I had the privilege of interviewing a fellow senior, Zoë Oster, who will be graduating in the spring. Zoë has shared with us her experience and thoughts while at Andrews, and the hopes she carries into the future.
Zoë Oster is completing her bachelor’s degrees in biology and Spanish, along with a minor in chemistry. She has been enjoying being a pre-medical student, leadership as AULA vice president, and a great social life. When asked how she manages it all, she explained, “I prioritize the most important things I need to do and have a schedule for myself throughout the day, completing the high-priority tasks first, then scheduling out time to spend with my friends during the week.”
After graduation, Zoë plans to go to medical school. Her interest in medicine began much earlier than college. “I first became interested in medicine in middle school after watching documentaries about children with genetic disorders,” she shared. “They fascinated me, finding out exactly what was wrong, solving the mystery, and most importantly, they would give the child a treatment plan so that they could live a healthier and happier life.”
Zoë has been pursuing this ambition ever since, learning crucial lessons along the way. While she has been prioritizing academics, social life, and work, other bits of wisdom were learnt. “I can't do everything by myself, and I need to rely on others and, most importantly, God to get me through stressful times and in times when I felt like I couldn't. There were so many tasks that I couldn't complete on my own, and I feel like God has worked in my life and made things that felt impossible… possible.”
Alongside her academic commitments, Zoë emphasized the importance of community. “Some of my favorite parts of college have been being able to spend time with my friends.” Throughout her years at Andrews, she loved going off campus, having bonfires in the fall, and even taking summer classes with her friends; her favorite memories, however, were made studying abroad in Argentina. “It was something that I really enjoyed and is something that will stick with me even after I graduate.”
From studying abroad to her final year as a pre-med student, Zoë is ready to graduate and leave a few words of wisdom for the next generation (especially those in pre-med). “Study every day so that you don’t slip behind. But most importantly, make time to make memories with your friends, because college goes by really fast.”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.