Daniel O'Meara

I am a first year student at the University of Georgia majoring in Biological Science with Pre-Medicine intent. My desire to pursue a career as a doctor stems from my love for service. I have always enjoyed devoting myself to a cause or organization bigger than myself, and that is a trend I want to continue to follow. I actively participate in Air Force ROTC and plan to serve as a flight surgeon in the Air Force after graduating medical school. I also participate in UGA Miracle; most recently, I spent 15 hours at Dance Marathon. I am a member of the UGA Lacrosse team, and I love to gather a group of friends to compete in intramural sports as well. Additionally, I am a member of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta and recently won "Pledge of the Year" for my Freshman Pledge Class. I would love to serve as a Team Leader in UGA HEROs as a means for me to get more involved in HEROs because I have participated all year but have not really found the perfect avenue for me to really apply myself in the program.

All throughout high school, I worked very closely with children with special needs, playing in kick ball games with them after school, sitting with them at lunch, and hanging out them at football games. Through Octagon Club I met one of the closest friends I have ever had; his name is Mark and he has downs syndrome. I consider him my brother.

This summer, I have earned a counselor position working at Camp Twin Lakes, where children with disabilities who would not ordinarily have the chance to attend camp can do the unimaginable and come together, fellowship with other children with the same problems, and let loose for a week of fun in the summer. During the interview process for the job a few weeks ago, the girl who showed us around the camp site, which coincidentally is beautiful, shared a story with us about a young boy in a wheelchair who had just ridden down the zip line, specifically accommodated to him with hydraulic capabilities. With an enormous grin across his face upon reaching the ground, he remarked to the counselor supervising the activity, "I may not be able to walk again, but here at Camp Twin Lakes, I can fly." If that is not the most beautiful thing I have ever gotten to hear, then I do not think beauty exists. I cannot describe my excitement to work with these incredible children for 12 weeks, as I am sure while I will teach them how to perform various activities and show them the time of their lives, I am even