Amazing student: Michael Bowler

From the impact of great mentors to lab opportunities and guiding campus tours, senior biochemistry and molecular biology /psychology double-major Michael Bowler has learned the importance of helping others pursue their passions:

My experiences at UGA have been shaped by numerous organizations and their members. Dawg Camp, an extended orientation program, created immediate connections with upperclassman mentors and a vision for how I could make the most out of my time at UGA. Dawg Camp’s focus on the importance of getting to know others’ life stories helped me realize how much I enjoy learning about others and what motivates them. Serving as a Dawg Camp counselor during sophomore year introduced me to many students who have inspired me and gone on to do incredible things for the UGA community.

Freshman Forum, a student government program focused on leadership and community service, connected me with an incredible small group, the “Neatos Cheetos” (a name we proudly chose after our assigned orange color), who have become successful leaders and made lasting impacts in a wide array of involvement at UGA and in the Athens community. Freshman Forum also taught me how difficult it can be to find true happiness when constantly comparing oneself to others, especially the incredibly bright and accomplished students of UGA and the importance of investing and supporting those around you.

Another organization that has been a mainstay of my four years at UGA is Shop with a Bulldawg (SWAB), which partners Athens elementary schoolchildren with UGA students who fundraise for the children to go holiday shopping. I began on the Freshman Council of SWAB and later served as co-director of recruitment for two years before returning to direct the Freshman Council myself this year where we support and prepare future leaders of the organization and UGA. Working with other students to plan an event of over 650 deserving kids and 1,300 students that celebrates the value of community between UGA and Athens, has been a highlight of my time at UGA.

Plenty more at the link, and we're grateful to Bowler for generously sharing his experiences. Insights from students are themselves a powerful resource for those considering UGA, and there are no better recommendations for our campus and than testimonials from great students. Best of Luck in medical school, Michael!