I'm Anika Jackson and this is my first year in the biomedical scholars program. I am currently majoring in biotechnology, which I love and can not wait to pursue further. Being in this program has given me motivation and taught me about the sacrifices that have to be made to have a career in the sciences. Without this program I would probably be running around in circles trying to figure out where to start my college education. I am very anxious to experience my summer internship. I had an internship at NIH during my senior year of high school, which was an incredible learning experience, and I looked forward to each and everyday. I am interested in many other things besides the sciences. I love music and I play a few instruments. I also love religious studies, which I am thinking about having a minor in. Through my high school years, and even now, people continually tell me that I have a great talent in writing. I have many times tried to be persuaded to pursue more of an English career than a science one. But I have followed my passion for biotechnology for the simple fact that it's always evolving; nothing is cut and dry or written in stone. I am very grateful for this program that is helping me pursue one of my passions. I would encourage anyone to apply to the scholars program. You will meet wonderful, passionate students that will become your friends, and genuine professors that will be there for you every step of the way.