As the Class of 2027 starts their journey, we wanted to learn more about students from this incoming group.
We invited them to share their stories. Here is one response:
Meet Nick Hackstedde, who begins his first year in the College of Medicine.
Hometown: Salem, Ohio.
Previous Institution: I currently have my B.S. in neuroscience from Ohio State University, as well as my Master in Foundations of Medicine (M.F.M.) from NEOMED and an in-progress Master of Public Health, also from NEOMED.
Q. Why did you choose NEOMED for medical school?
A. I chose NEOMED for a variety of reasons – I grew up in this area so I’ve always heard about NEOMED, know a few people who have attended and have worked with all sorts of alumni providers.
Q. What specific career do you hope to pursue? What inspired your choice?
A. I’m not sure where I’d like to end up, but I’ve always had an interest in neurology and forensic pathology.
Q. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a vet, big time. I used to convince myself I wasn’t allergic to every animal that has ever walked the face of this planet. This, clearly, did not work out.
Q. What do you do better than anyone you know?
A. I’m pretty good at taking tacky cheap decorations and making them look even tackier and cheaper using clay!
Q. What book or movie are you currently recommending to friends? Why?
A. Man, I always recommend The Haunting of Hill House to anybody who will listen. Give it a try!
Q. You are handed a plane ticket to anywhere in the world. Where are you going? Why?
A. A free plane ticket could easily get me to the Maldives. I’m looking to honeymoon there but it’s a sort of hefty fee for a poor med student!
Q. If time and resources were no object, what skill or hobby would you pursue? Why?
A. I always wished my parents put me in piano or violin classes. It seems fun to randomly bring up that you’re some sort of piano maestro any time you pass one in a building, which is surprisingly frequent.
Q. What’s your hype song? Why?
A. I have way too many hype songs and it depends on the day for me, but I’m always a sucker for Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman.
Q. What’s one thing you believe everyone should try at least once?
A. Everyone should try being nice! It changes your whole outlook on life and it’s so easy to do.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
A. People might be surprised to see all the tattoos I have (tastefully hidden under dress clothes).
New students are welcome to introduce themselves in The Pulse. Email [email protected] for a list of prompts. Or find them on the Class of 2027 Facebook group page!