Upper Division Honors

Student Profiles

Sean Kaloostian
 

Were you involved in an Honors program prior to starting your project?

Yes! I was involved in the Lower Division Honors Program, not only as a student but also as a peer mentor helping other students fulfill their requirements for the program, before getting involved in the Upper Division Honors Program.
 
What was your experience like with the Upper Division Honors program?

My experience working in the Upper Division Honors Program has taught me a lot about how to work with faculty and staff as a part of a team with the ultimate goal of producing a project that is both interesting and contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

How do you feel the Honors program prepared you for your life after UCR?

I feel the Honors Program prepared me just as much for my life after UCR than any other program I have ever been involved in. Not only did it provide me with skills that will help me be successful in my career as a physician, but most importantly, it showed me the value of helping others and the satisfaction that one gains from that experience. Working with the staff and observing the kindness and general sacrifices they make for their students, and personally helping students as a peer mentor, helped me determine that it is not what you do for yourself, but often times what you do for others that is ultimately of greatest value.
 
How do you think the Honors program will prepare you for life after UCR?

Both the Lower Division and the Upper Division Honors Programs have provided me with skills and memories that have instilled in me confidence to know that I can be successful in not only my medical career but also in other fields if only I apply myself. These programs showed me what I am capable of. Educational institutions help students figure out what they want to do and show them what they are possible of accomplishing once they provide maximal effort. If it were not for these programs, I would not hold such high expectations for myself. 

Was it hard to do your thesis?

To say doing a thesis was easy, would not be a proper representation of the entire process of developing your own project, conducting the study, obtaining the results, researching about the topic, reporting the results, presenting the project at a conference, etc...  The entire process is difficult and time-consuming; however, it is rewarding! The fact that the journey is difficult and requires a lot of your time is what makes it so satisfying once you complete the program. Faculty mentors and staff are there to assist you in working through this process. It is the final product that to this day I remain proud of. Knowing that my thesis was a product of a lot of time and effort remains extremely gratifying. It showed me what I was capable of producing.

What was the deciding factor in committing to the Upper Division program?

The deciding factor in committing to the Upper Division Honors Program was not only my previous relationship with the Honors Program as a member of the Lower Division Honors Program, but also the challenge that completing the program and writing a thesis represented. I saw this program as an academic challenge of which I had not experienced yet at UCR. My previous years as an undergraduate prepared me for a new challenge that I felt I was ready for. I also had two other siblings who completed the program with a thesis. This showed me that it was possible to do, and seeing how proud my siblings were of their projects was appealing to me. After completing the program, I now understand why they were so proud.

How do you feel you are as a student because of the program?

The Upper Division Honors Program has definitely improved my general relationship with faculty. In the past, I was somewhat uncomfortable approaching faculty, as I saw them as authority figures only there to evaluate me. However, working with faculty through this experience showed me that they are much more than just teachers who give out exams. They legitimately care for their students’ success, and want to help in any way they can, most likely because they also were once students who empathize with how hard that could be sometimes. Now that I am in medical school, I do not feel uncomfortable approaching faculty as my view of their role changed as a direct consequence of my experience with the Upper Division Honors Program. It also has made me a much better time-manager, especially over the long-term, by illustrating the importance of establishing goals and making sure they are met by a certain date.
 
What is the biggest strength you have gained from the experience?

The biggest strength I have gained from the Upper Division Honors experience was learning how to work as a member of a team to accomplish a goal of which everyone who was a part of it felt proud for the role they played. I enjoyed playing such a key role, being the student, and having to at times be a leader and bring the team together to reach certain goals. 

Sean is a member of the Thomas Haider Biomedical Program