Introduction to Z, the Microbiology major

 Hello, I am Z! My real name is Zohaib, but I go more often by Z. I am majoring in microbiology, and I am also pre-medicine. The coolest thing about my major is being able to see and learn about the unseeable - that is, until we see them under a microscope. It fascinates me how many roles microorganisms play and how large and diverse the microbial world is, and, of course, how much they affect us. The best class I took last semester was probably molecular biology class. My biggest accomplishments last semester was being able to take on a very tough semester and doing well.

I did not do very much over the break; I met with some friends for food and to hang out, but most of my break was dedicated to studying for, and taking, the MCAT, the medical school entrance exam for when I apply this Spring. My favorite book series was The Hunger Games, and my favorite movie is between The Arrival and Interstellar. The best movie I have seen recently, however, has to be Midsommar. I also watched the Netflix TV series You over the break, and really enjoyed it. I enjoy rap music and have recently delved into the realm of Kpop (I know).

My long-term goals are to, in essence, do what I enjoy. I have a lot of interest in the sciences, specifically microbiology. I am hoping to find out what exact specialty I would like to do if I am admitted into medical school, but as of now I have an interest in specialties such as Pathology, or anything disease/bodily related! A short term goal of mine would be to try my best in all areas of my life, particularly academia; very basic and cliche, but sometimes I need to remind myself to keep my head up and to keep going while trying my best :-)

I have a dog, his name is Buddie (yes, with an -ie), and this is (a silly) picture of him (and a little of me):


A picture of my dog, Buddie



I wrote a post about Hawaii, and why I enjoyed it, if you would like to check that out as well. I am from Pakistan, so I really love traditional food; I have a lot of favorites, but my top two are definitely chicken biryani and chicken nihari! For western food, I would have to say either Taco Bell, or Wing It (located really close to campus!) Some foods I could from scratch are: I do not cook, so none :)

I play video games and hang out with friends during my free time, so I would say those are my hobbies. If I had the time, and of course - the money, I would want to get started on astronomy for a hobby! If I had an extra day of fun, I would probably play video games all day.


Comments

  1. Hey Z! It's refreshing to hear somebody so passionate about their area of study. I could see how quarantine would be a pretty good time to study for the MCAT, nothing but time on your hands and all. It's good to know you didn't work yourself too hard and sat down to relax and watch Netflix. I also have gotten a little bit into Kpop and was surprised myself how much I liked it. Hope this year treats you well!

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  2. Hi Z! I loved getting to learn a little bit about you and what makes you the person you are! I get the impression you are very passionate about your major, Microbiology, and your academics in general. I love watching Grey's Anatomy so I could see how working in the medical field would be so rewarding and of course exciting! I bet quarantine in a way was a blessing for you and your MCAT study plan. I took a class so I definitely was thankful for being locked in the house for a bit haha! It sure kept me productive! Hope this semester is going well for you and you are staying safe! :)

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  3. Nice to meet you Z!
    Another science lover! So happy to see this! I saw your comment on my post about microbiology being your major, how cool is it to study and research the invisible creatures that control our lives! I am actually going to be taking molecular biology in a few semesters (once I get all those prereqs done), any advice? It seems very intimidating and i'm anxious for it.
    Medical school is definitely a unique adventure and everyone finds their own path within the system! The possibilities coming from medical school are endless, so it's only a matter of time before you find your passion and field of interest. I hope you have a great rest of this semester and good luck on your med school applications!

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  4. It is so fun meeting people a second time, Z: this time I can really connect what you are saying here with an actual person and remember it better (like I had totally forgotten that you are a microbiology major!). And yay for Buddie: that is such an adorable picture: dogs need selfies too, ha ha. And I am officially a fan of Interstellar: I keep waiting for some new movie to come along and dislodge it from its position as the best science fiction movie ever in my opinion, but it remains firmly at the top: I love that movie! And the soundtrack too. Here's a really cool video using the soundtrack (plus another Zimmer score: Inception) combined with some thoughts from Alan Watts: so cool! Life From Above, and Beyond - link. :-)

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  5. Hi Z!

    I started my college career wanting to go into the medical field but after much soul searching I found that it was not for me and that I wanted to follow a different passion. I think it is super cool that you challenged yourself and still did well last semester. Like you, my hobbies also include playing video games, I absolutely love them. I hope you get into the medical school of your choosing!

