For seniors who loved the subjects of math and science in high school, various majors in the field of biology and life science are the perfect post-graduation plan. Students who choose to pursue a biology major in college study organisms’ functions and characteristics in order to prepare themselves for a variety of careers in medical, environmental and zoological fields. Seniors Jacob Paez, Madyson Frazee and Autumn Kosey will be pursuing these biology-related majors next year in the hopes of achieving the career of their dreams. 

Jacob Paez will be attending Tabor College next fall and is planning to major in biology with a focus on biomedical sciences. Paez decided to pursue this pre-professional path because of the countless opportunities that are available with a degree in biology including medical school, veterinarian school and numerous other professional and graduate programs. 

While many career paths are available to Paez, he hopes to become a prosthetist, a healthcare professional who makes and fits artificial limbs for people with disabilities.

“I want to help people who are in unfortunate situations be able to fulfill their dreams or have an equal chance at fulfilling their dreams just like everyone else,” Paez explained.

Madyson Frazee will also be pursuing a biology major next year; but, instead of focusing on biomedical sciences, she plans to follow a pre-veterinary track at Wittenberg University.

“I love animals and medicine, and this career allows me to work with both,” Frazee stated as she explained why she chose this pre-professional track.

While college is just the start for Frazee, as there are many years of veterinary school and residency ahead, she is excited to begin her journey towards her career goal and learn more about the field of biology. 

Unlike Paez and Frazee, who will be focusing on biology next year, Autumn Kosey is furthering her education of life sciences with a zoology major at the University of Wyoming.

Kosey has always enjoyed working with animals; after finding much joy in participating in 4-H, watching Steve Irwin and Jack Hanna and learning about animals in general, a zoology major is the perfect pathway for her.

“I hope to become a zoologist. They study and work with all kinds of animals all over the world… I want to spend the rest of my life working with animals,” Kosey explained regarding her ideal career.

For Kosey and Frazee, the veterinary technician classes offered at Trinity High School have helped them to realize that a career in the field of animal care is right for them. They agree that the vet-tech teacher, Mrs. Reddy, guided them by exposing them to an animal care career and helping them to realize that they love veterinary medicine.

While Paez did not take veterinary technician classes, many classes and teachers gave him the motivation to take his next collegiate step: “The science department of Trinity specifically helped me in my choice… Mrs. Monteleone, Mrs. Rush and Mr. Smith showed me the importance of environmental sciences, chemistry and biology, and how they affect and can improve the world we live in. These three science teachers have inspired me to major in biology to hopefully one day help many people in need.”

These science-loving students were inspired by teachers in other subject areas too. Kosey stated, “Mr. Polansky has always pushed me to reach my full potential.”

Paez found motivation outside of Trinity’s science department as well, saying, “Mr. Majoris and Ms. Shaw helped inspire me with their occasional life lessons and advice.”

Regardless of their sources of inspiration, Paez, Frazee and Kosey agreed that students interested in pursuing a career in life sciences should ask questions and be involved in their classes, do their own research about the field they are interested in, take Honors and AP Biology to expose themselves to important curriculums, and be willing to take math classes (science majors require a lot of math!).

Kosey summarized, “Don’t limit yourself to majoring in something common. If you want to be a marine biologist or a zoologist, just go for it…Figure out your dreams and run with them!”

Congratulations and good luck to Paez, Frazee, Kosey and the other seniors pursuing life science majors next year!