Introduction to a Future Neurologist
Hi everyone!
My name is Akansha Chandrasekar and I'm a junior (still feels strange to say that) majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Sociology. I aspire to be a pediatric neurologist one day, but that could very well change as I explore more fields in medicine. I've been fascinated with the brain ever since I took AP Psychology in high school and I knew I wanted to learn more about it in college, even if I had to make my own major. I'm involved in several organizations at OU, but the one I'm most passionate about is Soonerthon and it has partially inspired my career choice.
My favorite book is And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. I also enjoy anything with themes of mystery or fantasy. I used to be a big bookworm as a kid, so it makes me sad that I have rarely had time to read for pleasure over the last few years. Regardless, I never grew out of my childhood obsession with Percy Jackson and the Olympians so here I am, taking a class in Mythology and Folklore (yes, I'm still upset about the movies).
Due to my bookish tendencies, I didn't watch many TV shows until quite recently. My favorite TV shows are Dark, Parks and Recreation, and The Office. Dark is a sci-fi German show about time travel that has made me question the nature of my own existence and free will countless times. Parks and Recreation and The Office are far more common shows, but who doesn't like a good laugh? I used to be terrified of horror movies but I love to watch them now and actively seek recommendations. I also like watching movies and shows in different languages because it's a fun peek into an unfamiliar culture.
I'll leave you with two truths and a lie (it's up to you to figure out which is which!):
- I went to 7 different elementary schools in 4 different countries.
- I've never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones.
- I've been inside one of the pyramids in Egypt.
My name is Akansha Chandrasekar and I'm a junior (still feels strange to say that) majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Sociology. I aspire to be a pediatric neurologist one day, but that could very well change as I explore more fields in medicine. I've been fascinated with the brain ever since I took AP Psychology in high school and I knew I wanted to learn more about it in college, even if I had to make my own major. I'm involved in several organizations at OU, but the one I'm most passionate about is Soonerthon and it has partially inspired my career choice.
(Diagram of the brain; source: Wikipedia)
My favorite book is And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. I also enjoy anything with themes of mystery or fantasy. I used to be a big bookworm as a kid, so it makes me sad that I have rarely had time to read for pleasure over the last few years. Regardless, I never grew out of my childhood obsession with Percy Jackson and the Olympians so here I am, taking a class in Mythology and Folklore (yes, I'm still upset about the movies).
Due to my bookish tendencies, I didn't watch many TV shows until quite recently. My favorite TV shows are Dark, Parks and Recreation, and The Office. Dark is a sci-fi German show about time travel that has made me question the nature of my own existence and free will countless times. Parks and Recreation and The Office are far more common shows, but who doesn't like a good laugh? I used to be terrified of horror movies but I love to watch them now and actively seek recommendations. I also like watching movies and shows in different languages because it's a fun peek into an unfamiliar culture.
I'll leave you with two truths and a lie (it's up to you to figure out which is which!):
- I went to 7 different elementary schools in 4 different countries.
- I've never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones.
- I've been inside one of the pyramids in Egypt.
Hi Akansha,
ReplyDeleteI respect you so much for going into the medical field. I also think it's wonderful you were able to find your career path in high school to help make looking for it in college so much easier! I can relate with being a bookworm when I was younger but just not having the time anymore for it. I'm hoping once I graduate I can make some time for it again. I'm going to take a guess with which one is the lie in your two truths and a lie. I'm thinking that you have actually seen at least one episode of Game of Thrones!
Hi Akansha! Your career choice is so awesome. I'll hopefully be going to medical school soon too, so I understand what you're going through there. There will be so many specialty choices, but if you find one that feels right, stick with it! I bet pediatric neurology would be really interesting. I read Percy Jackson when I was in grade school too, and when the movies flopped I was so sad, so I feel your pain. Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows too! I could watch that show all day long. My family doesn't think it's that funny, but I think it's hilarious (their senses of humor must be weird). As for the two truths and a lie, I think you have seen at least one episode of Game of Thrones. On the off chance that you have it, I would highly recommend seasons 1-7.
