I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible.
I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession.
Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.
Best wishes & regards,
Kadan Fussell
A healthy body is at its best when balanced with a healthy mind. This balance is achieved when both are priorities. Staying fit and healthy physically and emotionally is something that has become second nature to me. For students like myself, there are several ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can be implemented into a daily routine and once hardwired can last a lifetime. This includes addressing mental and emotional well-being, being aware of nutritional needs, and making exercise a core part of my lifestyle.
A healthy mind must be attended to at all times. A critical first step is to prioritize sleep. Students often have hectic schedules, including both academic and social schedules. If sleep is not prioritized then the mind will not function optimally, leading to poor academic performance, anxiety, stress, and bad eating habits. Students should also make time for maintaining and forming new social connections. By staying connected with family and old friends, I know I can stay grounded by those who know me best. It is also important to foster new friendships and connections with college friends, advisors, and professors to form a new social support system to rely on during inevitable stressful events such as midterms and finals. Self reflection is healing, whether through meditation, quiet thought, or simply a walk outside. These simple moments to cleanse the mind can have a significant impact on mental well-being.
Keeping healthy through nutrition is key to overall health. I have a passion for nutrition and maintaining a well-balanced diet. By seeking a healthy well-balanced diet with as much fresh produce and lean protein as possible, the body will feel ready to conquer both academic success and any physical demands from exercise. Even when eating in a college cafeteria, with the right knowledge one can easily moderate food intake and prioritize healthy choices and portion control. Cooking for oneself when not eating in a cafeteria is important. Not only does cooking help us understand the content of what we eat, it is fun and an opportunity to socialize. Lastly, water intake is critical to good nutrition. Water is as important a fuel to our bodies as calories. Carrying a water bottle instead of caffeinated, high-caloric beverages is set up for success.
Physical exercise is critical to maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and should address both strength and cardio training. Strength training helps contribute to physical health and improves longevity. This is an area I have found the most benefit from in my fitness routine. Endurance-based exercise, or simply cardio, is also important. It is a necessary form of exercise for heart health. A regular exercise routine should be scheduled and prioritized especially during high stress times in college. Another simple lifestyle habit is to walk when you can. The well established goal of 10,000 daily steps should be easily achieved by using our feet as the most reliable form of transportation. Exercise can also be a social event that fosters friendships and promotes the well-being of others.
By prioritizing mental and physical health and fitness during college, I will not only ensure a successful college experience academically, but also personally as I obtain knowledge in both areas preparing me for a successful future after college. This self discovery about the importance of a healthy mind and body if accomplished during college will last a lifetime. I hope to also encourage other students to achieve this balance between physical and mental well-being to empower them to have influence over their own lives and set them up for success in both their personal and professional lives.
