Plenty of people study physics.
Fewer people study it to cure cancer.
Corrigan Rotz intends to make an impact. The BYU student describes himself as a planner, and it’s true. He’s planned out a career for himself that’s so impressive, it’s almost funny. Corrigan is wasting no time getting started, and thanks to BYU Independent Study, he has the academic flexibility to crush his goals—and save lives along the way.
The medical world is nothing new to Corrigan. For as long as he can remember, he’s wanted to go into medicine, just not as a doctor. His father’s example helped nudge him in the right direction. “My dad works in the medical field,” Corrigan says. “He does medical device sales. I always looked up to him as an example. [Medicine] sparked my interest because of how easy it is to see your impact on other people. It's very easy to see how you're changing lives. It's something I believe will bring me fulfillment, not just because it's my career, but because I'm really helping people [and] making a difference.”
Corrigan originally found himself inclined towards the world of biomedical engineering. He also knew he wanted to come to BYU, which doesn’t offer the track he was looking for. “I pivoted,” Corrigan says. “Before my mission, I was doing some career research and stumbled upon medical physics, which is essentially cancer treatment. In order to do that, I have to get an undergraduate degree in physics.” Corrigan had his new goal in sight and there was no holding back.
Medical physics isn’t Corrigan’s only area of expertise. During high school, he found himself involved in the world of investing. “I started looking at businesses,” Corrigan says. “How they work, profitability—that influenced me. I did want to apply certain aspects of business to my career, whether it be through family finance, investments, or passive income streams.” So Corrigan dove into a business minor, giving him the skills he’ll need if he ever starts a business.
This summer, Corrigan has a prestigious internship lined up: He’ll be at Washington University doing research on cancer detection technologies with one of the university’s medical physicists. Naturally, he’ll put a pause on his schooling for the 10-week program.
Right?
Wrong.
Corrigan is taking advantage of BYU Independent Study to be in two places at once. He’s registered for a slew of classes over the summer, allowing him to progress in both his career and his schooling at once. For Corrigan, Independent Study has changed the game.
Ever the opportunist, Corrigan’s already jumped into his Independent Study courses. He was planning them for the summer, but during a lull in his in-person coursework, he “got a little bored” and completed IS100 in a week. The course—along with Accounting 200, which he’s currently taking—has surprised him with how smooth, intuitive, and flexible it is. “It's nice to have something very simple and straightforward that helps the students learn the content in their own way and encourage them to reach out if they don't understand something,” Corrigan says. “I enjoy that flexibility, putting it on you as a learner to take control of your own learning.”
Corrigan’s story is more than impressive; he’s an example of tenacity, perseverance, and making the most of every moment. He’s one of many students who use Independent Study courses to get ahead. Corrigan’s educational journey is one that he wants to continue: After his medical career, he could see himself taking up teaching at a university, passing on the expertise he will have acquired.
Corrigan is truly pursuing lifelong learning to benefit the world.
