Lucy Mwangi, a 2023 graduate of Newman University, said her best life advice is to “take every experience given to you and learn something from it.”
She added, “You never know when life is trying to teach you something.”
Mwangi, who hails from Wichita, knew she wanted to be a physician when she began college. But it wasn’t until she experienced her mother’s 17-month cancer journey that she understood what the calling truly meant.
Her mother was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma at the beginning of Mwangi’s senior year at Newman in 2022. On top of being a full-time student, Mwangi served as a caregiver until her mother’s death on Nov. 2, 2023.
“Being on the family side taught me the toll it can take on them,” Mwangi said. “I carry my mom with me every day. It can be in the smallest and largest of ways. Because of my experience in her journey, I know I will be capable of relating and providing compassion to my future patients.”
From student to teacher
Today, Mwangi teaches a cell biology and microbes course at Bethel College, an opportunity she attributes to her hard work as an undergraduate student at Newman University.
As a Newman student, Mwangi majored in biology with a pre-medicine concentration. She was a dancer on the Newman cheer and dance team and a member of multiple clubs, including the Newman University Medical Professionals Club, Diversity Round Table and the Pan-African Student Organization. She also served as a biology and chemistry teacher’s assistant (TA) for one semester and a microbiology TA for two and a half years.
Mwangi described her days as a microbiology TA as her “most significant opportunity as a Newman student.” She instructed students, prepared lab materials, lab procedures, addressed student questions, supervised experiments and adapted to student requests. She even helped revamp the TA manual before graduating.
“Being a TA at Newman is a really big step for professionals,” Newman Assistant Professor of Biology Tomo Bell, Ph.D., said.
A special connection
In August, Jean Woods, an assistant professor of biology at Bethel College, asked Bell for recommendations on someone to teach a lab course. Mwangi was the first person who came to Bell’s mind. Bell will always remember the day she met Mwangi: “She welcomed me with her beautiful big smile.”
Mwangi saw the job opportunity as a “fantastic chance” to return to the lab setting. The most rewarding aspect of instructing, Mwangi said, is watching her students make discoveries and explore the field of science.
“For many of them, it is their first time exploring important biology topics, and it’s fun seeing them engage with topics and learn each week,” she said.
Bell is dedicated to her students, past and present, and prides herself on connecting students to professionals.
“Students obtain knowledge in my class, and I also would like to provide places where they can utilize their knowledge as professionals,” she said.
An irreplaceable gift
Mwangi’s future would have looked much different were it not for the gift of scholarships.
“I was led to Newman for two main reasons: the reputation of the science program and the opportunity to dance in college,” Mwangi said. “Without the combination of those scholarships, I would not have been able to attend a private university or form close relationships with my professors and peers.”
Mwangi’s hard work continues to pay off, placing her one step closer to becoming a physician. Her next goal is to apply to medical school.
Bell said Mwangi will be a doctor who is “so loved by her patients and builds immediate connections.”
She added, “My hope is that Lucy always works hard to help others so she will have enough time for herself to rest.”
Mwangi continues to incorporate dance and movement in her free time as an attendee of local hip-hop classes and as a softball coach. She also prioritizes her time with family and friends and enjoys reading books.
No matter what experiences life brings her, one thing is certain.
“I know my mom is always looking down at me and helping guide me along my path,” Mwangi said. “Overall, I do what I can every day to make her proud.”
Because of my experience in my mom’s journey, I know I will be capable of relating and providing compassion to my future patients.
Lucy Mwangi ’23
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