Kyle Olson Merrick '14

Photo of Kyle Olson Merrick

Name: Kyle Olson-Merrick

Graduating Class: 2014

Major: Biology           Minor: Management

Your Story:

Hello, my name is Kyle Olson-Merrick and I am a Senior at Gustavus Adolphus College. I grew up in Duluth, Minnesota where I attended Duluth East High School.

I chose Gustavus for several different reasons. First off, both of my parents are alumni from the class of 1984 and I wanted to continue the Gustie tradition. I was also looking for a close-knit school that could offer me a great variety of service opportunities that would allow me to make everlasting connections. I also was impressed with the strong reputation that the science program had.

My interest in pre-dental started from my grandpa who was a well-known physician in my hometown. Seeing how much he loved the health care field and the impact he was able to have I knew this was something I also wanted to have the opportunity to pursue. In high school I explored different health areas and ended up going on a career exploration day at the University of Minnesota and that inspired me to further my passion for the dental field. I participated in a career exploration my sophomore year and this is when I knew that I was pursuing the right career. I was able to learn and experience things in the field that I would never have been able to otherwise.

My most influential experience at Gustavus confirming pre-dental path was my January Interim Career Exploration. In this experience I made several personal connections with the dentists and actually ended up getting hired as a lab and anesthesia assistant at an oral surgery office in Mankato. At this job I was able to witness every aspect of dentistry but also have an opportunity to be a part of the surgeries. My role was to monitor the patients’ vitals as well as maintain their airways while they were under anesthesia. Working in the oral surgery office has been a wonderful experience.

Class Schedule (Click to view PDF)

Top Five Activities/Experiences:

  • Pre-Dental/Pre-Health club
  • Study Buddies
  • Campus Activities Board
  • Men’s Halftime Retreat
  • Senior Week Committee

Advice:

  • Get involved. This allows you to make connections but also learn more about yourself and what your true passions are.
  • Don’t be afraid to put yourself in an uncomfortable or new situation. If you never try something you will never know what could have come from it.
  • Have fun! You only have four years before you have to move on to the “real” world so be sure to make the most of it! 

Future Plans:  Attending the U of M Dental School, start Fall 2015.


Updated 7/15/2015 HB