Tina Thomas

What education have you taken?

I am from Kingston, Ontario, which is where I completed all my education up until university. I moved to Brandon and started at BU as a full time student in 2009. I am currently pursuing a double major in Bio-Medical Science and Psychology.

What accomplishments are you proud of?
I have served with the Canadian Armed Forces since March of 2010. I joined the military as a Medical Assistant to compliment my university studies in Bio-Medicine. As a Private with the Canadian Armed Forces, I received the Top Candidate Award upon graduation of the Basic Military Qualification course. This honour is bestowed upon the person in the class with the highest academic standing and most exemplary showing of leadership skill. Since my entry into the military, I have completed the RQL3 Medical Assistant Career Course.  I am employed by the Faculty of Science and Disability Services as a tutor for both Biology and Psychology courses.

In the past, I have volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society. During my time as a canvasser, I collected more than $1,000 in charitable contributions. I currently hold a volunteer position on the Brandon University World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Executive Committee. I am the Treasurer for the 2011-12 year and take pride in being a part of the humanitarian efforts for which WUSC stands.

I became interested in the field of medicine when I was young. My uncle is a doctor; I used to ask him to teach me how to use all his interesting “toys” (like the stethoscope and otoscope) he had. From that point on, I realized that I wanted to strive to become a doctor. I will graduate in May of 2013 with a Baccalaureate of Science.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy on life is this: You can make plans for the future, but life can get in the way. The best thing to do is adapt to the new information or situation and create a new plan. Nobody can predict exactly what will happen in their life, but what we can do is learn from what we have been through, and embrace whatever comes.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

My long term goals include the completion of my undergraduate degree, entrance to and completion of medical school, and ultimately, a career as a military physician. If I am unable to get accepted into medical school, as a backup plan I will be pursing another career in the health care field. The knowledge I am gaining in my studies, in combination with the practical experience I am acquiring as a Medical Assistant, is creating an optimum learning environment in which I can work towards my future goals.

Nominator’s Comments:

Tina Thomas is a strong individual doing a Biology (Biomedical) and Psychology double major.  She is active in the local WUSC executive and Canadian Cancer Society.  She is involved in a variety of BU activities as a marker in Psychology and a tutor in Biology and tutoring for Disability Services.  Of note, she is very active in the local military reserves as a medical assistant and is anticipating a successful medical career.  She has maintained a strong academic profile while wrestling with significant outside demands.

Tina is truly an impressive young woman and role model to more junior students.