James Andrew Wilson

Walking around UGA one of the first questions I am asked as I meet new people is "What are you majoring in?" Almost every time I reveal my area of study the resulting reaction tends to be a grimace and apologies for the level of difficulty I am placing on myself. Despite these views on being a Biological Sciences major, my mind is set on completing this challenge and has been for quite some time.

My fascination for Biology began at a young age as I chased after my dad through the woods on one of our many hunting expeditions. He would often stop and show me plants and tracks to give me little facts and hints about "the great outdoors". My favorite part was when we managed to return home from a successful day of hunting. I loved returning home because I knew that that was when I would get to help my dad clean the days catch and he could show the hidden world within the body. As a general surgeon my dad would quickly identify the organs and explain to my young eager mind how it worked with the rest of the body to allow the animal to function. From that point on I knew that I wanted to grow up to study the biological and anatomical world.

A second major aspect as to why I chose to study such a difficult field is because of my dad. Dr. James Alan Wilson was well known throughout my hometown for his dedication and hard work. As a surgeon he was able to save people's lives simply by going to work every day. However, it did not stop there. My dad frequently went out of his way to make sure that he did the most he could to help those around him. Through his occupation and his attitude my dad is leaving an amazing legacy behind him. The image that my dad has left on people through his work has spurred me on to follow in his footsteps and like him become a doctor that I might help those around me.