Degrees: B.S. in Biology and Minor in Health and Medical Sciences
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship has undoubtedly influenced my past four years at Georgia Tech. This program has provided me with enrichment funds for academic trips and experiences, one-on-one mentoring from two dedicated professors, and life-long connections and friendships with other scholars. Not having to worry about paying for school allowed me to truly focus on my studies and have the financial means to pursue my interests with ease of mind. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and support Stamps has so generously granted me.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Besides advising to call home more and watch out for the “Freshman 15”, I would tell myself to learn how to balance my obligations as quickly as possible and become intentional with my time. There will be so much class work to do and so much fun to be had as an undergrad, and, unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to do it all. I would say that if I make a conscious effort to balance my academic and social life — along with sleep — everything else will fall into place.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
I had the privilege of having Dr. Shana Kerr, my favorite Biology professor and adviser, as an instructor nearly every semester I was at Tech. She challenged me in the classroom, supported and presented numerous opportunities to me outside the classroom, and clearly demonstrated her desire for me and others to succeed. She is a significant factor in my success at Georgia Tech.
What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
Spending over a week trekking through the Canadian Rockies with fellow scholars was an experience like no other. Hiking up that steep scree slope is still one of the most difficult things I’ve done, but I’d do it all over again if given the opportunity. Reminiscing on the time my peers and I spent learning our fight song, having rap battles, and playing word games while hiking instantly brings a smile to my face.
What comes next?
I am headed to medical school at Emory University this July! I selected Emory because my aspirations are directly aligned with their mission to develop physicians, like myself, who want to dedicate their careers to using high quality, compassionate patient care and innovative research advancements to meet the needs of our communities. As a lifelong Georgia resident, I have always viewed Emory a state and national leader in healthcare and have aspired to obtain my medical training here.
Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” – James Baldwin