    Best,
    Payton

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  6. Hi Z,

    I am also applying to medical school in the Spring and I am taking the MCAT in probably March or April! What schools are you applying to?

    I am currently taking Intro to Microbiology and I am enjoying so far. I always hated chemistry labs, but this one is actually pretty fun. What is your best advice to do well in this class (assuming you took it of course)?

    Can't wait to learn more about you this semester!

    -Libby

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  7. Nice to meet you Z! I am also pre-med track, but I have a little while until I will take the MCAT and start med school applications. I wish you the best of luck with everything going forward!

    Additionally, I also love The Hunger Games and am currently reading the prequel. Have you read it? I like it, but not as much as the others. My all-time favorite series would have to be Harry Potter, but I also really enjoy classics, particularly from the Victorian era.

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  8. Hi Z,
    First of all, Buddie is so cute! Second of all, I'm going to have to give Midsommar a watch if it's one of the best movies you've seen in a while. I'm always looking for good movies to watch. I'm also always trying to find new music to listen to so who is your favorite rapper and your favorite song of theirs?
    Have an awesome day, Z!

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  9. Hi Z,

    Wow, it seems that for the most part, our lives are basically the same according to the descriptions above about yourself! I'm also a Microbiology major on Pre-Medicine path. I also see you in a lot of the classes that I'm in this semester. It's almost as if we've been friends for a while and we laid out our schedules exactly the same as each other right? It might be just all be a huge coincidence since we're both seniors in the same major and path. Anyways, I hope to see you soon and look forward to reading more from you.

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  10. Hi Z!
    I seriously wish I was as talented as you in the world of science. Sadly, that is a subject I never mastered in school, along with math... You could just say that Science and I are mild acquaintances, and Math and I don't even know each other. But anyway, I think it's so cool that you have some solid ideas on what you want to do after college! That's usually a tough one for sure! Also your dog is super cute! It was nice to read a little bit about you Z!

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  11. Hey Z, actually just this recently I watched The Arrival over summer, and it was really fascinating. I love movies that have an alien element to it, even if I can be a big baby and also get scared at the same time. I still need to watch Midsommar and I've heard nothing but good reviews, but I'll admit I'm a little scared to. After watching Hereditary, I've had to pause on some of these horror movies because they're throwing me off with how good, but unnerving they are. Lastly, there isn't anything wrong with a little KPop in your life. Personally, I'm a fan of Lay who used to be a part of a KPop group, but now does single work.

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  12. Hi Z,
    I admire your passion for science and microbiology, and i really hope that you really reach your goals in the medicine field after your studies. Like you i enjoy good movies and reading, I have watched the movie hunger game but never read the book series about it. I am pretty sure i will enjoy reading it, because books gives more details about the series than a movie. I wish you all the best for the semester.

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  13. Hi Z! I like the abbreviation :) as a biology major myself, I agree that microbiology is fascinating! It is incredible that there is essentially a whole different world that we can't even see. Taking microbiology and pathogens has made me a bit more conscientious of microorganisms. It was great meeting you! I am looking forward to reading more of your stories :)

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  14. Hi Z, I am taking a microbiology class right now and find the unseen very interesting and fascinating as well! There are so many things related to biology that play a large role in our day to day lives that most people don't even realize are occuring. I also am a big dog person and love the photo of you and Buddie, he seems like such a sweet pup!

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  15. Hello Z! I enjoyed reading your introduction post. I always like getting to know my classmates and learning about their majors. That is cool that you are a microbiology major. I am an advertising major so our majors are very different. I also am a huge dog person and love my dog at home, Tucker. He is an Australian Shepherd. You did a great job with your intro post and I hope you have a good rest of your semester.

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  16. Hi Z,

    I love that you are so interested in your schooling, and the subject you chose to pursue! I can't image being a microbiology major...my brain just doesn't work that way, so it is very cool that you enjoy it so much. I also think it is interesting that you are thinking about going into pathology, because I've always thought that would be an interesting area of study. Also, your pup is so cute, so thank you for including a picture!

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  17. Hello Z, I am also fascinated by different roles that microorganisms can play. I also think that it is a great accomplishment to take on a hard school load and be successful. Hopefully when you get into medical school you figure out your true calling and are able to be successful. I also do not have a lot of free time between school in work but when I do I will typically just hangout and watch Netflix.

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