My name is Brooke Frontin and I was born and raised in Virginia. I am currently
pursuing a degree in biology at Old Dominion University, with my major focusing on biomedical
sciences/pre-health.
Throughout my life I have always experienced an interest in biology. My passions in this
topic extend particularly into anatomy, physiology, and psychology. This personal interest, along
with my own experiences with mental health, has led me to pursue both a degree in biology and
a path in medical school, with the goal of obtaining a doctoral degree and becoming a
psychiatrist.
While I am only a sophomore, I understand that early preparation is vital, I am presently
seeking opportunities to deepen my knowledge and experience in many fields and interests I
have. One of my primary goals is to engage in research that contributes to the development of
better psychological practices or understanding. This endeavor is driven by a desire to improve
the ability for people to understand themselves and one another and communicate the needs or
desires they experience in a healthy way.
In addition to research, I am actively seeking volunteer and internship opportunities in
both medical and psychological fields. I want to gain firsthand experience and insight into
helping individuals with mental health challenges and form an understanding of how physical
ailments can often cause or increase the severity of mental health disorders. By collaborating
with experienced professionals in these fields, I hope to learn effective approaches to patient care
and apply this knowledge to my future practices in medicine and therapy. Volunteering and
working in these various capacities will also enable me to further develop empathy, compassion,
and cultural competence in my local community, which are what I believe to be crucial attributes
for a successful and impactful psychiatrist.
Furthermore, I am eager to contribute to humanitarian efforts in my local community, as I
find it important to aid in the creation of a world built on passion and knowledge. Engaging in
community service would not only allow me to give back to society, but also strengthens my
commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others and my own. Through these
experiences, I hope to develop an almost holistic understanding of the of mental health field, and
further develop an understanding of the importance in addressing social, environmental, and
economic factors in promoting overall well-being.
In conclusion, while my current work and pursuits are already quite large, I still have the
desire to dedicate myself to learning as much as possible about topics in both the medical and
psychological fields through both study and experience. I know that through hands-on
experience and research in these fields, I can become a part of the effort to make a lasting and
positive impact that allows patients to understand and communicate their needs to professionals
and those around them, and for those professionals to more effectively support and treat their
patients. I am committed to becoming a psychiatrist who allows their patients to feel safe,
understood, and lead the lives they deserve. My academic journey, volunteer work, research
aspirations, and firsthand experiences have allowed me the privilege of learning more about the
fields I love and the possibility to create better mental health care for those who are suffering. As
I continue to pursue my education and gain practical experience, I remain committed to my
desire to contribute meaningfully to the fields of medicine and psychology.