Dylan Lease is a sophomore at West Texas A&M University pursuing a bachelor of science in biochemistry. Lease is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and relocated to Amarillo several years ago. Lease understands the human mind and is driven by a desire to make a difference— both in the classroom and beyond it.
Lease plans to pursue a career where he will help others.
“I plan to become a Psychiatrist as I am super interested in how our mind works, and I hope to be able to feed my curiosity and help others become comfortable in their mind,” Lease said.
After being intrigued and enduring personal experiences, Lease was drawn to the field.
“I have always been very curious about everything in my life, and one day, I stumbled across psychology, that enriched me with even more questions about our brain,” Lease said. “Additionally, I have had anxiety since I was in high school and I know exactly how debilitating mental health can be.”
Lease plans to help others by integrating supportive treatment measures regardless of the patients themselves.
“I hope to be able to find better ways of treatment for mental illnesses,” Lease said. “I want to be able to give affected people quicker, reliable treatments as most treatments now aren’t concrete in their effects for everyone.”
One part of Lease’s major that he enjoys most is the vast range of science courses.
“I really love science, and I always have, so I appreciate how many science classes I must take [to complete my degree],” Lease said. “As well, I am grateful for the opportunities I gain that benefit my future as a doctor. The sciences have so many tools that have made many doors open for me.
Considering WT is close to home, Lease was drawn to the university.
“I came to WT initially because I was offered a full-ride scholarship for my undergraduate degree plan,” Lease said. “I went to high school in Amarillo, so I was very familiar with WT and felt comfortable completing my bachelor’s here.”
Lease truly enjoys the personalized support and accessibility at WT.
“The amount of time you get individually with professors and tutors is helpful,” Lease said. “I initially went to Texas Tech, where there is not nearly enough one-on-one time with professors or resources like there is here at WT. So, being able to look for help anytime I need with these difficult classes makes a huge difference.”
Since coming to WT, Lease has been offered valuable opportunities.
“WT has given me the opportunity to find who I was and the motivation to become the version of myself that is successful,” Lease said. “I find a lot of the people I meet here to be kind and helpful at every corner. This made me feel better about the new experience of college.”
Lease is involved in the science department around campus but plans to become more engaged next academic year.
“Although I haven’t joined any clubs yet, I plan to be more active in the fall semester,” Lease said. “I will also be a teaching assistant for organic chemistry.”
Aside from academics, Lease enjoys participating in various hobbies.
“Outside of school, I love being with my friends and having time for myself,” Lease said. “I also really enjoy shopping and going to the gym, so I look great. I also occasionally play video games if time allows.”
Once Lease graduates from WT, he plans to further develop his education.
“After WT, I plan to go to medical school; the idea right now is John Hopkins University, but I would appreciate getting into any school after graduation, though,” Lease said. “Then, I hope to pursue residency somewhere I haven’t yet been,” Lease said.
Lease believes you should always be your true self.
“Always be authentic,” Lease said. “What you need in life will only find you if you are truly yourself. If you always put on a show, you will never be able to just live your life.”
