Senior Spotlight: November 2011
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Nicole Croom In Spring 2011, Physiological Science major Nicole Croom from Stockton, California was initiated into Mortar Board for her superior scholastic ability, outstanding and continual leadership, and dedicated service to the community. Nicole was elected by her peers to serve as Vice President of Mortar Board. Outside of Mortar Board, Nicole is involved in a Forensic Pathology Internship, Phi Delta Epsilon, Bua Muay Thai, and Global Siblings at UCLA. She considers her finest accomplishment to be getting elected President of Phi Delta Epsilon. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, journaling, and surfing random wikipedia articles. Please continue reading as we turn the spotlight on Nicole! |
Describe your personality in three words:
Quirky, fun-loving, introverted
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I am not competitive towards others when it comes to academics. I always try to do my personal best, but I am always willing to help a peer in need when I can. I feel like I put this quality to good use every quarter at least once, especially within my fraternity.
What are your interests?
Forensic science, psychology, anatomy, zombies, differences in traditions and cultural beliefs, dystopian societies, and fairy/folk tales
What do you like about UCLA?
I like the fact that if you want to study it or participate in it, whatever “it” is, you are almost guaranteed to find it at UCLA. And even if you can’t, you can always create your own educational program or organization to make “it” happen.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Because it’s so big, it’s very impersonal. I wish there were enough counselors for everyone to get a more tailored education. I also wish the benefits for honors students and the Covel Commons tutoring program hadn’t been taken away while the athletes still keep all their tutors and early enrollment times.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
Studying abroad. Going to college is definitely a test of your independence, but for me at least my family was still in the same country so if there was ever a huge problem contacting them was still easy. But being overseas is a whole different ball game, especially when you are with a group of kids from all over the US who you have never met before.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “The Hangover.” They both blend a lot of elements together so that they are never boring and you always notice something new when you watch them and for some reason the jokes just never seem to get old.
What is your favorite book and why?
Now this is a toughy! Choose one book?! I am going to say American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I love it for the same reasons as my movie choices. No matter how many times I read or listen to it (yes, it is on my ipod as a full cast audiobook production) I always get absorbed into the story and despite the fact that it’s fiction, it has the element of reality to it that makes you say, “Hey, it could be.”
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
One of my ancestors. I’m not sure who but I would want to talk to someone I have a personal connection with. I wouldn’t really have anything to ask a famous person so I would just want to learn about daily life as an average person from someone who is mine in some way.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
Given the time constriction I will go with Machu Picchu. I did a report on it in high school and I’ve wanted to hike there since. If the day starts early enough I believe I can hike up there and explore the city in enough time to get the full experience out of my one day.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I recently got into medical school and unless I find another specialty while there that catches my interest I want to become a forensic pathologist and work as a medical examiner. I have been interested in forensic science and the inner workings of the human body since middle school and forensic pathology is the perfect blend of both. It’s also an opportunity to give an end to people’s stories and bring closure to friends and family. Not many have the stomach for that sort of work but after interning at a county morgue for four years I can say that I do and that each body that comes in has a unique story to tell and I want to help them tell it.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
You have to have confidence and common sense, but you also need to be open to suggestions and remain calm when things go awry. Being able to think on your feet and improvise if things don’t go as planned is important. And you definitely want to have a good relationship with your followers. Don’t hide things from them and tell them what is going on so that they know why your group does the things it does.
Name one person you admire? Why?
Dr. Bennet Omalu. He has been my mentor at the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office for the past four years and despite his brilliance he is very down to earth. He pushes me to learn things for myself, offering just enough guidance to give me direction but not babying me. He also doesn’t just mentor me on academics but gives me very good advice for navigating life as a whole. My experiences with him have been very well-rounded and his own life story is so inspirational that it pushes me to never quit.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Professor Susan Lewak. She was my English honors professor Winter of 1st year. She really pushed me to earn my grade and gave each of us a lot of personal guidance. She pinpointed all of our strengths and weakness and helped us to improve without overloading us. She was very understanding and has encouraged us all to keep in touch with her.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Adore? I thought Zach from “Bones” was adorable and Sweets is pretty adorable now that Zach isn’t around.
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
“Sticks and Stones” by Jonsi; “Animal” by Neon Trees; and “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?
Definitely something that flies. I’m going to say a bird of prey like a falcon or hawk. Then I’d have the freedom of the skies and wouldn’t have to worry much about predators.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Yes. In high school I was a People to People Student Ambassador. We traveled to England and France. Winter Break of Sophomore year I went to Vancouver to visit one of my pledgesisters. And this past summer, I studied abroad in Barcelona and traveled to Valencia, Sevilla, and Marrakesh, Morocco while I was away.
What is the funniest prank played by you or on you?
My best friend organized my other friends and they teepee’d and chalked my house. We got her back by getting underclothes and forks and forking her lawn and hanging the unmentionables on her fence and in her trees and bushes and on her front door knob. Good times.
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It was such an honor to be picked out of the hundreds of candidates that to me being a member of Mortar Board means always exhibiting the characteristics that got me in in the first place and making sure that I do my best in my position to promote leadership, scholarship, and service.
