Sarah Rudasill,
Wake Forest

Degrees: B.S. in Economics; Minors in Chemistry and Health Policy and Administration

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship was the reason that I chose Wake Forest, but the enrichment funds also shaped my future trajectory by giving me the freedom to explore potential careers of interest. I worked at an economic think tank in South Africa, served a medical clinic in Costa Rica, and conducted research in regenerative medicine with the help of the Stamps Scholarship.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
There are more important things in life than academic perfection. Meaningful relationships provide more life fulfillment than perfect grades.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
Dr. Tom Phillips, the director of the Wake Forest Scholars office, has been a fantastic mentor. I always walked out of his office with more questions than answers, but he guided me through difficult life choices by helping me identify my own personal values.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
I will always cherish the opportunity to live and work in South Africa for three months. In addition to cementing my interest in medicine, I had the adventure of a lifetime – cage diving with sharks, hiking mountains, and learning to surf.

What comes next?
After backpacking through Southeast Asia for a month, I’ll attend UCLA for medical school as a David Geffen Scholar.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“What kind of man would live where there is no daring? I don’t believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all.” -Charles Lindbergh