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome how you've been able to make something you're so passionate about into a career path! I've never been a big reader, but like you I love anything fantasy or mystery. I also LOVE The Office! I could watch Jim pull pranks on Dwight all day! As far as TV show recommendations, if you haven't seen them, I think you would enjoy Stranger Things and Black Mirror. They're not exactly horror (except for season 3 episode 2 of Black Mirror) but they're so good and mind bobbling! And I think the first one is a trick, and you've actually been to more than 7 elementary schools.
Hi Akansha! I'm also interested in the mind from my AP Psychology class.
ReplyDeleteI loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians when I was younger. I haven't read Mark of Athena or any or later book though. My brother had a copy, and he was worried I would ruin it. After a couple of years, I could read it, but time constraints kept me from doing so. I still remember how enjoyable they were. I only saw the first movie in the theater, but I remember ranting about with my sister as soon as we left. To think the cast didn't even know the significance of blue food.
I say you have never watched a single episode of Game of Throne is the lie.
Great to meet you, Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI actually started out college with aspirations of working in neurology, too! The brain is such a fascinating organ and I still enjoy learning about what different parts are capable of doing for our thoughts and bodies. Parks & Rec and The Office are two of my favorite shows as well, I adore Amy Poehler and Steve Carell's humor. I hope you have a great semester!
Nice to meet you, Akansha!
ReplyDeleteIt's really cool that you're planning to go into pediatric neuro! I bet you'll make a fabulous doctor. :) I was also totally obsessed with Percy Jackson, and I am also still so mad about the films. Such a tragic attempt at converting one of the best YA book series' of our lifetimes into movies, right? I'm with you on The Office and Parks and Rec, as well, but I've never heard of Dark, so I'll have to check it out!
Hey Akansha! It's kind of weird, but the fact that I was a huge Percy Jackson fan was also the main reason why I took this class. Also, I'm a huge fan of The Office as well. It's just one of those shows that you can watch no matter what kind of mood you're in. I'm going to go ahead and guess that you've never seen an episode of Game of Thrones? If so, welcome to the club.
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha! It's awesome you're so interested in neurology. The brain is so complex and fascinating; I feel like there are endless discoveries to be made about our brains. There's so much to learn, and it's all so important for our health and lives. Children's brains are particularly interesting! I really respect you for your passion for medicine.
ReplyDeleteParks and Rec is one of my favorite shows of all time, so I'm glad to see a fellow fan here!
Emily
Hey Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI am also a BIGGGG murder mystery girl! My major is also psychology so it looks like we have a lot in common. I have also seen every single episode of Parks & Rec probably 15 times, me and my boyfriend watch that show religiously. That is so cool that you are on Soonerthon my roommate is also big into that. I am gonna have to guess that you have never seen an episode of Game of Thrones which makes me really sad and you should watch it!
-Sam
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post- you included so many fun facts! I really admire your career choice, I think that is a very courageous decision and will probably challenge you in many ways, but also provide so many opportunities for learning and growth. And the Mountains Echo is on my reading list right now, so it's encouraging to hear that you really enjoyed it. I find it hard to find time to read in college, but I'm trying to get better. Great post!
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post! I am also a Pre-Med student, and like you I am definitely leaving my options open as to what type of doctor I want to be. The brain is absolutely fascinating, and I neuroscience is such an important field. As Game of Thrones is one of my favorite shows of all time, I am going to go ahead and say that that is your lie, since I refuse to believe it to be true. Regardless, I look forward to reading your stories!
