In middle school and high school, I bounced around school-to-school missing many classes due to illness. When Senior Year arrived, I was told that I would not be able to graduate with the credits I had accrued. I went to Merrymeeting Adult Education and tried to figure out an alternative course to the alternative route. Talking with Paul Elisha (Academic Administrator) and after testing, I decided my best course of action was to get a GED. 

I applied to my local college at UMA for a degree in Biology. I wanted to go in the medical field but was unsure of exactly what profession. During the end of my freshman year, I decided to become a Physicians Assistant (PA). I became thoroughly involved in college with Biology Club and Aging Forward Initiative and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2018.

During the spring of 2018 I learned of a new PA program (Yale Online PA Program) and applied. I thought applying and interviewing there would be great practice for my future PA school interviews. I was beginning to apply to other PA programs when I got the call I was accepted. It was hard to believe that someone like me would get into Yale.

In January 2019, I began the most rigorous and intense 2 half years I had ever experienced. I finally graduated in May and took my exam to become a PA, but because of Covid, I had to travel 4 hours away.

This summer my dream of becoming a PA became a reality and now I practice in urgent care here in Maine. Fall of 2013 I was anxious young girl who did not think I would even be able to get a GED. Fast forward 8 years and through help, determination and never giving up I am now a Physician Assistant who loves to help my patients and make an impact in my community. [sic]