Student Spotlight: Farhat Soluade

This semester, the College of Science recruited twelve student ambassadors who are excelling in their scientific and mathematic studies to represent our college campus-wide and help engage the student community in academic and extracurricular activities around UNT. Farhat Soluade is one of these outstanding students who rose to the occassion to become an ambassador. Among her many other roles on campus, she's currently working hard on a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, and set to graduate in May of 2020. Her schedule may be busy, but she still found some time to answer a few questions, sharing her background and advice for new UNT students, her fellow classmates, and professors. Thank you, Farhat!

Q: What classes are you taking this semester?

A: Personal Development, Biodiversity and Conservation of Animals, Genetics w/ Lab, Statistics and Government. I really like the personal development class because it forced me start up a LinkedIn. I already had a MedStar account, which is essentially LinkedIn for pre-med students. They have webinars and a lot information on there for free! They also have an app and you set up a profile premedstar.com. Building your profile is important because there are doctors and medical students on there that you can connect with. They also offer online tours of medical schools. Other students from UNT are on there as well!

Q: What has been your favorite class that you've taken at UNT and why?

A: Organic Chemistry - it was so hard, but it made me realize my potential and that I can work hard for something. All I had to do was put in the effort and I got a B, even though I really thought I was going to fail the class. Organic Chemistry I, I'll never forget it.

Q: What activities are you involved in outside of class?

A: I'm a College of Science Ambassador, a Research Assistant for SAV-RN Sleep Research Study conducted through the Psychology Department, and I work in Registrar's Office. I'm also a member of the Professional Women's Council, am in the processing of becoming a member of SHAC, and just started shadowing the dentist that works in the office on campus!

Q: What is your role in your Research Assistantship?

A: I assist Dr. Kelly and Brett. They are doing study on nurses' sleeping patterns. It's really cool because I have been able to apply things I've learned in the Microbiology Lab to real life because I get to use the centrifuge machine!

Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?

A: I'm looking forward to beginning to apply to dental schools. I'm currently starting to study for the DAT exam. I'm also excited to travel to Nigeria with a friend this December!

Q: What are your goals or aspirations for after graduation?

A: Get accepted into dental school, become a dentist, and then open my own practice. I would also like to go to Nigeria to practice in the community where I am from in order to help my community with their teeth and teach the dentists what I've learned here to help them improve their practices.

Q: What has been the most helpful resource you've used while at UNT?

A: The Math Lab helped so much while I was in Calculus. I would go there and stay there for hours because I felt math was a weaker area for me. Going there even if you don't understand just one problem can help so much because the tutors will sit down with you and help you figure it out before an exam. Health Professions Advisors have also really helped me stay on track for my future plans. It's important to build relationships with the Health Professions Advisors in addition to you major advisors. Their email list is how I found out about the Research Assistantship opportunity. They make sure you're on track for your bigger picture plan and provide you with information that can open doors.

Q: What advice do you have for your fellow students?

A:

1. Get out of your comfort zone! I'm not the same person I was before coming to UNT. I forced myself to interact with people and I've gained relationships and grown from that.
2. If you have questions, ask! There can't be a negative impact from asking questions.
3. Challenge yourself - if it makes you uncomfortable, you should do it! Something like public speaking is a skill that you gain and grow in, even if you start out being really nervous.
4. Write everything down and be really organized! Use a planner, phone app, or dry erase board, whatever you need to stay organized.
5. Take advantage of campus resources. A lot of students have trouble with classes but don't go to office hours, tutoring, or SI sessions, and still don't understand the material. Using those resources can take you from a B to an A.

As a College of Science Student Ambassador, Farhat is here to help her fellow UNT students navigate their college experience. If you would like to connect with her or any of our ambassadors, please email COSAmbassadors@unt.edu with questions or comments!