Name: Erin Kirkelie
Major: Biology
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Ridgefield, WA
Favorite book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
What are you passionate about?
I am incredibly passionate about helping others learn. I always have been, but only realized this recently. There’s an amazing gratification that comes from knowing that you’ve helped someone learn, and I can only hope that my passion shows. I’m also very passionate about art, the ocean, and nautical things. Most of my art tends to be focused around that subject.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list seems to get longer every day. I’ve been trying to focus on only adding realistic tasks, but it contains a large variety. For example: I want to try chocolate covered bacon, touch a humpback whale, visit Goa (the place where my maternal family comes from), and live on a houseboat. Some are obviously easier to accomplish than others.
Why did you choose to be a bio major?
I chose my major because I fell in love with biology in high school. During my freshman year of high school, I had videos of DNA transcription and translation on my iPod, and would watch them on my way to school. I’m fascinated by the complexity of life, and the intricacies of form and function. I also really wasn’t interested in any other subjects I had taken in high school, except psychology. I liked biology more, but wanted to add a little bit of psychology flair, so I’m also pursuing a neuroscience minor.
What do you do as a bio workshop leader?
My job as a biology workshop leader is really to learn with my peers. It sounds kind of odd, but the whole goal of workshops is for students to teach each other. I just started leading workshops this year, but it’s been an amazing opportunity. I try to show students in a Fundamentals of Biology class how I best learned the concepts when I was in their shoes. It’s all about making connections, and helping people learn in ways that relate to them.
What is your favorite part of being Kenna Hall’s FFA?
I love being Kenna Hall’s Faith and Formation Ambassador for a lot of different reasons. I have a really unique opportunity to work with amazing individuals from other dorms, and gain new perspectives. That being said, without a doubt, my favorite part of being an FFA is the unique position it puts me in to connect with my fellow residents. I love interacting with my neighbors, and being part of the Kenna community that is known for being inclusive and welcoming. Getting to know the women of Kenna has been a highlight of my college experience. It also makes it more fun to walk around campus and be able to say hello to more people as I go.
What are your plans for after college?
After I’m done with all of my schooling, I plan on becoming a biology teacher. As of right now, I’m drawn to secondary education, and having the ability to go in depth into the subject I love so much. I also remember how important the passion of my high school teachers was to me. I would love to be able to light that spark in others, or at least give them a new perspective to view the world in which we live.
What is your favorite thing about UP?
As prospective freshman take tours around campus, I’ve found myself asking myself this question a lot, just in case one of them asks. I think I’ve come to a conclusion. I fell in love with the University of Portland for its campus. I remember my first visit to campus when I was in middle school. I was amazed at the beauty, and that’s probably why I thought to look into it my junior year of high school. I visited again after I was accepted, and immediately my love with the campus was rekindled.
That being said, I still haven’t answered your question. I fell in love with UP for the campus, but that love grew to be so much deeper, and to include pride and loyalty, because of the community. My favorite part about UP is that I know a huge number or people on campus by name. My professors know me well, and take the time to get to know me as a person as well as a student. Everyone from cooks, to housekeepers, to hall directors and other students provide a support system. The people are why I stayed in love, and continue to fall deeper in love. The people: that’s my favorite part about UP.
What advice would you give to a freshman?
I have a lot of advice I could give freshmen, but I’ll touch on the big stuff. Firstly, I’d tell them that college isn’t just like high school only harder. It’s a whole different environment with a much higher level of autonomy and responsibility. It’s up to you to study, and that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. Along with that, I’d tell them that there’s a learning curve. Everyone starts from the beginning; it’s ok to not get it at first. Making mistakes isn’t bad, that’s how you learn. Just make sure that you do learn from them. This is going to build on itself, but, in line with making mistakes, I’d say don’t focus on being who you think people want you to be. First, figure out who you are, and learn to love that person. Then, let yourself grow into the person that you want to be, and keep in mind that mistakes are okay.
Know that you’re going to learn a lot about how to interact with people in constructive ways. Know that open and respectful communication is key, especially with roommates. Know that people respect honesty and hard work. And finally, and this is the really big one, know that it’s okay to have no idea what you’re doing. I know there’s a lot of pressure to pick a major, and there may be others who seem completely sure of what they want to do with their lives. I’ve been completely sure on a lot of plans, and those have almost all completely changed. You’re coming to college to learn, both academically, and about yourself. It’ll be okay. You’ll get there. Enjoy the ride, and do your best. Follow your passions! Push yourself! And breathe!