“Ironically, I chose to major in Chemistry because I had such a hard time with it in high school but ended up loving it,” Carrie says. “It was the same process at Guilford. I was pushed to my limits and it was one of the most challenging things I have experienced.”

No matter how difficult her courses became, Carrie’s professors were there for her. “The entire Chemistry Department was phenomenal. I never felt unsupported and always was advised to keep pushing,” she recalls. “The department knew I probably was not the brightest student they had ever had, but they treated me like I was. They encouraged me and brought out the best in me. I still have not been pushed as hard academically as I have a Guilford.”

As it turns out, Carrie’s Chemistry professors saw more in her than she saw in herself. 

She went on to earn master’s of science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) at Campbell University and recently completed her first year of medical school at Campbell. She is earning a degree in Osteopathic Medicine, an area of the medical field that uses all modern medicine has to offer while emphasizing the goal of helping each person achieve a high level of wellness by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention.

Preparation Pays Off

At Campbell, Carrie is president of the Student Government Association and is considering focusing her studies on maternal fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, or neonatology. “Something with babies!” she says.

“There is no sugar coating it, medical school is extremely difficult and exhausting. My first year went really well and Guilford prepared me beyond measure to tackle it. More specifically, the Chemistry Department gave me as much preparation as one could possibly have for medical school,” Carrie explains. “The first year is like drinking water out of a fire hose, but I survived! I chose this profession in hopes to fill gaps in our health-care system, which needs so much reform. I want to be able to provide adequate healthcare to all people, as I see it as a right, not a privilege.”

It’s a tall order, but Carrie has some experience with uphill battles. She advises current students take advantage of their four years at Guilford. 

“Maximize the opportunities, prepare for the future, but allow yourself to breathe and have fun along the way,” she advises. “Undergrad is hard, but what comes next is even harder. Take those four years to really learn who you are and who you would like to be.”

Are you interested in a medical career? Schedule your personal visit to Guilford to learn more about Chemistry, Biology, and Health Sciences and how your professors can prepare you well for graduate school to become a doctor, physical therapist, physician assistant, dentist, veterinarian, and more.