"My stethoscope," said Nick Schemmel, a KU junior double majoring in biology and Spanish. “It’s good to future-orient yourself toward your goal and to wake up and see that I’m working to help people live longer, healthier lives.”

Schemmel is a one-man balancing act, with leadership positions in multiple clubs, performing nematode research in a lab, studying for the MCAT and volunteering as an EMT, while also being a full-time student and a double major. While he admits it can be a lot to balance at times, Schemmel views this as preparation for the leadership roles in medicine he aspires to take on in the future.

Not only does Schemmel take research and opportunities seriously, but he elected to learn Spanish for the sake of better communicating at his current volunteer position and for his future patients. “I think it’s important to be able to talk to more patients, especially within underserved communities,” he said. “Speaking Spanish helps patients identify with you and trust you more.”

Even though he is an undergraduate, Schemmel keeps his eyes set on the future and tries to set himself up to be equipped to help others the best he can. “I want to make it to medical school, and KU’s a top option to be at one of the best and brightest places in the country,” he said.

Schemmel spoke passionately about how scholarships have propelled him in his studies. “Any financial burdens that can be lifted from college students is a very helpful thing academically, and I don’t think it’s said enough,” he said. “Students are very appreciative of scholarships because they allow students to make the most of their college experience.”

Despite all the schoolwork and the involvement in student organizations, Schemmel finds ways to enjoy his college experience with different hobbies. He loves playing any sport with friends or family and developing his guitar skills. However, he often finds himself at the campus tennis courts playing with fellow Tennis Club members.

Schemmel knows he would not be able to pursue all of his passions without the scholarships he has received and looks to eventually return the favor to other students. “Once I graduate here and get out of school, I’ll focus on giving back,” he said.