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Learn more about diversity at UIC
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 Rajeev
Garg, a
gifted student, was attracted to UIC by the Guaranteed Professional
Placement Admissions (GPPA) program, which guaranteed admission
to medical school when he finished an undergraduate degree.
Another important consideration was UIC's urban setting and
diversity. "I come from a small town where, for all practical
purposes, my family WAS the diversity," Garg laughed.
"I can't describe the joy and thrill it was to come to UIC and find myself surrounded by incredible diversity, including many other Indian-Americans. Right away I felt at home."- Rajeev Garg. His transition from small town to large campus in a big city was eased by his experiences with the Honors College and living on the honors floor of his student residence hall. "It was amazing," he said. "Within two weeks I knew every one in the Honors College by name. We were like a very small town in the middle of a great city. "The faculty and fellows of the Honors College showed extraordinary interest and concern for us. They did everything from advising and mentoring to providing friendship and support when we needed it. We felt they were not just teachers, but family." The guaranteed admissions program gave Garg the freedom to study subjects outside his biological sciences major. Garg developed an interest in research while working with Herbert Engelhard, associate professor of neurosurgery. His efforts may result in his first published scientific article, on the incidence of a rare kind of tumor. His nonacademic interests include the drums (he played in a high school garage band), martial arts and Indian music. He was president of the Society of Future Physicians, a group of 150 students whose volunteer activities ranged from playing with young patients at the U of I Hospital to organizing an after-school health fair at a South Side elementary school. In
the fall Garg looks forward to his next challenge as he begins
four years of medical school. Beyond that, he plans to train
as a neurosurgeon, after which he hopes to stick around town. "I'd
love to practice in Chicago," he said. "It's a great place." |
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