Dr. Kamilah C Banks-Word, M.D., M.A.

How would you describe your college experience?

I must say that I enjoyed my college and graduate school experiences. I can recall as a high school student eagerly anticipating traveling to college to embark on new things, new surroundings, new people and endless learning opportunities. I have always enjoyed education and advancing my knowledge base in any capacity, was and continues to be exciting. College was a gateway for me to learn more about myself as I was becoming an independent young adult, but it also helped to shape and foster my ideas of what future I wanted for myself and how I would give back to the world in some way. Also, being the first female in my family to attend a university and to further pursue graduate studies and then medical school, I knew my experiences would be stepping stones for other family members and friends with similar interests. Throughout my learning, I would always share details with my siblings, cousins, and others so that they would hopefully continue to be motivated to pursue their dreams and purposes with no hesitation, regardless of potential obstacles. I really believe the college experience, from the educational aspects, interpersonal and social interactions, and overall campus life, is something every young person should experience.

When did you know that you wanted to major in a STEM discipline?

It actually took me a long time to decide on a STEM focus. I have always enjoyed math and science (Geometry and Physics being the most fun for me 😉). However, growing up in an impoverished and underserved area, I did not have access to needed resources or persistent words of encouragement to  pursue STEM. It was not until I attended graduate school and decided that I wanted to learn more about the connection of the human body and mind, that I then decided to create a path for myself to medical school. This entailed me returning to college classes to take the needed science courses required for pre-med. I was very happy to take the courses and to get the education needed at MTSU, which led me to meet the wonderful and ever-encouraging, Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross; and, to then become a part of the very influential WISE (Women In Science & Engineering) Student Group. The experience of being with other like-minded females in various STEM disciplines was so rewarding and I would not change it for anything. It was truly an empowering feeling and something that I look for in most settings or groups that I am a part of. Young women working together to motivate one another is always fruitful and definitely needed early on for young girls who are interested in STEM areas. Whether you decide early on or later in your educational journey, know that there are always a group of other young girls and women who are rooting