Fellow:Kirsten "Ella" Green


Name Kirsten "Ella" Green School (Cohort) University of North Florida (2024 cohort) Majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience Country United States Email Special:EmailUser/Kirstene1959

Bio

20-year-old Hicks Honors student born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Ella discovered early passions for pediatrics alongside a deep appreciation for reading novels, writing poems and songs, and expressing herself through music.

Reading novels allows her to explore diverse narratives and perspectives, allowing her to empathize with various experiences that guide her compassionate outlook on life. Writing poems and songs provides an escape to engage in clear communication and creative expression, values she embraces in day-to-day interactions. Also, expressing herself through music, allows Ella to understand and connect with emotions on a deeper level, further shaping her empathetic approach to others. This connection between her passions and her core beliefs fuels her aspiration to become a pediatrician.

Driven by this aspiration, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of North Florida. Ella's aspiration to become a pediatrician drives her academic pursuits and commitment to medical school. Her desire to positively impact children's lives also supports this ambition.

Ella's dedication to service and mentorship is evident in her previous roles as a Volunteer Coordinator and Extended Day Teacher, as well as her current engagement as a Peer Career Coach and Co-facilitator. As a Volunteer Coordinator, she demonstrated leadership by organizing volunteer groups at the TIAA Bank Field concession stands, successfully raising over $7,000 for the George Foundation for Sight Restoration, an organization providing free eye surgeries for those in need. In her role as an Extended Day Teacher, Ella gained valuable insights into the social and emotional development of young children while cultivating supportive relationships with 20 third-grade students. She assisted with homework, designed engaging activities, and navigated conflicts, a process that further solidified her passion for working with this age group.

Currently, as a Peer Career Coach, she empowers fellow college students in their career development, by providing guidance on resume building, interview skills, professionalism, and digital identity. As a Co-facilitator, she contributes to innovative learning experiences by co-teaching diverse student groups in courses such as "Selfie in Society" and "Design Thinking". These multifaceted experiences have sharpened her interpersonal skills and emphasized the power of collaboration. Ultimately, these roles have solidified Ella's belief that building meaningful connections is a key motivation behind her educational aspirations and her overall desire to contribute positively to the world.

With a strong commitment to lifelong learning and a passion to contribute through research, innovation, and creative endeavors, Ella actively seeks and welcomes new opportunities for personal and professional growth.