Fall events put students in touch with alumni

A pre-professional course of study can sometimes make students feel as though their education — and their future — is pre-determined.

The stories of many University Honors Program graduates with MDs and JDs, however, show that detours and discoveries are always possible.

In two panels last fall, alumni in the medical and legal fields shared their own stories, illuminating the possibilities while providing professional guidance.

The first panel, “Honors Alumni in Medicine,” was held in Nunemaker Center on Oct. 22. Cooper Nickel, a family physician for Phillips County Health Systems, was one of three panelists. Nickel earned both his bachelor’s degree in human biology and his doctorate in medicine from KU.

The university’s significant role in his life, Nickel said, compelled him to take part.

“I really do feel passionate about giving back to KU,” says Nickel.

As the founder of Limestone Healthcare, a consultancy with a focus on rural healthcare providers, Nickel encouraged students to look beyond the typical pathways presented to doctors.

“[Students] can be creative in their approach to a career,” Nickel suggests. “Even if it may seem somewhat defined by medicine, there’s a lot of flexibility — they just have to know that it’s out there.”

Panelist Amanda Hertel credits mentors for inspiring her to see possibilities.

“My undergraduate mentors were incredibly influential on my path to pursuing medicine,” Hertel says. “I want to be able to now use my experiences to start serving as a mentor.”

A current KU School of Medicine student, Hertel urged students to “focus on things [they] are passionate about.”

“Not only will they shine on your [medical school] application, but they’re things that can keep you motivated and healthy during the application process and in medical school,” advised Hertel.

Her advice resonated with Kristina Sim, a junior studying human biology.

“As someone who is very focused on academics and staying on top of things, I felt encouraged to further engage in extracurricular activities,” says Sim, “not because they ‘sound good’ or would ‘look good’ on my medical school application, but because I am passionate about them.”

One week later, the program welcomed two graduates currently working in the legal field for “Honors Alumni in Law.” Positive memories and connections led both panelists to participate.

“My experiences as a student in the honors program were some of my fondest and most rewarding experiences at KU,” says Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Tyler L. Childress. “I wanted to give back to a program that gave me so many opportunities while I was an undergraduate student.”

Much like the medicine-focused panelists, the law panelists emphasized the many potential paths their field offers. “I hope the students came away from the event with a greater understanding of the diverse opportunities for a rewarding career in the law,” says Childress.

Sarah Edwards, a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, was eager to meet in person after participating in “Why English,” a series of virtual conversations coordinated for the English department by Dr. Mary Klayder, who is the Jeff & Amy Handlin Honors Faculty Fellow.

“The crooked path is not just something Mary says — it’s a way of life,” says Edwards, who channeled Klayder in her own advice to students: “Don’t be afraid to get it wrong, change your mind, and bounce back.”

Edwards points to a question from sophomore Joel Adejola as “very thought-provoking.” Fittingly, Adejola, who studies electrical engineering and philosophy, asked about changing directions.

“Sarah answered my question about what it meant to pivot — how we constantly identify and re-identify our paths,” says Adejola. “It was helpful to hear as I prepare myself for inevitable U-turns.”