Growing up in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Lilly Boone’s interest in medicine was sparked when she cared for sick horses.
“I grew up with horses, a couple of which had medical issues,” Boone said. “Observing their procedures or treatments and being hands-on with their recovery was where my initial interest in medicine bloomed.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2025 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at spring commencement.
Boone said biology in particular aligned with her desire to learn about how things function.
“I love to know how everything works,” she said. “I am always asking why and how something functions, and a biology degree gave me a solid foundation for understanding the human body and medicine. Biology is so enjoyable because it is dynamic and constantly evolving. No topic is stagnant as there are new discoveries waiting around every corner that will develop my knowledge of and appreciation for life.”
She was drawn to UToledo for the strong pre-med track and close ties to the University of Toledo Medical Center. This led her to pursue a major in biology with a pre-med concentration.
“I had always imagined myself attending university out of state. I absolutely love North Carolina, but I wanted to take advantage of my college years and experience a different part of the country,” Boone said. “I was fortunate enough to receive the Presidential Scholarship here at Toledo which covered all of my expenses. That, and the BACC2MD program drew me to the University.”
Moving to UToledo was a challenge, though, and Boone said she had trouble adjusting.
“As a freshman, I was introverted, a homebody, and my roommates were sophomores, so adjusting to college was initially difficult,” Boone said. “I quickly got comfortable with being uncomfortable. I had to step outside my comfort zone, mature socially, and start finding my true self. Looking back, I have progressed so much in life and have successfully taken a massive step forward to becoming who I want to be.”
Lilly Boone came from North Carolina to study biology and pursue her dream of going to medical school. She graduates with a bachelor of science degree May 3.
Now graduating Saturday, May 3, Boone has become an essential member of the equestrian team, serving as president and vice president. Additionally, she is a part of Alpha Xi Delta and works as a Rocket2Rocket mentor.
Dr. Maria Diakonova, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, said Boone was not only an excellent student, but a vibrant and enthusiastic young adult.
“Lilly is an intelligent young woman, and she does well with conducting an independent research project with minimal supervision,” Diakonova said. “I am impressed by Lilly’s maturity and ability to cultivate positive relationships while remaining academically competitive. Lilly is detailed and intensely focused. She is determined and goal oriented. She consistently shares her knowledge and formulates masterful frameworks for discussion. I appreciate all the contributions that Lilly made to my lab.”
Boone will return to UToledo this fall as a medical student in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences with the intention to eventually specialize in interventional radiology.
“My time as a UToledo student has resulted in ample, irreplaceable experiences with friends, classmates, professors, campus wildlife, and more,” Boone said. “The people, architecture, traditions, and more make UToledo so special. UToledo is so beautiful on the inside and out.”
