud Longhorn in history! I knew I had worked really hard to earn my spot and I arrived more motivated than ever before! Hook ’em!
Determined to be a Longhorn
I had also been offered admission to other Texas universities, but I just had a sense that the city of Austin and UT were a much better fit for my personality and educational goals. The choice was pretty clear—I was determined to be a Longhorn!
Sharing Struggles and Forming Friendships
I was initially worried about not knowing anyone else attending the University of Texas at San Antonio. Most of my friends were going to school elsewhere, but I ended up meeting many other students who were also in the CAP program. We were able to share our struggles with each other and form friendships that carried over into our UT Austin lives.
Andrea’s Advice
On making friends
Ask the person next to you in class if they are as terrified about the test as you are—study buddies sometimes turn into lifelong friends!
On living on campus
It may not seem glamorous, but just do it. Most people find their first circle of college friends in the dorms.
About a particular class
NEVER underestimate organic chemistry!
On what to wear
Unlike high school, no one really cares what you’re wearing… that’s the best part.
On how to be a successful student
Keep up with the reading!
On balancing studying, friends, work and family
Keep a planner and set boundaries for yourself.
Leaning on Each Other
My first semester at UT Austin was great! I was so thrilled to finally wear burnt orange and go to football games. My fellow CAP peers and I sort of leaned on each other to try and figure things out around campus. I think I joined a ridiculous number of student organizations that semester because I couldn’t decide which was more exciting to me.
A Humbling Experience
CAP is a humbling experience; it helped me take a step back and evaluate my study/work ethic to find ways to improve it. The best thing I took away was a sense of accomplishment and great appreciation for my subsequent admission to UT Austin.
A Practical Major
I love biology in general because it is so practical. I can explain to you why eating too much salt can lead to artery blockage or how birds know which direction to migrate. It’s so fun to be able to apply what I learn to everyday situations.
Children’s Research Laboratory
During my junior year at UT, I was accepted as a research assistant at the Children’s Research Laboratory on campus. I helped run psychology studies that dealt with EKG scans, which the PSY301 students participated in. The studies were pretty different since they involved applying an electrode cap to the participant’s head. I got to know a lot of first-year student participants while working at the lab, and was able to make them feel more comfortable, give them advice, or just joke around. The experience was very unique, and I feel fortunate to have those kinds of opportunities available around campus.
More about Andrea
Fascinating or challenging experience she is looking forward to
Completing my last few courses before graduating this May—be patient, upper-division courses are so much more fun!
Favorite experience at the University
Definitely working on the production of the 40 Acres Festival concert. For the past few years, the Music and Entertainment Committee has been put in charge of recruiting musicians and coordinating the main concert for the annual UT festival. I’ve been able to work behind the scenes to bring acts like Common and Little Richard to campus. It is absolutely the coolest feeling to see 5,000 people show up to a concert you helped plan.
Plans after graduation
I am planning to go to South Korea to teach English for a year, and then go to graduate school for another biology degree.
Favorites
- Study location on campus or off campus: JP’s Java
- Place to eat on or near campus: Red River Café (cozy and really cheap)
- Classes: Evolution & Principles of Animal Behavior
- Professor: Dr. Brent Iverson
- Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- Movie: Little Miss Sunshine by Jonathan Dayton
- Thing about Austin: the indie music scene
- Pastime / Recreational activity: traveling, saving the environment, and discovering new bands
Updated 3 April 2008
