Baldauff: Bromenschenkel’s dedication is clear
Steady.
That’s the word Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science, used multiple times to describe senior Trenton Bromenschenkel. He came into Waynesburg University as a biochemistry pre-med major and has stayed his course ever since.
But even the steadiest of students faces a bend in the road at some point. For Bromenschenkel, it was during his senior year of high school. Until that point, he was sure he was going into engineering – he loved math. But an encounter with a mentor changed that.
“I kind of made my choice about medicine when I shadowed a doctor that I knew,” said Bromenschenkel. “That was my initial exposure, and I said, ‘This is something I could really see myself doing. This is really cool.'”
Bromenschenkel traveled to Waynesburg from his Sacramento, California home because, in addition to financial benefits, Waynesburg has a pre-med program that allows him to graduate within four years. Once he arrived, he said, he jumped right into activities on campus.
He helped to start the Sting Swing dancing club on campus and worked to form an advocacy group called Results that runs through the American Medical Student Association, of which he is a part. Bromenschenkel has also served as an officer for the Biology Club, Waynesburg’s outdoor club and the American Chemical Society student chapter. He tutors through the Knox Learning Center and works as a Resident Assistant and a lab assistant for chemistry.
Despite his heavy campus involvement, Baldauff said he is eager to volunteer his time to serve others. This tendency is showcased by Bromenschenkel’s sophomore internship, during which he traveled to Mexico for two months to assist medical professionals at an orphanage’s clinic.
Bromenschenkel also interned for a summer at the UC Davis Surgical Center in Sacramento. He said both of these internships have solidified his desire to pursue medicine. After graduation, he plans to work for a few years before applying to medical school.
Bromenschenkel said he couldn’t pinpoint one favorite accomplishment during his time at Waynesburg.
“My interests are so varied it’s hard to say, ‘This is the one I loved the most,'” said Bromenschenkel.
He advises that all Waynesburg students get involved in multiple activities as soon as possible before narrowing down their interests. Although he is passionate about medicine, Bromenschenkel’s involvement in the university allowed him to pursue his enjoyment for math and other activities. And throughout it all, he’s been able to maintain a good GPA, which he said he’s proud of.
It’s his determination and hard work that Baldauff said will open doors for Bromenschenkel in the future.
“I hope that he finds something that he absolutely loves doing,” said Baldauff. “He definitely ash the determination and dedication to excel in a medical career, but if he chooses chemistry, he’ll also be every successful there.”