Student Support Systems at CMU
by Molly N.
“You’re on your own, kid, you always have been” is a line in one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs. It’s also what my parents told me as they dropped me off at Welch House, my first year residence hall, days before my first semester at Carnegie Mellon. When I was in high school, I believed this notion and was even proud of it - why wouldn’t you want to be independent and self-reliant?
Upon graduating high school and moving out of state, I felt like an independent young adult who didn’t need to rely on anything—and was ready to conquer the next four years at Carnegie Mellon. Now, in my penultimate semester at CMU, I cannot disagree with my past self more. First of all, I don’t want to be on my own - rejecting support is a terribly hard way to go through college or any part of your life. Secondly, I am not on my own. Over the past four years I have unknowingly and unintentionally knit together a bulletproof support network that will last for decades to come - all within the 100 acres (give or take) of Carnegie Mellon’s campus.
The first members of my support network were, of course, my friends. We met while taking 09107, Honors Modern Chemistry, in the fall of our first year, and instantly bonded through the class. My friends support me by pushing me to be my best academic self, working on collaborative assignments together, or offering me a safe place to relax and do something fun (often trying a new restaurant) in Pittsburgh. My friends have also connected me with amazing people and opportunities in their respective fields of study, which has allowed me to work on amazing interdisciplinary projects.
The second members of my support network were CMU faculty and staff, namely Dr. Amanda Willard (my primary advisor - Director of Undergraduate Biological Sciences), Krystalyn Kovacs (Senior Academic Coordinator of Biological Sciences/Health Professions Program), Hope Kiesling (Dept. of Chemistry, Instrumentation Specialist), Dr. Carrie Doonan (Director of Undergraduate Biology Labs), and Dr. Gizelle Sherwood (Director of Chemistry Undergraduate Studies and Labs).
These women, some of whom have been my instructors, have offered me incredible help through teaching me important chemical/biological mechanisms, providing academic and career advice, and even writing letters of recommendation on my behalf. However, the most important and impactful help they have given me is their encouragement and belief in me. Their words of support and belief in my ability to achieve my goals have been my lifeline throughout my undergraduate experience. Whether it be through a hug, a laugh, insightful thoughts on my struggles, or a Starbucks gift card (thanks, Hope and Krystalyn), their support has instilled a sense of self-belief that propels me to achieve my goals everyday. I am forever lucky to have met them through my classes here.
The final members of my support network would be upperclassmen and alumni. I have been connected with so many of these role models, whether they were my teaching assistants or sat on a career panel in Biology Second-Year Colloquium. Those who have gone before you, particularly in your department, have endless advice to give you. I’ve been given guidance on how to tackle tough problem sets, perform well in interviews, find a professor to mentor you, and network in the field of biology, all by upperclassmen and alumni. Across all departments, Carnegie Mellon has incredible support networks, made up of people who are more than happy to share their wisdom with you. They have been incredibly important members of my team, and now, as a senior, I get to give back by passing down the same advice they gave me.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list of my support network, and it may look completely different than the one you will create during your time at Carnegie Mellon. The most important takeaway is that at Carnegie Mellon, support is all around you. From the moment you step foot on campus, everyone is rooting for you. Even if you worry you may be alone or not have support, your network has a surprising way of sneaking up on you and moving you forward through your college experience and your career. Then, one day, you might take a look around and realize that you are not on your own, kid - you never have been.