Campus: UNC
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
High School: Franklin County Early College

Steve Jobs, one of the most influential people in the technological world, speaks about the importance of standing at the intersection of humanities and science in Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. That is where I want to be, and that is where I find myself when I think about the changing nature of my academic interests. When I was younger, I found comfort in the world of reading literature. As a young boy, the written words of a page taught me all the shades of the world while also nurturing a writer in me. Reading and writing were my favorite companions from my adolescent to teenage years, but science mesmerized me and gave me a purpose that I will always hold on to. While attending the local community college in my county, I met a professor who brought my interest to a focal point. It was because of this professor that I fell in love with Cellular and Molecular Biology. I am a believer in the idea that we have an innate responsibility to question everything. I am currently interested in majoring in Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in African American Studies. After undergraduate school, I would like to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. While this may be my current trajectory, I easily fall in love with subjects, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I became the first astronaut/ orthopedic surgeon. I also would like to translate and incorporate my passion for literature and writing into my future career. I just want to do everything I love while also helping or benefiting those around me. Altruism is the value that I live by, so I can’t think of any other better way to live my life than by dedicating it to the betterment of others.

As far as my extracurricular activities read, I am a simple person. I have dedicated most of my high school career to improving academic conditions for students. I was a part of the School Improvement Club for three years. I also acted as President of my school’s National Honor Society chapter. I look at the National Honor Society as my proudest achievement because I felt like our efforts to improve the community were profound. During my presidency, we sponsored a family for Christmas and raised more money for the school than ever before. The Christmas sponsorship meant a lot to many members. It was a life-changing experience. Along with National Honor Society, I also served as Vice President for Vance-Granville Community College’s Student Government Association (SGA). As Vice President, I worked closely with other members of SGA to create and coordinate student activities. It was an amazing leadership experience as we became the voice for all campuses spanning four different counties. One high school experience that greatly affected my career endeavors was job shadowing at Duke University Hospital. It gave me a hands-on experience and allowed me to truly dive into the atmosphere and environment of the hospital. During my freshman and sophomore year, I was highly involved with volunteer work at the Duke Regional Hospital, but this experience allowed me to absorb real surgery and professional advice from amazing doctors. No words can describe how undoubtedly grateful I am for all of my experiences, and I know they are only the beginning.

What drew you to the Robertson Program?The thing that drew me to the Robertson Program was this idea of “dual-citizenship”. As a scholar I would have the best of both worlds. I would have access to not only one, but two amazing universities and their resources. As I gathered more information on the Robertson Program, I learned that its benefits were something no other program could offer. We would be forced into situations where we would be challenged, supported, and pushed past limits we thought we had. As if this wasn’t enough, when I arrived for finalist weekend, I was stunned. As the weekend progressed, I found myself surrounded by peers who were, in my opinion, doing more than I ever imagined. Being around these amazing individuals made me want to do more and gave me the belief that I could. This is something that I know the Robertson Program can continue to offer through its current scholars and alumni.