Oakbrook Preparatory School
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Biological Sciences 

Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude.

– Ralph Marston 

Impactful experience: 
Working on research with Dr. Kimberly Shorter (USC Upstate Faculty) was one of the most impactful experiences of my college years. I began doing research with her the summer of 2019 on the correlation between fetal exposure to folic acid and the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This experience was the first example of hands-on, real-world application of what I was studying, which really motivated and empowered me to continue studying Biology.  

Enjoy most as a TS: 
The level of support we receive from all of the faculty associated with the Top Scholar program is unmatched. They believe in us and push us to do hard things and achieve our goals when we feel lost or unsure of how to reach them.  

Story: 
I had the privilege of attending the Stamps Convention in the spring of 2018. As a freshmen attending this event, I was nervous that my academic pursuits would not compare to those of the other scholars I would meet. At the convention, I met some of the most humble and passionate students. I realized that while these students had many impressive accomplishments, that was not what ultimately defined them. They were not afraid of asking foolish questions or giving wrong answers. Instead, they value intentional discourse and progress over perfection. Passion combined with a willingness to make mistakes is what sets them apart. This posture towards academics was one of the most influential experiences in shaping my view of success and purpose as a scholar.  

Post-graduate plans: 
I plan on attending graduate school to become a Physician Assistant.  

Career goals/professional aspirations: 
I want to go into a healthcare profession, specifically to become a Physician Assistant.