Matthew Willis '12 graduated from Baylor University in 2016, with a B.S. Biology.

Biggest accomplishment so far?

I would have to say the biggest accomplishment would be getting into medical school. I am very proud to say I attend UT Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Biggest lesson learned in school?

Time management has probably been the biggest lesson for me. It can be quite the challenge juggling everything from academics, intramurals, extracurricular organizations, part time job, etc. all in the same semester. However, I know that learning to stay disciplined and diligent with my time will come in great use during medical school. I have learned a lot about how I operate and how I study. This allows me to make the most of my time. Additionally, if I use my time effectively, I open up more opportunities for more enjoyable activities. College has been a great experience for me because I have been able to enjoy my time with my friends. The relationships and memories that I have made while at Baylor have shaped me into a more mature individual, and I will carry those with me for the rest of my life. So the other lesson I learned was how to maintain a steady source of fun, and learn life skills outside the classroom by engaging in other activities.

You can't live without your…?

I can’t live without my laptop. It essentially has every document I’ve ever written throughout my college career. I use it for hours every day to do homework, research, listen to music, etc.

Favorite memory of Parish?

Some of my most fond memories came from my experiences with the soccer team. We had a pretty tight knit group, and knew how to make 6am soccer practices as enjoyable as possible.

What do you miss most about Parish?

The faculty and how close everyone is with each other.

Would you like to give a shout out to a former Parish faculty/staff member?

I would like to thank Coach Savage for mentorship. He has a unique passion for teaching (both science and life skills) and that passion certainly overflowed into my own life. He guided me through my time at Parish, and I am very grateful for all that he did to foster my love for science, which has now led me to achieving my dream job.

Any advice to Parish Seniors or students?

It is greatly important to recognize the value of education early on in your college career. Learning for the sake of learning is increasingly lost amongst our generation. Yes, grades will matter, but do not forget to challenge yourselves. Do hard things. Do not be afraid to fail. Maintain your focus and perform well on your studies- but above all, do not forget to enjoy your time in college. Those 4 years have the potential to be the best years of your life. Do not let the world pass you by while you have your nose in a book.