Hobbies and interests
Biking And Cycling
Gaming
Community Service And Volunteering
Music
Cooking
Reading
Academic
Cookbooks
Environment
Drama
Folk Tales
Folklore
Fantasy
Literature
I read books daily
LOW INCOME STUDENT
No
Caleb Keener
495
Bold Points1x
FinalistCaleb Keener
495
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hi! I'm Caleb, and my ultimate goal in education is to become a doctor and work to help those in need. I'm from New Mexico, and I hope to make a positive impact on my community!
Education
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Medical Practice
Dream career goals:
Lab Technician
University of New Mexico - Martinson Lab2021 – Present3 yearsFront Team Member
Chik-fil-A2018 – 20191 year
Sports
Swimming
Varsity2020 – 20211 year
Awards
- Varsity Metal
Research
Biology, General
University of New Mexico — Lead Researcher2022 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Envrionmental Awareness Club — President2019 – 2021Advocacy
University of New Mexico — ASUNM Director of Environmental Affairs2023 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Greg London Memorial Scholarship
OCD has been something that I’ve struggled with since 4th grade. I remember walking home from the bus stop one day and having this intense urge to step on every crack in the sidewalk. Every step had to be perfect, and not one crack could be missed, or it felt like I would lose everything. My usual walk of about 5 minutes took me more than 20. That’s when my family, as well as myself, realized that I needed help.
Since this moment, OCD has been a struggle ever present in my life. These irrational thoughts that bend me to do absurd actions have been a hindrance in my life, and yet have granted me the experience and sight of understanding mental illness. In many ways, I consider myself fortunate that I have an illness that can be mitigated with medication for some, and combated with therapy for others. I find myself feeling empathy towards individuals who I know are at their weakest point, struggling with their mental health like I did that day in 4th grade. And from this empathy and realization, I’ve found strong bonds with individuals who’ve struggled or are struggling with mental health. There’s a special comradery between two individuals who have been fighting a common enemy for most of their lives, and I cherish this connection with many of my friends who have the same struggles I do.
As I was finishing high school, I was certain that I wanted to go into science. I love the curiosity behind every field and the constant journey of exploration that science so graciously provides. However, my most important goal was to make a meaningful impact in the world and to have the opportunity and fortune to help those less fortunate than I am. I looked back into my life to see who helped me when I was at my worst, and I remembered the doctors who gave me therapy, and after that failed, didn’t give up on me and continued to find a medication that could work. Eventually, these incredible individuals found a medication that has improved my life dramatically, and I couldn’t imagine where I would be without this help. That’s when I decided I wanted to go into medicine.
As I look to my future, I can only hope to be as helpful to others as my doctors were with me. I know that I have the ambition and drive to get through med school and to earn the privilege of caring for individuals who desperately need help. As I move through my biology major, I’m constantly learning how our bodies work, and am beginning to understand how mental health issues can be observed, and relieved with proper techniques. I’m thrilled at the prospect of actually applying this information, and I can’t wait to continue my journey into med school so that I too can become a significant benefit to someone’s life.