Amazing Student Interview: Katerina Sakar
By Lisa Dinh
Name/ major/grade:
Katerina Saker, Biology, 3rd year
What are you involved in?
Along with the rigor of being a premedical student graduating early, I focus primarily on UGA Red Cross; I’m on the executive board, head of community outreach. I also work at Dr. Moore’s genetics lab and I am on an intramural volleyball team.
What’s your favorite part about being in Red Cross?
Being able to reach out and influence young people in areas of health and safety. For example, I’m going to be teaching 667 elementary school students about health safety in October. Many of the kids in the Athens community don’t get such opportunities to gain healthcare knowledge, so teaching them with some of the closest friends I’ve made in this organization has been very rewarding.
Why did you choose premed?
It goes back to my life goal, because at the end of my life I want to be able to have made a positive difference. So by becoming a doctor, I have the opportunity to not only make a difference in people’s lives, but I also can give people a second chance at life so that they can do the same.
Why did you choose to be a physician instead of other health careers?
You are able to directly influence and be a part of a patient’s life rather than being behind the scenes. Personally, I never felt connected to my physician, and I would like to promote health by offering comfort.
What do you think are the qualities of a good student? Doctor?
Time management, balance, and passion. If you don’t like what you do then you’re not going to be good at it. For doctors, compassion, patience and hardworking.
What do you think is the toughest part about being a pre-med student? The toughest part about being doctor?
It’s very time consuming. It’s not something you can do half-heartedly, because it’s a lot of work.
For physicians, there’s so many difficult parts. It’s a growing field, so you constantly have to be up-to-date. So constantly having to have that curiosity and motivation is important. It’s almost like constantly having to be a student.
What’s your one tip for time management?
Keeping an organized schedule. I keep a detailed google calendar that has all my due dates and it even gives me reminders for what I have to do. And I never forget to add in some fun!
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to go to concerts and make elaborate Pinterest dinners! The music scene in Athens is so good, how could I not be interested in it?
What do you feel was your greatest failure sin
ce entering UGA? Accomplishment?
Failure: Not going to office hours with my professors and not getting to know them when I had them. I feel like I could’ve done a lot better had I gone to office hours.
Accomplishment: Becoming involved. I was able to understand myself better by exploring my interests; I was able to find myself.