Name: Natalie Barstys
Major: Human Biology
Minors: Pharmacology and Toxicology; Spanish
Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan
So, Natalie, you are a sophomore here at MSU. Why did you choose to attend MSU?
For me, it came down to MSU and University of Michigan, and I thought that Lyman Briggs was a better fit for me because of the community environment. I actually got a thank you postcard in the mail for touring Lyman Briggs, and that’s how I knew it was the right place for me.
What’s your major, and why did you choose it?
I am a human biology major. I came into college wanting to be a biochemistry major, but then I looked at the human bio courses and was really interested in the classes it had to offer. Human biology also fits really well with the pre-pharmacy prerequisites.
Do you have any minors? How did you choose those?
I have a minor in pharmacology and toxicology. I picked that one originally just to explore the world of pharmacy and pharmacology. Now that I’m pre-pharmacy, it makes sense. I also have a minor in Spanish. I had a very influential Spanish teacher in middle school who passed away during a routine surgery, and it’s been a goal of mine to learn how to speak Spanish so I can use it to help people and make the world a better place like he did.
How did you decide you wanted to be a pharmacist?
I was really interested in medicine for a long time, and then my freshman year I knew I wanted to be involved in some aspect of medicine that wasn’t necessarily being a physician. I still want to help patients but not deal with the blood and guts. I’ve also shadowed some pharmacists and really like what they do.
What are some of the things you are involved in here at MSU?
I’m involved in Briggs Ambassadors; I volunteer with the CLS Spanish for Preschoolers program; I’m on the MSU Club Figure Skating team; I’m involved in undergraduate research; I’m in the pre-pharmacy club; and I help recruit honors college students through HSTAR.
Do you have any advice for students interested in attending MSU?
Put yourself out there. Go outside of your comfort zone and force yourself to join the clubs that you’re interested in and not necessarily the ones your friends are doing.