Hi Akansha! It's so nice to see a familiar name and face in this class. I didn't know you were a Neuroscience major! I also think it's so cool that you want to be a pediatric neurologist! Like you, I was also a bookworm and used to read a lot so not finding time to read for fun now is really sad. I also love a good mystery or fantasy book. My favorite fantasy series has and will always be Harry Potter. If you haven't read The Mortal Instrument series, I highly recommend! As for your two truths and one lie, I think the Game of Thrones one is a lie. I feel like everyone has at least seen an episode and then decided if they would continue watching or not. Anyway, can't wait to read more stories from you!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Akansha, this is so cool: neurosciences YES! As you may have guessed from the growth/neuroplasticity materials and other stuff like that which I share with the class, this is a big interest of mine: neurobiology of learning, of languages, of storytelling, all the cool and sometimes unexpected insights we are getting about how our minds work from neuroscience research. One of my favorite areas is just how imagination works: just what is our brain doing when we are reading, or watching a movie, or dreaming... all those alternate realities! (We don't need fancy computer equipment for AR; our brains are somehow wired for that on their own!). And that is so cool about the pyramids: there is a student in class doing his Storybook about the pyramids so you two should connect sometime; I'm not sure if he has been to Egypt or not, but it is very cool that you have! Here is his Introduction: Introduction to a Traveler (and you can click on Project to see his Egypt ideas). Maybe you have some ideas from your own pyramid-encounter that he could use! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha.
ReplyDeleteI think your intro gives a fun look into your personality! I felt a soul connection when I read about the Percy Jackson part. Honestly the book was amazing and the movie was disappointing. i think since the book covered so much a TV series would have done it more justice but alas here we are. I too loved reading booked specifically, with themes of mystery or fantasy too! I am so busy now a days I barely have time to read! I have been reading the same book in my spare time for 5 months lol. Parks and Rec and The Office are two iconic shows I love as well! I also think it is inspiring that your love of Soonerathon tied into your career choice! I hope you have a wonderful semester in this class!
Hi Akansha,
ReplyDeleteNeuroscience is a fascinating (and still so underdeveloped) field: there’s a lot going on there and I’m sure you’re excited to be a part of it.
Don’t stop reading! It’s hard to have time, I know that firsthand, but ever since halfway through sophomore year when I made sure there was a big pile of books by my bed that had nothing to do with class, I’ve been that much happier. (Parks and Rec is great though :D )
I’m going to guess “I've never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones” as the lie...
Best,
A.M.
Hi, nice to meet you Akansha!! I think it is super cool that you want to be a pediatric neurologist! I want to be a pediatrician because I have always wanted to be involved in medicine and I love kids, so I thought I would mix the two haha! I find the brain fascinating also, but psychology was always pretty hard for me for some reason!
ReplyDeleteI have never watched an episode of Game of Thrones, so maybe you have not either. I am gonna guess the lie is the elementary schools.
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool that you are majoring in Neuroscience. I too became really interested in how the mind works in an AP Psychology class. As for your two truths and a lie I'm going to guess the seven elementary schools in four countries is a lie. I do hope you'll share what the actual lie s by the end of the semester.
Hi Akansha! I think that it is awesome that you want to be in the medical field some day. I have always been interested in Soonerthon, but I haven’t been really involved with it before. It seems to me that you are interested in helping others, which I think is really commendable. I also LOVE Parks and Recreation and definitely have gone back and watched it during stressful times. I’m going to guess the lie is that you have never watched Game of Thrones. Haha, good luck this semester!
ReplyDeleteHey there! I think the lie is that you have been inside one of the pyramids in Egypt. But, not he other hand, if this is the truth, then this is SO cool and I am very jealous! As for your major, I congratulate you on sticking to this path because it is such a hard major to push through and accomplish. All of your hard work will pay off though because neurologists are in such a great need today in our world! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha,
ReplyDeleteIt was nice learning about you! Ever since I took AP Psychology in high school, I also became interested by the subject in college. Like you, I want to go into the medical field and become a Physician Assistant. I hope we both achieve our goals! I think the lie is that you have never watched an episode of Game of Thrones. I hope you will share the answer in the future!
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteNeuroscience is such a fascinating subject! My uncle works as a neuroscientist at UT, and it is always interesting to hear what he is up to in the field of research (most recently I believe he was working on something related to traumatic head injuries). I too find it difficult to sneak in reading for pleasure, but I always feel so much happier when I do! It's easy to get bogged down in academic and scientific literature, and returning to stories provides a nice escape. I also love watching movies and shows in other languages! It's such a great way to explore different cultures. I watched an Egyptian show called "Secrets of the Nile" over the summer that I highly recommend!
