SEN Intern: What year did you graduate?
Nicole Hatchard: May 2018
SEN: What was your major?
N: General Science and Biological Health Profession
SEN: Can you tell us a bit about your experience studying abroad in Beijing while at Penn State? How has that impacted your current role? Are there any skills or interests you found in that experience that lead you to your current role?
N: I did a summer program in Beijing called Cancer Biology. It was a 3-week course which combined both Penn State University and Peking University in China. I was able to learn alongside Chinese students at Peking. We were taught by Dr. Zhi-Chun Lai, an awesome professor at State. This class and experience impacted my current role because it continued to foster my interest in the medical field. (I am currently a second-year medical student) While in China, I learned so much about cancer but I also learned a lot about a different culture. I have always been interested in becoming a doctor, but while studying abroad in Beijing I was afforded the incredible opportunity to learn about China while also learning about the biological basis of Cancer. This ties into the art that medicine truly is, the interactions with people and patients rather than simply a logarithmic interaction of medication and treatment. I made a lot of new friends and pushed myself out of my comfort zone while in Beijing which will definitely persist throughout my career as a doctor.
SEN: At the Student Engagement Network, we focus on five growth areas when discussing experiences. The five growth areas are: Multicultural Awareness, Civic Responsibility, Professional Development, Ethical Reasoning, and Systems Thinking. During your time at Penn State in this involvement do you see any of the growth areas being applicable to you? If so, which stand out to you in your experience and why?
N: Studying abroad definitely falls under the Multicultural Awareness growth area. My experience was unique in that the cohort of students was small and we all got very close to the Chinese students. I am thankful to have had such a unique experience and broaden my horizons through taking part in traditional Chinese meals, visiting the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, and most of all creating such amazing friendships with students across the world.
SEN: What advice would you give to a Penn State student looking to find their why?
N: Do what you love to do. My most memorable and life-shaping experiences were when I did what I was passionate about. Push yourself and push your boundaries. All the times I studied abroad or traveled, I didn’t proceed tediously, I jumped. Most of the time without knowing anyone or planning with friends ahead of time. I ended up making some of the best friends and connections through these spontaneous trips and experiences. In my opinion you don’t need to look for your why, you need to experience it.
Nicole exploring the Great Wall of China
Part of Nicole’s study abroad experience included seeing famous Chinese landmarks, such as the Great Wall.
Nicole in China
Spending some time outside of the classroom at Peking University
Nicole exploring the Great Wall
Sightseeing while abroad