Liza Gladstone Hendricks
Graduation Year: 2010
Major: Biology with a concentration in
Pre-Veterinary Science and a minor in Chemistry
Hometown: Milford, NY
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS:
A Dean’s List student, Liza was named one of SUNY Oneonta’s Best and Brightest. She was recently selected to receive the Biological Field Station Summer Internship, through which she will conduct an independent study entitled “Survey of Fish Parasites of Otsego Lake and Surrounding Water-Bodies” and continue the research she started in another independent study this spring. Liza has also worked as a counselor at the College’s Summer Science Camp. The recipient of multiple scholarships, she was inducted into the Beta Beta Beta Biology honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, and National Residence Hall Honorary.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Liza served as President of the College’s Concert Band and was recently elected President of Omicron Delta Kappa. She has been highly involved in campus life through roles with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee, Enrollment Management Committee, and residence life. Musically, she has performed with SUNY Oneonta Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Pit Band, Commencement Band, and Concert Band as well as the Cooperstown Community Band, Oneonta City Community Band, and Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble. She has volunteered with local organizations ranging from Trout Unlimited to the Saturday’s Bread soup kitchen.
MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE:
Liza cites her work as a Resident Advisor in one of College’s First Year Experience Buildings as particularly memorable. “I was afforded the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assist in the development and transition of high school seniors to college freshmen. I was able to see changes occur from the first day the students moved in and had not one clue what was going on, to the day when they all moved out as experienced college students, ready to take on the world.”
Why Oneonta?
As a local resident, I have always known that a great opportunity such as SUNY Oneonta was just down the road. At Oneonta, I was able to study effectively and learn within my major, preparing me to continue my education on the graduate level. Oneonta’s Biology Department was very helpful to my decision-making process when I was in high school, so it made complete sense to me that the SUNY Oneonta Biology Department was the only place for me. The faculty have not only expanded my mind with the diverse topics and courses within biology itself, but also effectively prepared me, through courses and activities, for admission to veterinary school.
What is the most influential class you have taken at Oneonta?
If I had to pick only one class, it would be Animal Behavior. I’m very interested in veterinary medicine, as well as animal behavior, animal husbandry, and proper treatment of animals. The course, which was taught by Dr. Nigel Mann, has confirmed that the field in which I have chosen to work is the perfect fit for my career and life. After graduation, I will continue my studies in graduate school, either in veterinary school or in an animal behavior, animal science, or animal husbandry program.
What three words summarize your experience at Oneonta so far?
Growth
Intriguing
Home
What advice do you have for high school students considering Oneonta?
The best advice that I can give to high school students is four-pronged:
1) In high school, make sure you develop good study skills. You’ll need them to succeed in college.
2) Once in college, GET INVOLVED. Go join one of many clubs here on campus, take a look at what Greek Life has to offer, take a swim, tutor other students, cheer for your Red Dragons in an athletic event, become a Resident Advisor, join a band, give tours, go to dinner with your friends, and make sure you have some fun.
3) Sit in the front-row of all your classes. Sitting in the front of a class is directly proportional to a higher GPA.
4) Get to know your professors on the first day of class. Go up to them, introduce yourself, tell them why you are in the course, and just share a bit about yourself. Professors enjoy knowing students in their classes and look forward to meeting bright, cheerful, and excited students.