Hey there Akansha! Thank you for sharing a little bit of who you are with the class. I am also a HUGE fan of the Percy Jackson series... and was so disappointed by the movies. I think they had so much potential to make some of the best movies ever and they just epically failed. But then again, I have to admit that I had no problem staring at Logan Lerman for over an hour on the big screen. Good luck for the rest of this semester, and as a senior I feel the need to warn you now... just when you think things are going quickly, they slow down and you just want it to all end. Enjoy while you can!
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha! It was great to get to read a little bit about you. I am also a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series, but even more than that, I am a fan of the Kane chronicles, the Egyptian parallel to Percy Jackson. I loved those books and highly recommend them if you haven't read them already. I feel like I have no time to read, but I will definitely find time once the semester is over. Neuroscience is such an interesting topic, I feel like the learning potential is endless. There is always something new to be learned from the mind, so that is awesome. Good luck with your writing and good luck with Neuroscience.
ReplyDeleteHi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI am also a neuroscience major! I am finishing up my senior year right now (6 hours left woo!). I always wanted to do research about preventing Alzheimer's and the aging brain. That was until about two months ago haha. Life sure is full of twist and turns. Neuroscience will always be one of my favorite topics ever, but now who knows what I will do. Anyways, it was awesome reading your intro and I hope everything works out for you!
Hi Akansha! Wow what a major! That is awesome that you want to be a pediatric neurologist. Your introduction is great, you have included so many interesting things about your life. I am going to guess that the one lie about yourself is that you have never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones! The only reason that is my guess is because I have not watched one ever and you seem to have a very adventurous personality. Have a great rest of your semester!
ReplyDeleteHello Akansha!
ReplyDeleteThat major is so dope! That is such a hard major and I know that you will conquer it with ease! That is crazy that you have gone to school in 4 different countries. I couldn't imagine having to move around that much at all. I would love to be able to go to 4 different countries, but in different circumstances than being schooled in multiple countries.
Akansha!
ReplyDeleteI am also a junior and struggling to grasp the fact that I am over halfway done with college. I love that you are passionate about what you are studying and have set high goals for yourself. Soonerthon is also such a great organization, and your involvement with it is incredible. You are fighting for amazing families and that is something to be recognized for. Great intro!
Hi Akansha,
ReplyDeleteCool major! Medicine is a great way to help people. I'm also a bit fascinated with how psychology and physiology are the drivers for who we are. I like your two truths and a lie game at the end. I think your lie is that you've never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones. Let me know if I got it right! Good luck this semester!
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you! I think your use of two truths and a lie was great, and I refuse to believe that you've never seen an episode of Game of Thrones; it is one of the best shows of all time! I am also trying to be a doctor, and I am fascinated with the brain. It is difficult, but one of the best career paths there is! I am excited to read your stories!
Hi Akansha,
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to meet you. I don't know which one is the lie, it seems most people think its the GoT one, but I have never seen an episode, so I think it is possible! I think that neurology is fascinating, I got hooked in Psych with my AP course as well. I am curious, why did you choose sociology as your minor?
I have the opposite experience with horror movies. I have rarely been scared by one and I am usually epically disappointed by them, but I can say that I am super excited for Vuelven , I haven't been able to get my hands on it yet, but I will!
Hi Akansha!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has only seen about three episodes of Game of Thrones, I think that one may be true, despite many of the other comments. I'm also involved in CAC and absolutely love Soonerthon, so it's great to meet someone else who's passionate about it! Also – I've never met anyone else who's seen Dark, what a phenomenal show! I hope finals treat you well and that you have a restful holiday break!
Hello Akansha,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are a very interesting person! I too took A&P in high school which is partially why I decided to go into nursing! What about the brain fascinates you so much? For me my interest lied most near genetics. It doesn’t really go together with nursing but…. Needed a sure-fire job out of college. I like how you ended it with two truths and a lie. I would guess the lie is the 7 different elementary schools. Am I right?
Hello Akansha,
ReplyDeleteI love that you have set your goals so high for yourself. I personally have no clue what the neurology field is like but from what I've heard it is some rigorous work! I had the opportunity to take one AP class in high school because it was the only one offered, but it was AP Environmental Science so it didn't really drive me towards my career.