Aubree Honcoop, 17
junior, biology and chemistry
Billings, MT
March 9, 2015
By Carmen Price, University Communications and Marketing
Describe your college experience at MSU Billings.
“By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I had enough credits to graduate, but was denied because of the precedence that would set, my family was told. So, I started college when I was just 14 through University Connections. My college experience has been enjoyable. I have friends that understand me that I can joke around with, along with classes that are interesting. I actually look forward to heading to school in the morning. School has never been more fun and challenging.”
Your childhood hasn’t been typical. In what ways would you say you are a typical teenager, and in what ways are you unique?
“I can’t think of many ways that I am like a typical teenager. I do enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, but I am a somewhat introverted person. I don’t play sports or go to parties, or hang out with boys. Truthfully, I prefer a good book to human company.
But, I wouldn’t consider myself to be unique from my peers. My parents had always stressed the importance of shooting for the stars and doing the best that I can do, but not in relation to my peers. It is just an ongoing process to find my limits.”
Have you always wanted to become a scientist and doctor?
“Before I wanted to be a medical scientist, I wanted to be an astronaut. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do on the ship, I just knew I wanted to be on it.”
When did you decide you wanted to become a medical scientist?
“My interest in becoming a doctor stems from my youngest brother Shaun, who was born with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and became my first exposure to cancer. I saw the doctors working with my brother and found that these were the men and women I wanted to become. I wanted to give people hope, just like the doctors who worked with my brother did for me. It was not until after my freshmen year of college that I realized I liked doing experiments and conducting research.”
What do you love most about science and medicine?
“What I love most about science and medicine is the logic. The reason things are done a certain way is because it makes sense. And I have to say, I love it when I can connect the dots and things make sense.”
Aside from academics, what have you learned while in college?
“I’ve learned to set multiple alarms. On a more serious note, proper planning and prioritization are key to reducing stress and increasing success.”
What does being in the running for a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship mean to you?
“If I were to be awarded the scholarship, it would allow me to do a lot of the research I really want to do and what really truly interests me. And, it would make a huge difference in the medical schools I could be accepted into.”
Related Story: From University Connections Student to National Goldwater Scholar Nominee
