Post-Graduation Plans

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

Perhaps one of the most conflicting moments in one's life is deciding what the next step after graduating from college is going to be.  For some individuals, going straight into graduate school may seem to be the best path. However, for many others, including myself, taking some time off and going into the work force may be more appealing.

For a long time, I debated on whether or not I was ready to go straight into graduate school. I knew that I wanted to get a higher degree pertaining to the biological sciences, however there are so many different and fascinating options available. After looking at biomedical, microbiology, plant science, and environmental science programs, I decided that perhaps the best thing for me to do is to take some time off after graduation and experiment around to find out what interests me the most.  That way, I can be sure that I am partaking in a graduate program that I will thoroughly enjoy.

A petri plate containing many different species of microorganisms.

I am currently planning on participating in a few different experiences, all of which I am very interested in, to help me determine what area of the biological sciences fascinates me the most.  One of these is a trip during the summer to Zambia, Africa in which I will be part of a medical mission trip that is organized by Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI).  I will have the opportunity to help save lives and gain experience in the biomedical field.

I am also working on applying for a laboratory technician position at Eastman Chemical Company, in which I would be able to gain more experience with the laboratory aspect of the biological sciences and determine whether the laboratory research field is more for me. I am also planning on volunteering at a few state parks to gain experience in the environmental sciences.  These will all be very helpful experiences that will aid me in determining which career path best suits me.

An outdoor laboratory that is used for environmental science studies.

I strongly encourage all recent college graduates to make sure that the choices they make regarding life after graduation are the right ones for them. One should not feel pressured into applying and attending a graduate school if they do not personally feel like it is what they should do.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a little time off to ensure yourself that the path you are choosing is the one you will be glad you took!

Hello from New Panther Blogger Paige!

by Paige R., Panther Blogger

My name is Paige. I am a senior at Ferrum College majoring in Pre-Professional Science and Biology and minoring in Chemistry.  I am also a member of the college's Boone Honors Program. This is my third year at Ferrum and I wouldn't change any of my experiences at this amazing school!  When I graduate from Ferrum in May 2014, I hope to go to graduate school and eventually into the medical field.

I found out about Ferrum when the Admissions Office called my home during my senior year in high school. I had heard of the college before, but at the time, it wasn't one of the schools that I was considering.  After I learned about the numerous scholarships that I was eligible to receive through Ferrum, I came to campus for a visit. Once I visited campus for the first time, I knew that this beautiful community setting was right for me!

Three years later, I still know that I made the right decision. My favorite thing about Ferrum is the one-on-one attention that students have with their professors. I can always go to my professors for extra help with lecture material or homework.  I have many friends who go to larger colleges where their professors do not know them by name or even recognize them outside of the classroom.  I'm so glad that this would never be the case at Ferrum!

Ferrum is not located in a large city or town, so as a student, it is important to find things to do on campus.  As faculty, staff, and students commonly say - boredom is a choice here because of all the clubs and activities on campus. I am president of the Minds-n-Medicine Club, president of the College Republicans Club, and treasurer of the Lions Branch Club.  I am also a member of two honor societies on campus:  Tri Beta and Alpha Chi.  These clubs were originally a way for me to get involved on campus; through these clubs, however, I have developed the best friendships and relationships with faculty that I could ever hope for!  I am an Admissions Ambassador as well, and I give tours on some Saturdays during the semester.  Maybe I will see you on campus sometime soon!

Microbiology REU Program

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

This summer, I was privileged with the honor of being a participant in the 2013 Microbiology REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program at Virginia Tech. This was an intensive ten-week research program in which the participants were placed into a laboratory of their interest and assigned a research project to complete.  The project that I performed dealt with the plant pathogenic bacteria Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, which is responsible for causing blight and wilting in sweet corn.

Throughout this project, I analyzed specific genes in this bacteria's DNA to determine whether or not they play a significant role in the bacterial infection.  This was a very interesting experience, and I was exposed to numerous laboratory techniques that I have never even heard of before. The amount of knowledge that I gained from this program was unbelievable, and it has allowed me to develop a greater understanding of various concepts that I am now able to implement into my independent research here at Ferrum College.

During the course of the ten-week research program, we had to make sure that we took time to go out and have some fun too.  The other program participants and I took numerous trips just to get away from the campus and clear our minds from the research. Some of the things we did included hiking to the Cascade Falls of Pembroke, Virginia, going to see a fireworks show on July 4th, and spending a weekend in Washington, D.C.  By participating in these activities, we became very close with one another and formed a family.  When the ten weeks finally came to an end, it was difficult to say good-bye, but thanks to this program, we each now have networking connections with one another from all across the United States.

Our last dinner at Macado's in Blacksburg

The Ferrum faculty help connect their students with great opportunities like this. My professor and independent research mentor, Dr. Gazdik, found out when the applications for the Microbiology REU program were available and encouraged me to apply.  I'm so glad I did!  Being a participant in this program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it helped me to develop both my career interests and research interests. I highly encourage those who are considering a career in research to apply to the Microbiology REU program, and if anyone has any sort of questions about the experience I had in the program, please feel free to contact me!

