#cup 45

Name: Chelsea Stockman Age: 21 Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Meeting spot: In the living room of her apartment in East Lansing, via Skype  Drink: Yogi Tea's Breathe Deep

Every Yogi tea bag contains a delightful thought. Some people enjoy collecting these; Chelsea is just getting started with hers. It's like me with my invisible gratitude jar. (Currently, I'm putting the thoughts I want to write down off to the side in my brain. I'll put them down on paper eventually.)

Describe yourself in six words.

"Energetic, determined, stubborn, adventurous, curious, empathetic."

                                                 ~~~~

"I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was twelve years old, maybe a little older. My grandpa died when I was about twelve, and my mom was a nurse. My dad’s an engineer and he showed me some things about cars but I didn’t feel it was the field I wanted to be employed in. I also thought Architecture or Interior Design would be a freeing and adventurous profession but after further exploration I decided it wasn’t the long-term job for me. Then there was one time when my brother was seizing, curling up in a ball, screaming, crying. I held him and tried to calm him down in the backseat of our car while my mom drove us to the hospital … Throughout the entire ordeal I remained calm. Even the hospital calmed me and somehow felt like home. That situation changed my perspective of my professional future.

To further explore the possibility of pursuing a career in healthcare/medicine, I participated in an event called the National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care at Northwestern University. Everything about that experience made everything click. What I experienced during the conference solidified my goal of pursuing medicine. A lot of my male friends question my choice ... but they simply don’t know me well enough. Don’t get me wrong; I love cars. I love working with metal and being a 'grease monkey' but I couldn’t do it every day as a job. It’s more of a hobby for me. My boyfriend is studying automotive mechanics so I can practice and learn with him on the side.”

Chelsea Stockman is currently a Michigan State University Pre-Medical student studying Human Biology, Spanish, and Bioethics. She dreams of working as a physician of Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Pediatric Oncology.

I was lucky to catch her at a time when she could sit down and tell me her thoughts about this thing called life for a good hour. Most of the time she is MIA because she’s running off to one of her three jobs or studying science things that I know nothing of, one of which is the MCAT exam. (Double irony note: Her laptop was sitting on top of study books for the MCAT during our caffeinated convo, and I was consuming green tea from the motherland - two teas for the win!) Speaking of running, of all days Cup 45 chose to run it was right before our interview. She knew she was going to be standing for six hours as a Target cashier later that day so she ran to get some energy out. She also hadn’t run quite some time due to her crazy schedule; which is tragic because Chelsea absolutely loves to run. Today [the day of the interview] seemed like a good day to get back into her routine.  

When not working at Target as a team member or Starbucks barista (Might I also add that she used to work at Biggby, too? This Cup knows her coffee!), Stockman works as a Data Collector for a research movement titled Girls on the Move, founded by MSU’s College of Nursing (http://tinyurl.com/m5w7q4k), as well as a patient companion for post-surgical, suicidal, fall-risk, and confused patients at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. 

Courtesy of MSU College of Nursing

What are you looking most forward to in 2014?

"Battling the MCAT, and graduating in December, of course. I’m not looking forward to graduation as much as applying to grad schools. I’m anxious to learn what’s next for me. In January 2015, I plan on applying to 1 and 2-year Master’s programs in Colorado and Michigan. I’d like to move out to Colorado to work and live. I want a more consistent climate and I agree with the regulations in Colorado more so than here in Michigan. It doesn’t hurt that the cities I’m researching support my health-conscious and active lifestyle."

What would you say has been your greatest struggle so far?

"Time management. I have a problem with overscheduling myself between studying/school, working, and family and friends. I never get to see anyone aside from my family and boyfriend."

When you're feeling bogged down or in low spirits, what gives you the most liberation?

"Running helps most. Talking to Ryan [Chelsea’s boyfriend] is also uplifting. He always knows what to say and gives me encouragement and hope. But running gives me time to think and to be by myself, as well as a fight for my tiny, asthmatic lungs. I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of ten. I like the challenge and feeling of physical growth. And releasing all those endorphins doesn’t hurt either!

I started running per the encouragement and persuasion of a friend in high school who was on the cross country team. I ran for a season; I was one of the slowest on the team and on the course. But I didn’t care. All that mattered was I was stronger physically and mentally than I ever had been before. I pushed myself beyond so many limits and grew immensely. I was hooked. However, towards the end of the season I had near fractures in my tibias. I went against doctor’s orders and finished the season; I even ran through post-thunderstorm mud in Sault St. Marie. It wasn’t long after that I took a year off to heal. The time I spent not running led to a downward spiral of my lifestyle – to this day it is my least favorite, and hardest to remember, time span. I started running sporadically the season after that. Ever since I’ve had a yo-yo relationship with running – I by no means have a consistent physical activity routine/habit, but it works well enough for me. Since I prefer solo running, when I do try to incorporate friends it’s on fun runs such as The Color Run.”  

I asked her if she ever thought about swimming and I received a “Yes” with a side of “But I didn’t inherit the fish genes. Those went to my brother.” Then I asked if she ever considered taking up dancing and to my surprise, she has. Stockman plans on attending ballroom dance practice sessions at MSU this spring semester. She was introduced to the art/sport by her previous roommate (and now good friend) Ania, who is on the Michigan State Ballroom Dancing Team. But she was very quick to point out that she wasn’t in it for the competition. “Competing’s not my thing when it comes to exercise. I’d rather compete against myself.” 

