We Are Wake Forest

Meet Madeline

My professors, my mentors

During my first semester at Wake Forest, a professor encouraged me to attend a lecture on economic development in the Middle East. The professor thought I would find it interesting based on some discussions we had had outside of class. The lecture introduced me to a topic I later studied in Egypt and South African the summer after my freshmen year. Professors at Wake Forest have a passion for teaching that has made my collegiate life extremely fulfilling, and, unlike at many schools, they are extremely accessible. I have never had a graduate assistant teach a class or a professor who was too busy to meet with me. Relationships I have built with professors have helped me grow, both academically and personally.

Liberal arts open doors

I started college planning to study medicine. At that time, I thought there were two majors that would prepare me for medical school: chemistry or biology. What I discovered was that I didn’t have to major in a science to be the best candidate for medical school. After taking a class my freshman year about the history of Africa, I decided to become a history major. History involves delving into the motives of humans and intricacies of human interaction over the course of hundreds of years. It’s a discipline that provides insight into the human condition—exactly the kind of understanding a doctor needs.

Speaking up, gaining confidence

During an interdisciplinary honors seminar, “Special Topics in Medieval History,” I found myself immersed in the abstruse and abstract worlds of historiography and philosophy. The structure of the class was unorthodox. Several readings were assigned to us every class (unless we attended a conference or a talk), and, in small groups, we were required to analyze them, connect them to previous readings and current events, and present our findings to the class. By virtue of having to talk so much in class, I grew more confident in my ability to speak in front of groups. I loved being asked questions from peers, which required me to think quickly and respond with a helpful contribution.

Leadership Doesn’t Have to Wait

Student groups are inclusive and welcoming of new people and new ideas. Getting involved in student organizations and making an impact in them is something that a Wake Forest student is able to do from the very beginning of freshman year. During my freshman year, I submitted an application and was chosen as an editor of the Philomathesian, Wake Forest’s literary magazine. As an editor, I was given the responsibility of choosing the best submissions, then working with the other editors to choose the ones for publication. I also worked with authors to refine their work. Instead of waiting around to be given responsibility, I was able to jump right in, which I really appreciated. I’m also the founder of the ARCH Society—a group of Wake Forest students who meet regularly for meaningful conversation on current events and issues affecting the world around us.

Pursuing My Interests

My freshmen year, I took a biology class with Dr. Susan Fahrbach, Reynolds Professor of Biology, whose research on honeybee brains fascinated me. I asked Dr. Fahrbach if I might join her lab. Because she said yes, I have learned that honeybees are social insects, like humans. Their brains, which are more similar to ours and other animals' than one might think, can provide clues into the brains and behavior of humans. In the lab, I became knowledgeable about the way the honeybee brain works and under Dr. Fahrbach’s guidance, I was able to present my findings to the North Carolina Honeybee Research Symposium.

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How college has changed me:

Being immersed in the openness and cordiality of the Wake Forest community has made me more adventurous socially. The atmosphere on campus is so friendly and welcoming that I couldn’t help but become friendlier and more open myself (which has helped me meet so many different, interesting, cool people).

My biggest challenge:

Two words: organic chemistry. Taking two semesters of it, I learned many life lessons about persistence, a positive attitude, and the big one—you can never study too much.

Long-term plans:

After I attend medical school, I want to go into humanitarian medicine. Working with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is one of my dreams.

My Wake Forest 5: Top Experiences:

1. Unexpectedly meeting a group of Wake Forest students while on the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru
2. Walking around a beautiful snow-blanketed campus with native Southerners who were excitedly experiencing snow for the second or third time.
3. Listening to amazing jazz music at the first President’s Ball
4. Living in Cairo for five weeks and seeing the Pyramids at Giza
5. My honors seminar class winning the Teaching and Learning Center’s Teaching Innovation Award, given to classes that display an outstanding commitment to undergraduate scholarship

Tips about:

Studying…Listen to the advice you have received all your life, because you will have to follow it now: do not wait until the last minute to study.
Campus life…Take advantage of the Reynolda House museum and grounds for studying, relaxing, running, etc.
Balancing friends/work/family…Keep a blog with friends from home so you all feel connected without feeling overwhelmed by having to make hour-long phone calls to each of them each week.

Favorite Wake Forest Tradition:

Shag on the Mag

Best Study Location:

A large classroom on the second floor of Tribble—you can open the huge windows, look out on the courtyard between Tribble and Benson

Don’t miss the movie:

The Maltese Falcon