For Abbie Townsend, taking the opportunity to contract a class for honors credit led to another formative learning experience and confirmed her choice of major.

Dear Prospective Student,

You made it through four years! Do you remember when you were a high school freshman and had four more years to go? Now you are a graduate and on to a greater adventure.

Hello, my name is Abbie and I am a second-year undergraduate student studying neuroscience with minors in global health and music on the pre-med track. There are many opportunities for getting involved with the University of Iowa Honors Program including through research, volunteering/service, internships and so much more. I would like to tell you about the things I have been a part of at the University of Iowa, and how I found them through the honors program.

Thanks to the honors contract option, I had the opportunity to contract a course with the professor of my very first neuroscience class, Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience. To contract the course, I met one-on-one with my instructor, who also encouraged me to get involved in research. I found a research laboratory that I enjoyed and a love for neuroscience.

Besides studying, I make it a priority to enjoy college outside of academics. A huge part of college is finding your support system, whether that is with people or time by myself. My support system is a group of different students that I met in a variety of ways, including my Honors Primetime class, my first-year honors seminar, and the honors discussion section for one of the courses I took in the first year. I also find enjoyment in doing a weekly yoga class at the University of Iowa Rec Center and walking around the beautiful campus.

The University of Iowa has vast opportunities, so find the opportunities you enjoy and love to do. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, one of the other honors ambassadors, or a member of the honors professional staff. We all understand how stressful it is to be deciding about your future, and we are happy to help in any way we can.

Best,

Abbie