January 29, 2025
25-10
Robbyn DeSpain
Jessica R. Pope, Communications Specialist
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø Alumna Taelynn Walton Preps for Medical School and Serving the Underserved
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Taelynn Alyssia Walton, a recent ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø alumna from Gwinnett County, Georgia, dreams of becoming a doctor and dedicating her life to helping others. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Minor in Chemistry, and a Minor in Sociology during ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø’s 238th Commencement in December and is currently studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). |
VALDOSTA — Taelynn Alyssia Walton, a recent ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø alumna from Gwinnett County, Georgia, dreams of becoming a doctor and dedicating her life to helping others.
“As an aspiring physician, I want to address healthcare disparities and ensure that underserved communities receive quality care,” she said. “At the moment, I am split between specializing in Emergency Medicine or Neonatology, areas where I feel that I could make the greatest impact.”
Walton earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Minor in Chemistry, and a Minor in Sociology during ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø’s 238th Commencement in December. She came to Blazer Nation after graduating from McClure Health Science High School in Duluth, Georgia, in 2021.
“I chose ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø due to its smaller class sizes, opportunities for undergraduate research, and the close proximity to other family,” she said. “The sense of community and support from both faculty and students also played a major role in my decision.”
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: What have you been up to since you graduated a little more than seven weeks ago?
WALTON: Since graduation, I have spent most of my time on a much-needed vacation, visiting five different countries. Regarding medical school, I am currently studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with the hope of applying this cycle. Now that my vacation is sadly over, most of my time will be split between studying and working.
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: What has been the best part about being a biology major at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø?
WALTON: The opportunity to engage in hands-on research and build close relationships with professors who are dedicated to helping students succeed.
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: Tell us about some of your favorite memories at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø:
WALTON: Some of my favorite memories include participating in research projects, collaborating with peers, presenting at conferences, and the sense of accomplishment after successfully managing challenging coursework alongside extracurricular activities. While studying for some of the hardest courses, I have met some of ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø’s brightest and developed friendships that will last a lifetime.
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: You worked three jobs while going to school full time. How do you achieve balance?
WALTON: During my first year at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, I came across an opening for the Financial Aid Work Study position on Handshake and worked there for almost three years. Going into college, I wanted a job that would be flexible with my schedule and support me academically.
Around the same time that I applied for the Work Study position, I also applied to work as a resident assistant for Housing and Residence Life. After observing and assisting my own resident assistant, as well as the rest of my residence hall staff, it became apparent to me that this opportunity allowed for networking, community building, leadership development, and so much more. One of my main goals in becoming a resident assistant was to give other residents the same housing experience I had during my first year. The one thing that I absolutely adored about this job is the connections that I fostered with and amongst my residents.
In December of 2023, I applied to work as an Emergency Room patient care technician at Colquitt Regional Medical Center. I initially started at CRMC that September as a medical shadow and was encouraged to apply as a tech. As a tech, my job responsibilities and tasks included front desk reception, straight-stick phlebotomy, 12-Lead EKG, inventory, vital monitoring, patient transport, and so on.
Working three jobs may seem like a lot, but I managed. I chose to work all three because it kept me occupied and better prepared me for the life of a medical student. I am a planner at heart, so I kept several different calendars to make sure that nothing was overlooked and everything was completed in a timely manner. Academics were always my primary focus, so I based all three of my work schedules around them.
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: Who has had the biggest impact on you at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø?
WALTON: Dr. Ellis S. Logan, assistant professor of sociology; Dr. Leslie Jones, associate professor of biology; and mentors from my research programs have had a significant impact on my academic and professional development, guiding me in both my studies and career path.
Dr. Logan’s enthusiasm to teach and receptiveness to research with a biology majo, was one of the primary reasons why I decided to add on a sociology minor and also why I am an advocate for interdisciplinary research. As my senior seminar professor, Dr. Jones helped me refine different skills needed for my professional career and was very encouraging upon hearing my next steps in life.
ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø: What do you want people, particularly those who are considering joining Blazer Nation family, to know about ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø?
WALTON: ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø offers a supportive environment where students can grow both academically and personally. The opportunities for undergraduate research, strong faculty relationships, and tight-knit community make it a great place to pursue your goals. Personally, I strongly encourage individuals to get involved and find a niche campus community that is filled with like-minded individuals.
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