Spotlight – Thomas Wilkins
Although the majority of my classmates in my German courses were pursuing degrees in languages, the arts, or education, I was a minority earning a minor in German while working toward a degree in biology and a career in medicine. While many choose to take German because it aligns with their studies or career path, I sought to obtain a minor in German studies because of my fascination in learning different cultures. After visiting 11 countries (and with plans to explore 3 more in the coming months), I consider traveling to be one of my most important hobbies. My first major international trip, which started my passion for international travel, was to Germany. Just after completing my first year of studying German in high school, I spent several weeks in Germany and was fascinated by the history and culture. I loved exploring the similarities and contrasts present in Germany compared to what I had grown up experiencing in the U.S. Since then, I have traveled to much of Europe, parts of South America, as well as to Southeast Asia, and continue to have a deep passion for exploring different countries and cultures.
Though I have had a growing interest in traveling and learning about different languages and cultures, my main area of study was in the sciences. I have had a strong desire to become a physician since my early years in middle school, and after being accepted into the Osteopathic Medical Scholars program and to the Lyman Briggs Residential College, I chose to complete my premedical curriculum at Michigan State University. After four years at MSU obtaining my degree in Biology and earning my minor in German Language, the blood flowing through my veins was too green to consider going anywhere else and I continued my medical education at Michigan State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed my first two years of preclinical studies at the campus in East Lansing and moved to Traverse City to complete my final two years of clinical rotations at Munson Medical Center (while proceeding to hike, kayak, and snowshoe all of my free time through Northern Michigan). Having recently graduated from medical school, I have now accepted a residency position in Chicago to spend the next 3 years completing my training to enter a career in Family Medicine.
Although it has been several years since my time in East Lansing, German language and culture as well as my studies at MSU continue to play a large role in my life. I have maintained many friendships and connections from my time in the German Program, and consider one of my German professors to now be one of my closest friends. In Chicago, I frequently encounter people from a multitude of diverse international backgrounds and believe my studies in German language and in different cultures have allowed me to better connect with the many people I meet on a daily basis. I also continue to seek new opportunities abroad and believe I will always have an insatiable interest in exploring different countries and learning more about their traditions and history. And while I did not grow up in East Lansing and am currently living afar, I will always consider MSU to be a familiar home. Go Green and Go White!
