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Name: Christy Eslinger

Hometown: Tulsa

Major: Biotechnology

Expected Date of Graduation: May 2018

Why did you choose your major?
This is a funny story. I was in the RN program, or least that was the plan. In my Intro to Biology for Majors class, my professor approached me and asked why I was going into a field I really didn't seem to be enthusiastic about. I explained it was the fastest route to a degree after being a paramedic for 20 years. She introduced me to the biotechnology field. We had a lab where Dr. Spencer and Janice Airhart came over and I was hooked. I couldn't believe I could take all the medical knowledge I had and refocus it on the cellular level. I asked Janice to give me a tour of the biotechnology labs and I think I changed my major that day.

Why did you choose ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
I was a paramedic for 20 years and ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has the bridge program where you can bridge to RN in one year. This was the main reason for choosing ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in the beginning but now I have to say that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has several very high quality programs.

What do you think makes you successful?
The stubbornness to keep showing up and keep asking why. There were plenty of times I was completely overwhelmed but I kept going to class. I kept asking the professors for help and making the extra effort to really understand the material. Never be ashamed to ask for help.

What are your plans after ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½? 
I start NSU in the fall with a molecular biology major. This will allow me to get my bachelor’s degree. Then I plan to return to the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and continue the research I've already started there and hopefully get my PhD.