Eric Reubens - Tufts University

As my fall semester comes to a close at Tufts University as a Junior, I look back at all of the activities and commitments that made this past semester so eventful inside and outside of the classroom. I spent this past fall studying viruses as well as embryonic development in the classroom which helped me gain a new perspective on human biology and therapeutics as I inch closer to preparing for medical schools. To wrap up the semester, I made and presented a presentation about the Zika Virus Epidemic in 2016, outlining past and current viral research as well as the epidemiological perspective of the Zika Virus outbreak. Outside of the classroom, I helped found a club at Tufts called Doctors Without Borders and took up an E-Board position as Secretary. The purpose of the club is to spread awareness of the activities of the actual Doctors Without Borders organization, hold educational events with guest speakers and hold demonstrations of certain basic medical skills. As the club grows, we plan to expand its goals. I was also involved in a club with similar goals called Global Medical Brigades where I helped fundraise money for medical supplies in under-resourced communities in countries such as Honduras, Panama, Ghana, etc. The last club I became a part of was the Best Buddies Club at Tufts, attending events with other Tufts students and individuals with disabilities who currently attend Medford and Somerville High School. I continued other activities from previous semesters such as playing the violin and squash while also making preparations for applying to Medical Schools for the 2025 cycle.