She also likes to do yoga.

Chelsea, you mentioned earlier in this interview that you have an interest in cars. Can you elaborate more on that?

"I’ve had a thing for cars since I was a little girl. My mom bought me Barbie dolls and American Girl dolls; my dad bought me a dirt bike and taught me how to fix anything with an engine. My family and I go snowmobiling a lot, and we had a modified golf cart that my mom used to haul things across our ten acre ‘yard.’ One time the golf cart broke down and my dad and I spent an entire summer fixing it. When I got my first car, my dad told me, ‘In order to have this car, any car, you need to know how it functions, how to maintain it, and how to fix it.’ I spent all of my money fixing up that car. The work was difficult, expensive, time consuming, and often resulted in arguments out of frustration, but it taught me countless lessons. It’s impossible for me to look at a car as ‘just a car’ or a ‘hunk of metal.’ To me, it’s a living machine. When I look at a car I see a body filled with organs that need to be carefully monitored. How’s that for mixing medicine and cars?"

I noticed your profile picture on Facebook is of you shooting a gun. Do you enjoy shooting, as well?

"Yeah. My brother’s been into guns for as long as I can remember and my boyfriend talks about guns a lot, too. He [her boyfriend] thought it would be kickass to have a girlfriend who knows how to shoot. Originally I wasn’t all too hyped up about guns and shooting … But I’ve been getting more interested in it because I’ve had more exposure to it. The one I’m shooting in my profile picture is my boyfriend’s first gun which originally belonged to his best friend. It was a Christmas gift immediately before he departed for the military. It’s a Russian SKS. My brother has some of my grandpa’s guns; recently I shot his shotgun (it was a first, and it was a blast, haha). I actually didn’t know that my grandpa had owned any guns until after he died because the only people he ever told about them were his wife and his best friend. Naturally my brother, the oldest male grandson who loves guns, received them. For now I practice with my boyfriend’s SKS at local ranges. Someday I’d like to buy my own handgun, most likely a 9 mm. I’m looking to spend between $500-$1,000. It sounds like a lot but I can’t spend less than $500 if I want a reliable gun. 

For me, the attraction isn’t in the danger of holding a weapon – it’s the power of the machinery against your body and mind. The challenge of shooting is glorious. Going to the range is a fun way to hang with friends/relieve stress.” 

Courtesy of Chelsea Stockman

If you could sit down with anyone over coffee, who would it be and why?

"I would really like to talk to Jennifer Lawrence. I know it's probably a common answer these days but what she believes in is what I believe in. I love her attitude. Every time I see her on TV, I'm thinking, 'Ohmygod. We could be best friends. Why haven't we met yet?!'

What are your other hobbies, aside from working with cars, running, and shooting?

"I like to knit, I have a painting easel that I haven’t used in forever but would like to if I ever have time.. I like coloring books.. (I’m just really artsy-fartsy.) I play guitar as much as I can, sometimes I play piano, building things, cooking, trying new foods, and volunteering. My parents also do a lot of volunteering. I’m actually one of the two Volunteer Coordinators for the MSU Pre-Medical Association." 

Favorite Movie: “I used to say 13 Going on 30 … well … it’s still one of my favorites. Jenna learns so much about herself and has a change of heart when she realizes that life is not about money and status but rather making the best of what you have and being yourself, having a family, and being happy with what surrounds you. It’s inspiring and motivating.”

Favorite Book: "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For similar reasons as my favorite movie explanation.”

Favorite Music: “Right now I’m hooked on Linkin Park 'Recharged'. It’s a dubstep, synthesized remix of their top recent tracks. I also like Thousand Foot Krutch, crazy hard rock stuff like Of Mice & Men ... and then there’s my love for ZZ Ward and Florence and the Machine. I like select country music, too. I have all-around taste. I use a lot of 8track and Pandora.”

Favorite Food: “I love everything food-related (except seafood) but I really love chicken alfredo. I could eat it every day if I had Lactaid (for my lactose-intolerance).” 

What invention or idea would you like to see appear or happening in the world?

"I don’t know if there’s an invention that would help but I wish people would be more equal to each other. We don’t support each other anymore. It’s almost like the Wild Wild West, where everyone is out for themselves. We should be more of a society and family rather than individuals. Even an action as small and simple as smiling at people in the hallway helps. No one smiles anymore! It’s awful."

Based on your experiences leading up to today, what are 3 things you would highly recommend individuals incorporate into their lifestyle?

"Number One: Exercise. I know it sounds crazy but there is a huge lack of understanding our bodies and minds. We surround ourselves with people who are like ourselves – there is huge potential for positive influence if one person in each group made healthier choices. There are so many physical and mental benefits to exercise.. 

Number Two: Healthier Eating. Again: Major lack of understanding our bodies and minds. I think that’s super important. Food feeds our organs and our minds. It can really help us but it can also really hurt us. For grad school, I’m applying to some Public Health programs focusing on Nutrition so that when I graduate I will be a certified dietician. I really want to learn more about the subject.

Lastly, have an open mind and sense of community. So many people are selfish these days and not considerate of others. There is a world outside of your room, your house, your work … a world outside of you. Open your eyes and open your mind. Branch out, be empathetic, and help someone else. You may be surprised by what you learn.”

Courtesy of Michigan State University

-HK