Leslie Rau
1/3/2007
Going into medicine has always been a dream for Leslie Rau, a senior Psychology major from Rice, Minn. And she chose to attend the College of Saint Benedict to fulfill that aspiration.
"The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University has a notable science department," she said. "And I also liked the campus and the cross country running program."
And once Rau got here, all the elements of the schools enticed her in such a way that her experiences have been very rewarding.
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Rau and the patients at the tuberculosis clinic she worked at while on her study abroad experience in Guatemala. |
"It turned out to be a great fit," she said. "The academics are challenging and interesting."
And while her classes have been demanding, she has been able to discover a lot about herself through them. She has learned that going into medicine can involve many paths, and the road she chose has led her to the Pre-Physician Assistant Program.
"This program allows more flexibility and patient contact than that of a doctor," said Rau. "I hope to work in wilderness medicine, and PA programs would allow me to pursue this as well."
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Rau has participated in sports, like cross country, throughout her college career. |
This decision has had some struggles, but those can easily be rectified in the future if she finds this is not the path for her.
"Not actually being a doctor is a disadvantage," she said. "But if I find it restricting, I'll get extra schooling."
And that is one of the beauties of the program for Rau. Yet there are countless other attractions such a program has, especially at CSB/SJU.
"The professors are really helpful, and you can stop by anytime," Rau said. "They're also just fun to chat with, whether it be about biology or not. There's a really comfortable atmosphere."
Besides the experiences Rau has had within the Pre-Physician Assistant Program, she has had many unique experiences outside of the classroom as well.
"Being part of a college sport year round has been a great experience," she said. "I learned how to manage my time, balancing it between academics, athletics, and a social life."
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Rau and another study abroad participant climbing La Muela in Xela, Guatemala. |
Rau was also able to experience culture in a way she never imagined.
"Studying aboard in Guatemala was amazing," she said. "It was a great perspective being a minority and learning the language and customs of the area."
After Rau graduates, she hopes to return to Guatemala as well as embark on the path to becoming a Physician Assistant.
"I plan to spend a year working at a hospital," she said. "And hopefully I can make it back to Guatemala. After that, I plan on going to PA school."