This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UVA chapter.
Name: Alex McClanahan
Year: 3rd
Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA
Major: Biology
Ways you are involved around grounds:
Around grounds, I’m involved in the Sailing Club/Association. I’d probably be classified more as a social sailor over a competitive one, but I still find very few things in life as relaxing as spending a Saturday or Sunday out on the water. In addition to sailing, I’m also a proud brother of the social fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. Academically, for a little over a year now, I have been involved in my own research project at the hospital. My work specifically focuses on inducing changes in cancer cells, mostly melanomas, that will be viewed as “eat me signals” by the immune system.
What has been your most rewarding experience at UVA?
Definitely studying abroad. This past summer, I traveled to Costa Rica with 17 other UVA students to knock out the college’s language requirement. My mom’s family is pretty international so I was fortunate enough to do a lot a traveling growing up. It came as a complete surprise to me then that this trip had such a strong, lasting impact. UVA’s program in Costa Rica revolves around a four week long home stay with a Costa Rican family that speaks virtually no English. As a result, I was forced to leave my comfort zone on a daily basis. My Spanish abilities grew tremendously but equally as important, I formed deep relationships with my host family that I know will last my entire life. I cannot wait to visit them later down the road. If you have the opportunity to study abroad, I cannot recommend it enough.
Who are your role models?
As cliche as it sounds, my father is my true role model. I’ve never met someone so hardworking and compassionate towards others. Whether it was attending all my soccer games or keeping me company during the late nights I spent finishing a school project, he was always there for me growing up. What really impresses me, however, is how much he epitomizes the self made man. He came from practically nothing growing up in southwest Virginia. His childhood house, for example, didn’t even have a working toilet, but an outhouse! Through a strong work ethic, he managed to gain acceptance to the University of Richmond, graduating second in his class, and medical school afterwards. If I can live to be even half the man he is, I will consider my life a success.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully graduating medical school, but we’ll see. My MCAT is next month!
What advice would you give your 1st year self?
Get involved in everything you can. Seriously, your college years can easily be some of the best years of your life. College is all about discovering who you are and what you want to do in life. Say yes, be receptive, and watch where the adventure takes you.
What is your favorite type of jam?
Definitely strawberry.. haha just kidding. I’m assuming we’re talking about music. There are so many bands I like that it’d be difficult to list them all. Some of my favorites include Jack White, Van Morrison, Kanye, The Rolling Stones, The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons, Zac Brown Band, Macklemore, The Civil Wars, Electric Light Orchestra, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.