- Blake

Hello from New Panther Blogger, Blake!

by Blake S., Panther Blogger

Hello, everyone!  My name is Blake, and I am a transfer student here at Ferrum College. I am majoring in Biology and double-minoring in Chemistry and Forensic Science. I would like to first introduce myself by telling you about how and why I decided to attend Ferrum College.

I was born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, where I graduated from John S. Battle High School. Upon my graduation, I knew that I wanted to attend college but was not sure where I wanted to go. Having already completed a year of dual enrollment classes, my final decision was to attend my local community college, Virginia Highlands Community College, and obtain my Associate Degree in Science.

A few months before graduating from Virginia Highlands, I knew it was time for me to begin searching for a four-year college that I could attend to obtain a bachelor's degree. I started my search with the Community College's transfer agreement list. This was a list of local colleges that Virginia Highlands had collaborated with to provide special benefits for graduating students who wanted to transfer to a 4-year college.  A few of these benefits included not having to pay a college application fee, having all of the obtained college credits transferred, and receiving a small scholarship.

Performing microbiological independent research at Ferrum

Ferrum College, alongside many other colleges and universities, was on the transfer agreement list. The reason that Ferrum College sparked my interest is because it was a small college, it was away from home, and it had a great biology program. There were also a number of opportunities present at Ferrum that were not available at other colleges.

The inaugural class of the Freshman
Scholar's Program.

At this point in my life, I was positive that biology was what I wanted to study. I thoroughly enjoyed both the biology and chemistry classes that I had taken thus far, and I wanted to further my education in these two areas. I was also ready for the experiences of living away from home and having to support myself while studying at the same time. There were many other colleges that could have fulfilled these two requirements I needed, however, Ferrum College, more so than any of the other colleges on the transfer agreement list, promoted numerous programs and resume-building opportunities. A few of these that struck my interest included the Freshman Scholar's Program, the E-Term experience, and being able to perform undergraduate independent research.  Ferrum College also promoted their fraternities and sororities on campus, numerous clubs, and the Ferrum Outdoors Program.

Desperately wanting to be able to branch out and participate in new experiences, I knew that Ferrum College was the place where I wanted to be. After attending a single Panther Preview (open house) and meeting a few of the professors and students, I made the final decision that Ferrum College would be my home for the next two years. This was a huge future-determining decision that I made, and I have yet to regret a single moment of it.

The top of McAfee's Knob near Roanoke after a day of hiking

I strongly encourage prospective students to explore the Ferrum College website, and browse the numerous opportunities available here. Also, attend an open house event and visit the college campus to speak with a few of the professors and students. This is the best way to figure out if Ferrum is the right college for you. If you have any questions about the opportunities and programs offered here at Ferrum, do not hesitate to ask.

- Blake

Sweet Summertime!

By Grant W., Panther Blogger

As it is for many students, summer is a precious time to me. It is a time to be outside enjoying the entirety of what this world has to offer. Families go on vacation, friends visit friends, and we all get to kick back and soak up some rays. Along with all the fun in the sun comes some hard work though! Summer offers all of us some valuable time to try and strengthen our resumes, and get a head start for next semester.

This summer, I have traveled to Cocoa Beach, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, Chesapeake, Virginia, and have made countless trips to the lake; in the midst of all this traveling, I have been working at Richland Creek Animal Hospital to gain experience for my future career.

Preparing for graduating from college and applying to vet school are both processes that I began well before my senior year of college.  Preparing for vet school at the University of Georgia has been an ongoing process throughout my scholastic career. As a minimum requirement for the University of Georgia's Vet School, an applicant has to have a minimum of 350 hours of experience in the field. Well, for the past few years, I have been working on just that -- gaining experience.

Through my job this summer, not only have I gained some cash for books and other college needs, but I have also gained many priceless pieces of knowledge. I have been trained to administer vaccines and draw blood and have enjoyed many other great learning experiences at the animal hospital.  Over the years of preparation for my future degree(s), I have observed many different surgical procedures including declaws, spays, neuters, amputations, tooth removals, tail dockings, and intestinal obstruction removals; all of these add to my desire to become a veterinarian. I still have a long way to go to be fully prepared for applying to vet school, but I have accepted the challenge, and now I'm striving for my dream one step at a time. I hope that any of you reading this would realize one thing:  all dreams require hard, persistent work.

But enough of work, work, and more work; in my life there is always time for play. During the days I have had off, I have taken the time to go fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. I have visited friends in Atlanta and Cocoa Beach, spending some needed time just enjoying the beach and city life, as well as enjoying time with family on the intercoastal waterways of Charleston crabbing, fishing, and cast netting. My summer has also included a visit to Athens, Georgia, where a Ferrum friend and I made a special trip to the University of Georgia, the Georgia Aquarium, the CNN building, and the Centennial Park. Of course, I can't forget the event that kicked my summer off:  representing Ferrum College at Norfolk State University for the Virginia Academy of Science Conference for my research work on bacteria and antibiotics.

All in all, this summer has been one of the best. I am anxiously anticipating the start of my junior year at Ferrum College, and I can't wait to see what Ferrum has in store for all of us this year. Just remember:  always make room for some fun in between the hard work for the future. Life is all about balance, as it will be again this school year when it comes to my classes and social life!