Damian Winkelmann '19
Name: Damian Winkelmann
Graduation Year: 2019
Major: Biology
Your Story:
I am from Buffalo, MN, and came to Gustavus as many others did under the
very general ‘pre-med’ aspiration. Upon taking biology classes, I confirmed my
passion for understanding the human body and helping solve problems that arise
within the body. Though self-labeled as ‘pre-med’ at the time, I was not particularly
set on any field of medicine. Because of this, I decided to look around the healthcare
field, researching and understanding the roles that each type of provider/health
professional played in the community.
After talking with health professionals, shadowing, and understanding each
profession to the best of my abilities, I came across dentistry. Through several
opportunities, including the Gustavus Pre-Dental January Interim Career
Exploration shadowing experience, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Preparation Course, and several other experiences, I grew passionate about the
work being done by individuals in the dental profession, about the type of
environment they work in, and about the patient-provider interaction in the field.
By spring of my sophomore year at Gustavus, I was dead set on pursuing dentistry.
From there, I used Gustavus to my advantage, building skills for being a successful
applicant and learning from alumni/faculty/and fellow students all that I could.
Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Shadowing four dental offices during the Pre-Dental January Interim Career
Exploration at Gustavus
2. Being president of my fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
3. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Preparation Course
4. Teacher’s Assistant in Gustavus Adolphus College Biological Science Department
5. Gustavus G.O.L.D (Gusties In Ongoing Leadership Development) Program
Advice:
1. There are a lot of professions, particularly in the healthcare field, that may not be
well known to students looking to go into that field. My advice is to take a deep look
into the field you intend to go into (as well as look into other fields) and don’t be
afraid to look into fields you never thought you would go into. Each field is different,
and more than likely you will find a career/profession that is different than your
initial career aspirations that is the right fit for you.
2. I would encourage you to seek out ways to develop your leadership skills. Luckily,
at Gustavus, there are ample amounts of opportunities to do so—joining Greek Life,
participating in Gustavus organizations such as the Campus Activities Board or
Gustie Greeters, attending leadership seminars, joining the leadership team of an
existing club or a club that you help create, or helping to organize philanthropic
pursuits. Be involved because you want to, not because you have to; find something
you are passionate about and make the most of it. The leadership skills you develop
through these opportunities will be critical for your life after Gustavus, no matter
where you end up.
3. Take advantage of all the resources at your disposal on campus. There are many
areas that are overlooked that can be extremely beneficial in your journey. There
are professors with guidance of research and academic pursuits, alumni who have
gone through the same struggles as you, and faculty dedicated to helping you get
where you want to be. Additionally, do not forget about your fellow Gustavus
cohorts, which are under some of the same stresses and processes as you likely are,
and it can be invaluable to consult with them and even go through processes
together (whether it is an academic project or working on your application to
graduate school).
Future Plans:
I will begin my dental studies at the University of Minnesota School of
Dentistry starting August of 2019. Someday, I hope to have my own practice,
allowing me to use my interests, passions, and skills crafted over the years to
positively contribute to the health, lifestyle, and confidence of members of the
community.