To no one’s surprise, I was never a math or science person. Sure, I found biology interesting, but when it came to things like chemistry and physics, I was lost. Thankfully, there are people like Jocelyn McNeany who excel in these subjects… and also don’t mind fun stuff like blood, needles, and the like.
The Miss COED 2017 semifinalist and sophomore at UIUC is majoring in molecular and cellular biology and minoring in chemistry (my fave). After graduation, she hopes to head to medical school to become a neonatologist – aka an incredible person who helps save babies’ lives.
Get to know more about Jocelyn below, and be sure to check back daily as we get to know each of our semifinalists a bit better.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t an overachiever in high school and college,
Who do you look up to the most and why?
I look up to my parents the most, and I can’t choose between my mother or father because both of them have taught me so many valuable lessons; they have made me the person I am today. My father taught me to be social, if I needed something, he taught me how to not be bashful and to ask, or if I didn’t know how to do a homework assignment or how to fill out forms for college, he told me to ask around and find out the information I needed. My mother taught me how to work hard for the things I wanted. She motivated me to lose weight when I was at a weight that wasn’t healthy for me to be at, and to study even harder to get that A when I got a B instead. My parents are blessings and I thank God that I have them by my side to teach me and guide me on the right path.
If you could travel anywhere in the world for Spring Break, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere for spring break, I would love to go to Greece. I can’t quite remember how my interest in going to Greece started, but I even have a photo of Greece as my cover on my laptop as one of my goals to go for vacation. From the photos I’ve seen, Greece looks so beautiful, rich with culture and history, and I would love to visit one day.
Cliché, but where do you see yourself in five years? Ready, set, go!
In five years, I see myself studying for my exams in Miami, Florida. I would like to be in my second year of medical school, preparing to become a neonatologist. I’ll be working in a hospital and trying to gain as much experience as I can. In the evenings, I’ll teach Zumba and make others aware of how to eat healthier and take care of themselves more. On the weekends, I’ll enjoy walks on the beach with my significant other, read books, and catch up on recent movies. I will also volunteer in my community and keep up with events for my sorority, Phi Mu.
As a member of Phi Mu, Jocelyn enjoys volunteering for their philanthropy, Children’s Miracle Network, and has helped raise money for children’s healthcare.
What exactly is Children’s Miracle Network, and how is your sorority, Phi Mu, involved?
Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization that raises funds for medical research, children’s hospitals, and raises awareness for children’s health issues. Phi Mu raises funds for over 170 children’s hospitals. Each chapter is responsible for raising funds through events such as cook-offs, dance marathons, and much more! Phi Mu contributes at least $500,000 each year for Children’s Miracle Network.
Have you personally served the Children’s Miracle Network?
I have not yet personally served at the Children’s Miracle Network, but I would love to! My goal is to become a pediatric surgeon and being able to give back and help the children and the community is what I love to do.
How can someone help if they aren’t a member of Phi Mu?
If someone is not a member of Phi Mu, but would love to contribute to help the Children’s Miracle Network, they can visit this website https://st-johns.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org and click on the tab that says “How to Help.” Someone can help by donating, becoming a partner, or starting a campaign!
Tell me anything else you’d like our readers to know about Children’s Miracle Network!
This is a great organization that gives back, and I encourage everyone to visit their website to learn more about how to help!
ABOUT Jocelyn
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sophomore
I love my college because…
everyone is so welcoming and