Improving Lives through Bioengineering and M&T
by David J., M&T Class of 2017
I am fascinated by medicine – by the innovations being made that are revolutionizing the way we treat people suffering from terrible illnesses and diseases. Since my addiction to TED talks began in middle school, I’ve wanted to be the one to come up with the next great revolution in medical technologies. Nevertheless, through my active involvement in speech and debate, I’ve learned that having expertise in engineering, or any technical field for that matter, and coming up with the next great invention, isn’t necessarily all that it takes.
My dad always told me that I should couple any education I get with some sort of business certification, whether it be a certificate, a minor, or a full-fledged Bachelor’s Degree from the Wharton School. I wouldn’t want to come up with the “next big thing” and not know how to market my product. I can’t accomplish my goals of changing the world if I create something that can change the world and no one ever gets to use it. It is for that reason that despite my desire to major in bioengineering, I immediately restricted my college search to schools that were not only known for their bioengineering programs, but schools that also had business programs. I chose to narrow my search down even further after that. I’ve never been one afraid to work, and so I decided that rather than pursuing a dual major, I wanted to pursue two full Bachelor’s degrees in business and engineering.
When I stumbled upon the M&T Program, my eyes lit up. It truly is the perfect program for me. My biggest fear was getting in. With a class size of a mere fifty students per year, I was deathly afraid that I would be rejected; it’s still hard to believe that I am a member of the M&T Class of 2017. Nevertheless, with only one additional essay to write I figured it couldn’t hurt to try to get into not only one of the most prestigious dual degree programs this country has to offer, but one that fit my needs and desires perfectly and provides unique access to alumni networks, and internship and employment opportunities. I’d be lying if I said that prestige and name recognition weren’t factors involved in my decision to commit to the Jerome Fisher Program, but I chose it over Duke (With a full ride via the University Scholars Program), Johns Hopkins (With the best BME program in the world), and many others because I know that without business expertise I can’t expect to get any innovation to those that need it most. All I want is to improve the lives of people, and unfortunately the corporate world often capitalizes on people like me. I don’t want any mediators between me and my one true goal. Today I am graduating from high school and as this chapter in my life closes I know that the M&T Program will open many more for me for years to come.
David is an incoming M&T freshman in the Class of 2017 from Hollywood, FL. In high school he was heavily involved in Student Congress, Speech and Debate, Key Club, and the Microfinance Club and Bank. We look forward to seeing him on campus in the fall!
One Response to “Improving Lives through Bioengineering and M&T”
So proud of you!