Erseke, Albania
Bioinformatics Undergraduate, Scott Scholar
Eftiona came to UNO from Erseke, Albania, in 2011 to study Bioinformatics, an emerging field that combines computer science and biology. After completing her studies, she wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatrician and helping to heal people.
Here's what Eftiona says about UNO:
Why did you choose to come to UNO?In my home country of Albania, there isn’t a major like Bioinformatics where you can combine science classes with computer science. It was a hard decision for me to choose between medical school and computer science because I enjoyed both. I learned about UNO's Bioinformatics program from my brother, an alum of UNO. I was attracted by the program's multi-disciplinary approach across subjects that I enjoy -- mathematics, biology, chemistry -- and I like how computer science ties them all together. Also there are few universities in the United States that offer Bioinformatics at the undergraduate level.
What do you like about UNO and Omaha?Moving from a small country and a small school to a big school like UNO can be scary and frustrating at times, but I love how everyone is so friendly and welcoming here in Omaha and on campus. Everyone is willing to help any time you need assistance. Omaha is a home away from home, or better said: Omaha is my Homaha!
What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes?Being a full-time student and working part-time, I don’t have much free time. But whenever I have some free time, I like to watch movies, go for walks, bike, rock climb, cook, or Skype with family and friends back home. I love to travel, and I am trying to visit as many places as I can in the United States.
You were chosen to be a Scott Scholar as well as for the Emerging Leaders program. What do these honors mean for you?Being chosen as a Scott Scholar recipient as well as for the Emerging Leaders program was a great honor for me and an experience that I will never forget. It is so encouraging to see that your hard work is appreciated and noticed and honored. It is a once-in-a-lifetime event and an experience that I will cherish for years to come.
What advice would you give to other students who are looking for a university in the United States?My first advice is to take plenty of time to study your potential choices. Geographic location of a school, its size, the degree programs it offers, the academic standards, and the total cost of the education are good factors to keep in mind. So choose a university that best fits you. Usually smaller colleges have a more protected environment and class sizes are smaller. This helps in the ratio of students to faculty, which is helpful in educational and cultural terms. Integration into student life is also easier at a smaller college. I wouldn't change UNO for any other school!