When choosing a graduate school program, I was initially most attracted to the University of Chicago’s prestigious reputation and output of cutting-edge research. In my three years in the BMB program, I’ve been very impressed by the collaboration both within and between departments as well as the professional development programming specifically tailored to life sciences PhD students (myCHOICE). The faculty and administrators here continue to be incredibly uplifting of my interests, passions, and goals – both inside the lab and out. I’ve felt encouraged – not just supported – to explore career paths as curiously as research questions. Moreover, as a Chicagoland native, I feel incredibly grateful to be spending my twenties in the remarkable city of Chicago!