User:Jzhewson

COLLIN ZIMMERMAN

Collin Thomas Zimmerman was born December 29th, 1981 to an adoring family including his 2 five year old twin sisters. From the moment he came home from the hospital his every move has been observed and analyzed by his loving sisters and parents. Collin began his illustrious academic care at the age of six months when he joined his mother at Montessori pre-school where she was a teacher. He quickly showed signs of great intelligence when his first words were actually a sentence spoken to his sisters along with a coordinating head gesture “Leave Me Alone!”

At the age of 5 Collin announced to his family that he wanted to be a doctor. Needless to say his family was thrilled as Collin would be the first dr in the Zimmerman family.From that day forward, Collin’s course was set. His determination was matched only by his family’s expectations and pride.

Collin’s curiosity and kindness shaped his character as well as the playful torture he received from his twin sisters including: Being dressed up like a girl and called Colleen (luckily there are no long term effects evident of this experience) Woken up at the age of 5 by his sisters in trench coats and pantyhose covering their heads (inspired by Charlie’s Angeles btw) Also, being nicknamed Sparky a name that has stuck to this day…with variations including Sparkle bug and one that will be official next weekend Dr Sparky.

Collin is the undisputed family favorite.. there is no ill will or animosity in our family about this playing favorites because it’s unanimous.. he’s his parents favorite, his sister's favorite and even his grandmother Non’s favorite.

From the first moment Non heard the news Collin was born her eyes shown.. she had a special laugh every time his name was mentioned and a glow when she was with him. She held his hands to help him walk as a toddler and danced with him in the kitchen when he was a teenager and helped him move him into his college dorm room. When Collin was in his very short lived bratty teenage years he showed up in Palm Springs at Non’s door when we were visiting him. Amazed to see him we asked.. what are you doing here?.. he was at Coachella his favorite music concert w his friends but left early drove 90 min because he had to see “his NON” There is no doubt Non has made a special trip from heaven to watch over her boy this weekend. Non knew from his beginning that Collin was extraordinary, kind, generous and brilliant. I know she is in heaven very proud of the man he has become.. but definitely not surprised

Collin experienced many moves during his childhood from Ohio to Minnesota, Arizona, and Oregon and going to 7 different schools. Under circumstances when most kids would flounder Collin excelled..and was always nice to his mom.

When Collin moved away from home to attend college in San Diego as Zimmerman family phone tree was established to continue track and analyze his every more. When he aced a test or went on a date there was much discussion between his parents and sisters.

Collin’s amazing academic achievements; sat score and mcat score and have funny med school antidotes are very well known by everyone on the Zimmerman side today because they have been retold to everyone we now over and over again. Yet after every amazing accomplishment and ecstatic reaction from his family. which btw include mass emails, texts, calls and face book status updates Collin get’s the same look on his face its’ if to say ( and sometimes he does “What’s the big deal”. His modesty and ability to make anything seem effortless are a constant source of admiration and amusement for our family

More recently, Collin celebrated his 21st birthday with his sisters and closest friends in Las Vegas. Due to the fact that Collin spent his college nights in the library vs. the bar. He found the need to conduct an experiment in Vegas to find his favorite cocktail: the result and Collin’s drink of choice is a Vodka martini w/ an onion not to be confused with the smoking mai thai at ghost bar that resulted to the night ending. And much to his friend’s amusement Jess and I had to drag the poor guy out holding him up on each side out of the bar as a random passer by yelled “look at that guy.. he gets 2 blondes!!”

Collin graduated from UCSD with a degree in micro cellular biology and went on to attend medical school at UCSD. Here he achieved his greatest accomplishment to date: He met it Clara Lee a fellow medical student and over a 1st date at Chipotle they fell in love. The Zimmerman family phone tree was immediately activated and the topic of Clara received much discussion prior to her meeting the Zimmerman family. As you can imagine: Collin’s sisters did not welcome competition for their brother’s attention and held very high standards for a partner suitable for him. Clara made an immediate and lasting impression on Collin’s family with her witty sense of humor and quiet intelligence. Allyson and Jessica took to Clara as an ally in both admiring and teasing Collin She continues to amaze the Zimmerman family with her quick wit, tough skin and infections laugh. When we met her brother.. it all made sense.. she’s been admired and teased her whole life too! With the initial integration of Clara regarding her academic successes and future career plans.. it became clear that Clara not only was as brilliant as Collin.. but she was as modest as well.

Bill Gates has been quoted saying “to whom much is given, much is required” this applies to both of Collin and Clara- they have been given wonderful families and educations, but they have used everything they’ve been given to become amazing people and partners to each other. I have no doubt they will go on to be a great team and make a tremendous difference in this world as Dr’s.

On Saturday, May 31st the Zimmerman and Lee families came together and celebrate the marriage of two great mind, and beloved people Collin and Clara. One week later they will join again to celebrate Collin and Clara’s graduation from medical school.