Graduating Senior Spotlight: Q&A with Megan Driscoll

What is your favorite college memory?

Having my younger sister come to the U! Being an out of state student, I always missed my family when at school. I was so excited when my sister, Brigid, told me she was coming to school here as well! She has been my biggest supporter and I always look forward to our study sessions together!

Did you participate in any student organizations, Learning Abroad programs, research or internship opportunities, or other related experiences? How have you learned from them?

I studied abroad in Toledo, Spain. It was such an amazing experience to be able to immerse myself in a language and spend time traveling across Spain! 

I am also a research assistant for Dr. Erica Timko Olson, studying the benefits of nature-based interventions in cancer survivors. I have learned so much about the world of research through this job and have had the opportunity to present my research, collaborate with other researchers, and attend a conference across the country!

What is your favorite class that you took in CLA? Is there a professor that you particularly enjoyed working with? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?

I loved the Spanish class about graphic novels in Spain taught by Ofelia Ferrán. Her classes were so engaging and the content was so interesting! It was so much fun and everyone in the class was always excited and ready to participate. 

How would you describe your time in your major?

Combining nursing and Spanish studies has allowed me to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and understand the healthcare disparities that the Spanish-speaking population faces. I have loved learning the language and studying literature and film that I would have otherwise never been exposed to!

If you could go back and give your first-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?

It's always worth an email! I have learned that it is always worth it to send an email and ask for something, whether it be class help, asking to get involved in research, or for a job offer. You'd be surprised how many people respond yes!

What is your favorite study spot on campus?

I have tried to study in most of the buildings on campus at least once! I love McNeal Hall on the St. Paul campus.