Quirky, fun-loving, introverted
What is your best quality? Give an experience when you have put this quality to use.
I am not competitive towards others when it comes to academics. I always try to do my personal best, but I am always willing to help a peer in need when I can. I feel like I put this quality to good use every quarter at least once, especially within my fraternity.
What are your interests?
Forensic science, psychology, anatomy, zombies, differences in traditions and cultural beliefs, dystopian societies, and fairy/folk tales
What do you like about UCLA?
I like the fact that if you want to study it or participate in it, whatever “it” is, you are almost guaranteed to find it at UCLA. And even if you can’t, you can always create your own educational program or organization to make “it” happen.
What is one thing you would like to change at UCLA?
Because it’s so big, it’s very impersonal. I wish there were enough counselors for everyone to get a more tailored education. I also wish the benefits for honors students and the Covel Commons tutoring program hadn’t been taken away while the athletes still keep all their tutors and early enrollment times.
What has been your biggest learning experience?
Studying abroad. Going to college is definitely a test of your independence, but for me at least my family was still in the same country so if there was ever a huge problem contacting them was still easy. But being overseas is a whole different ball game, especially when you are with a group of kids from all over the US who you have never met before.
Name two movies you could watch over and over again? Why?
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “The Hangover.” They both blend a lot of elements together so that they are never boring and you always notice something new when you watch them and for some reason the jokes just never seem to get old.
What is your favorite book and why?
Now this is a toughy! Choose one book?! I am going to say American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I love it for the same reasons as my movie choices. No matter how many times I read or listen to it (yes, it is on my ipod as a full cast audiobook production) I always get absorbed into the story and despite the fact that it’s fiction, it has the element of reality to it that makes you say, “Hey, it could be.”
If you could meet anyone in history who would it be and why?
One of my ancestors. I’m not sure who but I would want to talk to someone I have a personal connection with. I wouldn’t really have anything to ask a famous person so I would just want to learn about daily life as an average person from someone who is mine in some way.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
Given the time constriction I will go with Machu Picchu. I did a report on it in high school and I’ve wanted to hike there since. If the day starts early enough I believe I can hike up there and explore the city in enough time to get the full experience out of my one day.
What career would you like to pursue after graduation? Why?
I recently got into medical school and unless I find another specialty while there that catches my interest I want to become a forensic pathologist and work as a medical examiner. I have been interested in forensic science and the inner workings of the human body since middle school and forensic pathology is the perfect blend of both. It’s also an opportunity to give an end to people’s stories and bring closure to friends and family. Not many have the stomach for that sort of work but after interning at a county morgue for four years I can say that I do and that each body that comes in has a unique story to tell and I want to help them tell it.
What characteristics does it take to become a great leader?
You have to have confidence and common sense, but you also need to be open to suggestions and remain calm when things go awry. Being able to think on your feet and improvise if things don’t go as planned is important. And you definitely want to have a good relationship with your followers. Don’t hide things from them and tell them what is going on so that they know why your group does the things it does.
Name one person you admire? Why?
Dr. Bennet Omalu. He has been my mentor at the San Joaquin County Coroner’s Office for the past four years and despite his brilliance he is very down to earth. He pushes me to learn things for myself, offering just enough guidance to give me direction but not babying me. He also doesn’t just mentor me on academics but gives me very good advice for navigating life as a whole. My experiences with him have been very well-rounded and his own life story is so inspirational that it pushes me to never quit.
Who has been your most influential professor and why?
Professor Susan Lewak. She was my English honors professor Winter of 1st year. She really pushed me to earn my grade and gave each of us a lot of personal guidance. She pinpointed all of our strengths and weakness and helped us to improve without overloading us. She was very understanding and has encouraged us all to keep in touch with her.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Adore? I thought Zach from “Bones” was adorable and Sweets is pretty adorable now that Zach isn’t around.
What are the three most played songs on your iPod?
“Sticks and Stones” by Jonsi; “Animal” by Neon Trees; and “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be and why?
Definitely something that flies. I’m going to say a bird of prey like a falcon or hawk. Then I’d have the freedom of the skies and wouldn’t have to worry much about predators.
Have you traveled outside of the United States? If so, where?
Yes. In high school I was a People to People Student Ambassador. We traveled to England and France. Winter Break of Sophomore year I went to Vancouver to visit one of my pledgesisters. And this past summer, I studied abroad in Barcelona and traveled to Valencia, Sevilla, and Marrakesh, Morocco while I was away.
What is the funniest prank played by you or on you?
My best friend organized my other friends and they teepee’d and chalked my house. We got her back by getting underclothes and forks and forking her lawn and hanging the unmentionables on her fence and in her trees and bushes and on her front door knob. Good times.
What does being a member of Mortar Board mean to you?
It was such an honor to be picked out of the hundreds of candidates that to me being a member of Mortar Board means always exhibiting the characteristics that got me in in the first place and making sure that I do my best in my position to promote leadership, scholarship, and service.
