Day Steed

Describe Your Connection with Dr. Kosal

I’ve had the privilege of being a teaching assistant for five semesters alongside Dr. Kosal. During this time, I assisted in two classes, LSC 101 and BIO 181. From the very first day I met Dr. Kosal when I was a student in LSC 101, I could tell she was approachable and a great person to talk to. She eventually became my mentor for a project to earn Honors credit in her class. My project focused on creativity in the medical field, and I had the opportunity to interview several doctors to gather information. This additional project required extra time outside of class, leading to several meetings with Dr. Kosal to review my progress and discuss the topic further. She went on to later ask me to be a TA for her because of my enthusiasm and hard work. As a teaching assistant for Biology, I created informative PowerPoints and conducted weekly review sessions for students to enhance learning as a supplemental studying activity. Additionally, I collaborated with other TAs to grade class work and provide assistance during lectures. My experience as a TA allowed me to refine my leadership, teaching, and communication skills. Helping students understand concepts through email inquiries or leading review sessions was genuinely enjoyable, and I gained confidence in encouraging active participation. 

How Can A Student Make A Similar Connection

If you’re interested in working closely with faculty members on campus, I highly recommend getting to know them outside of class, such as attending office hours or engaging in quick chats before or after lectures. Though it might seem daunting at first, don’t be intimidated by professors; they genuinely want you to succeed and are willing to help. If becoming a TA interests you, stand out in class, make yourself known, and initiate conversations to show your initiative.

Tell Us More about Your Love for Biology & Future Plans

Currently, I am in the process of applying to medical schools, with the goal of starting in Fall 2024. The pre-med journey has been challenging, but the support and guidance of remarkable educators and leaders like Dr. Kosal at NC State have made it rewarding. Her faith in me and encouragement pushed me academically and allowed me to believe in myself. Even after sitting through four semesters of BIO 181, I’m continually fascinated by science, especially when watching Dr. Kosal’s lectures. Biology’s wonder and fascination drive my passion for problem-solving and using creativity to explain various data. I find joy in “zooming in” on the material, which is why I chose to major in biochemistry. For every biological process I learn, there’s a more specific chemical process behind it, and even more detailed biochemical pathways elaborating further on the overall biological exchange, down to the level of an electron. My aspiration as a doctor is to combine my love for physiology with my passion for connecting with others, whether through teaching or providing assistance to those in need. Thanks to my experience as a TA, I can utilize my strengths in both areas.