Pre-Professional Biology major, Logan Anderson, is approaching the final days of his journey through Waynesburg University, and despite having four years of memories to call back on, he says the biggest thing that changed for him over this time is his ability to open up to the people around him. 

“Coming in, I came with a group of friends, but they were much older classmen than I was, so as they started to graduate, I noticed that I wanted to become closer to people around campus and be more involved with everyone on campus than when I initially came in,” Anderson said. 

As far as the Department of Biology and Natural Science goes, there are a number of students to choose from for their respective majors, and although it may not be tied down to just one quality, Anderson was able to target one facet about himself that he felt was a key reason for being the recipient of a senior spotlight. 

“I think it’s just because of how much I’ve volunteered for the biology department,” Anderson said, while going on to elaborate on some of the roles he plays in that circle. “Right now, I’m secretary of the Biology Club, I’ve worked for the microbiology lab as the lab assistant, I volunteer to help with dissections for the vertebrate lab and then I think just my dedication towards biology. All of my classes I’ve done extremely well in for biology, and I try to help as many people as I can in my class.”

Over the course of Anderson’s tenure at Waynesburg University, Dr. Tracy Dohn-Cummins, who serves as an assistant professor of biology at Waynesburg University, has been an individual who has gotten to build a rapport with him. Dohn was able to elaborate on her time with Anderson and how she has gotten to know him as a student.

“I’ve had Logan since he was a freshman in those intro bio classes, I’ve had him in upper-level classes since then, and I’ve also been doing research with him, so I’ve gotten to see him do that independent work as well and help him with those projects.”

Dohn also spoke about her relationship with Anderson, and what else about him stood out when choosing him for the spotlight.

“He’s got a lot of great qualities. He’s an excellent student, so academically, he’s really sound, really on top of things, really gets into the nitty-gritty of stuff. Not just the textbook stuff; he digs in and asks questions,” Dohn said. “He’s also a really great team player, and so seeing him work in groups, seeing him work with his fellow students, he’s just always trying to help and support and get everybody together with having to help out with anything.”

Anderson’s departing message is for those who will be following in his path at Waynesburg University, as well as the individuals who may never meet him. He wishes that students will heed the advice he leaves as they eventually make their way to graduation. 

“Find what you enjoy, and do it to the fullest of your capacity,” Anderson said, continuing on about how to also use the individuals around to add to the experience. “I wouldn’t say to exclude the people around you at the same time. I would say do what you enjoy, do it well, but also acknowledge the people around you. Because what I’ve noticed is getting in touch with your professors and the students here, who you’ll probably spend a lot of your time with around here, can be very important, and you can make a lot of friends, a lot of meaningful core relationships.”