Stephanie Chmiel
“I would tell prospective students that the WVU School of Medicine is somewhere you can truly call home. I am thankful that I decided to join the BLD program, as the faculty and staff are so welcoming and want to ensure success for every student.”
(Photo courtesy of WVU Athletics)
What do you currently intend to pursue as a future career? Is there an experience you’ve had that made you realize why you chose this profession or specialization?
I intend to pursue a future career in optometry. I hope to specialize in pediatric optometry. I have been going to the eye doctor since the age of 6 and had a great experience as a young child at the eye doctor. I chose this profession to be able to make a difference in a child’s life, like my pediatric optometrist did in my life. I learned I had to wear glasses at the age of 6 while playing sports, which made me feel out of place among my teammates and made playing sports in general more difficult. My optometrist helped ease my concerns and helped find the best fit for me as I continued to develop through my childhood.
Why did you choose your major program?
I chose my major program because my older sister was originally going into this program before she switched to nursing. I thought Biomedical Laboratory Science sounded like an interesting major that would allow me to fulfill the academic requirements needed for optometry school. I also thought the small class sizes in this major program would be beneficial for me as a student. The job placement and security following graduation was an important factor for me when making my decision to join this major program.
Why did you choose to attend WVU?
I chose to attend WVU because of the women's soccer team. I thought WVU would be a good fit for me academically and athletically. I grew up in Morgantown so already knowing the campus prior to freshman year helped influence my decision.
What would you tell prospective students about your experience at WVU, and particularly the School of Medicine?
I would tell prospective students that the WVU School of Medicine is somewhere you can truly call home. I am thankful that I decided to join the BLD program, as the faculty and staff are so welcoming and want to ensure success for every student. I am glad all of my classes are within the School of Medicine for the rest of my undergraduate degree, as I prefer the Health Sciences Campus to any other campus at WVU.
Have you worked with any faculty or staff members who have made an impact on you while at WVU? If so, how?
I have only worked with Dr. Butina and the other faculty within the BLD program briefly prior to this year but they have made a major impact on me while at WVU. I struggled to find a major in the medical field that would allow me to remain as a student athlete here at WVU. Dr. Butina and the other BLD professors have gone out of their way to accommodate my schedule and help me remain in the program. I am so thankful for all their help and guidance as a student athlete.
Have you participated in any clubs, student organizations or other groups in the School of Medicine? If so, do you have any special experiences to share? How have these involvements influenced your experience in the School of Medicine?
I have not participated in any clubs or organizations associated with the School of Medicine so far. I am a member of Alpha Mu Tau in the School of Medicine, so I hope to meet more people that are a part of my major program through that organization.
Have you received any honors or awards during your time in the School of Medicine?
I have been on the Dean’s List in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. I have been on the President’s List in Spring 2020.
Will you share something unique or interesting about you that others may not know?
I am a member of the WVU women's soccer team here at WVU.