General Science – Outstanding Senior 2020

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

• Phi Beta Kappa
• Six years of military service in the U.S. Navy – sonar technician
• Over 100 hours of volunteer service at Pullman Regional Hospital

Internships and Employment

• WSU Writing Center – writing consultant
• WSU Writing Center – small group facilitator

Undergraduate Research

• Data entry for Dr. Hubert Schwabl’s research, observing bird behavior and genomics

Education Abroad

• Burgos, Spain: 3-week Comparative Health Systems class
• Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he traveled to Japan, Philippines, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Dubai, England, Amsterdam, and Abu Dhabi

Awards and Recognition

• 2020 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior in General Science
• Salute National Veterans Honor Society – inducted April 2018
• Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
• Veterans Memorial Scholarship
• Herbert L. Eastlick Scholarship

Faculty Comments

“William ‘Cody’ Andrews has impressed me as someone who chose to overcome the trials of his early life. After almost failing out of high school, he joined the Navy, before deciding to go to college where he is now a 4.0 student. Through the guidance of others, he started believing in his aptitude and now is on the path to becoming a physician. I had the privilege of mentoring him in my course in Spain and seeing how another culture, language, healthcare system, and philosophy of living challenged his worldview, health care as a human right, and treating illness. Cody found ways to communicate, confront the differences, and critically evaluate ideas discussed. I was impressed with his ability to oppose others in class and defend his position with evidence. Yet, he demonstrated compassion for the patient condition and concern for the outcome and care of those in his observation. This is an excellent blend of attributes to have as a future physician.”  –Dr. Donald Allison

Personal Statement

My goal has always been to pursue a career in which I can live every day feeling like I am fulfilling my purpose in life and living up to my true potential. At 21 years old, I enlisted in the Navy with the intent to achieve that goal. 6 years later, I separated from the Navy after realizing that my true passion is medicine. Serving my country in the Navy gave me the discipline and motivation necessary to propel me toward my goal, and my time as a student at WSU helped steer me in the right direction. It has been an honor calling myself a Coug for the last 4 years, and I know that I will use and build upon the knowledge and experience I gained at WSU for the rest of my life. I look forward to where life will take me in the future, and I am eternally grateful for the amazing places I have been thus far.

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Donald Allison, clinical assistant professor, School of Biological Sciences, director, Health Professions Student Center
• Amy Nielsen, clinical assistant professor, Department of Chemistry
• Paul Verrell, associate professor, School of Biological Sciences
• Lourdes Giordani, student services coordinator, Health Professions Student Center

Future Plans

William’s goal is to pass the MCAT this semester and then to attend a good medical school, such as the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Before heading to medical school, however, he wants to visit a special cave in Viet Nam, Hang Son Doong.