Students: People

Kina Le
Biological Sciences Major

Kina Le's pursuit of a medical degree brought her to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. That decision opened her up to the world. Le spent the summer in China studying invasive species through a National Science Foundation funded project. While in China, she served as the Chinese correspondent for MypreventativeHealth.com and her travels were featured on Atlanta TV.

"In five years I'll probably be completing my residency," she said. "And I want to serve in the Peace Corps or Doctors without Borders."

 

Q&A with Kina

What made you choose to attend UGA?

I felt the school was more student-oriented than the other schools in Georgia.

How many times have you changed your major? What made you settle on your current major?

I changed my major three times within the first semester of college. I settled on biological sciences because it allowed me to sample from all the sciences rather than focusing on just one subject such as physics or chemistry.

What exposure did you have to agriculture before coming to CAES?

Well, I lived on a farm when I was really young, but that's about it.

What's your favorite class and why?

My favorite class of all time is Dr. (Charles) Mim's mycology class. He is an astounding teacher that can make anything, even plasmodial slime, sound fascinating!

What's one thing you're always sure to take to class?

An open mind.

Which instructor at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has been the most influential?

Dr. (Ron) Walcott from plant pathology has helped guide me through much of college. He even provided me with research opportunities.

What's the most important thing you've learned this year?

Pessimistic, rich and influential people equate to poor, dead people. Basically, if you have a voice, you should use it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The moment I get out of optometry school I'm putting on a backpack, signing up for the Peace Corps, hopping on a plane and going to some random place in the world.

What's the strangest or coolest thing that's happened to you at UGA?

I randomly chose to take a two-hour credit class a few minutes before drop/add ended, not even knowing or caring what the class was. I ended up loving it and am still doing research on that subject.

Best advice for incoming freshmen:

Don't go to college with one set plan for your life, because life happens. Be open to new experiences.

More about Kina

Favorite thing to do outside class: I love being outdoors, but I also really love playing Halo (a science fiction video game).

One thing about yourself that sets you apart: I am extremely proactive. I don't wait for doors to open for me. I sort of wedge my foot through the door and eventually, it opens!

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