Brothers Take Different Approaches with Biology Degrees
At first glance, it might be easy to lump Tegan and Truett Haer together. The brothers from Maryville, Missouri, were just a year apart in school. They played on the same sports teams growing up, and after Truett followed Tegan to Truman, they ended up in many of the same organizations. Another surface-level similarity is they are both biology majors, but as with many of their other connections, a closer look reveals they are each their own man on their own path.
Tegan arrived at Truman first, referred as so many students are by teachers who knew the University would be a good fit.
“A couple of high school teachers told me it was a strong academic school with a good reputation for producing well-rounded and successful students,” he said.
His love of science classes originally drew Tegan to the biology program and a potential future career in the health care field. He also gravitated toward some campus organizations, including KLIFE, Blue Key and Campus Christian Fellowship.
When it came time for Truett to make his college choice Truman was already on his radar. The idea of following in his brother’s footsteps was definitely a bonus.
“Knowing that my brother and best friend would be there with me provided peace with that decision,” Truett said. “It made Truman feel like home before I’d even gotten here.”
There was no inkling of sibling rivalry as Truett also joined KLIFE, Blue Key and CCF. If anything, their shared interests gave the brothers opportunities to strengthen their bonds.
“I love getting to go to college with Truett,” Tegan said. “Now that we are older, we get to push each other to become better men every day. Our relationship is really good, and I know if I need anything, he will 100% be there for me, and I would do the same for him. It is such an amazing blessing to have someone that you can share life with and know they always have your best interests in mind.”
The brothers each view the other as both funny and kind. Tegan describes Truett as dedicated and disciplined, always accomplishing what he sets out to do. Truett admires Tegan’s laid-back approach to life and his ability to be in the moment and enjoy life.
“His go-with-the-flow personality balances out my tendency to have everything planned out, and he helps me take a second to breathe and see what good things are around me,” Truett said.
Although both men are biology majors, they have different goals for the future. Tegan originally planned for medical school and a career in the health care industry.
“I quickly I realized that was not for me,” he said. “In five or 10 years I am not sure what I’ll be doing, but I know whatever I do I will be living to serve and love others in the same way that I have been throughout my time here at Truman.”
With graduation coming up in May, Tegan is thinking he might use his biology degree in another field, potentially as a teacher.
For Truett, his plan has not changed. He chose Truman in part because of its pre-medical reputation. His goal is to ultimately be a sports medicine physician, potentially in a rural community. While he will not graduate until May 2027, he has already been accepted into the University of Missouri’s Bryant Scholars Program, which specializes in training students from rural backgrounds to become rural physicians.
Through a partnership with A.T. Still University, Truett has already gained research experience to add to his CV, as well as training that should prove useful when he starts his career.
“It’s been a great learning experience,” he said. “I hope to apply what I’ve learned about the research process to future studies of injury prevention in athletes, specifically targeted at the recent increase of Achilles injuries in sports.”
With the exception of Tegan’s first year at Truman, the brothers have spent every year of their lives in close proximity. As their undergraduate careers come to an end, it appears they will be going their separate ways, at least for a while.
“Since Tegan and I are involved in so many similar activities, I know that his absence is going to be felt,” Truett said.
“It makes me sad to think that I won’t be able to see him almost every day like I get to do now,” Tegan said. “Thankfully, I know that no matter where we end up, family is extremely important to us, and we will remain in each other’s lives. I will always be cheering him on and encouraging him when he needs it.”
