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Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
The two years I spent at Gatton were definitely the most challenging years of my life. Living three hours away from home and being faced with classes that were seemingly way out of my league was tough. But these two years were also filled with countless joys and opportunities. I got to do “real research” discovering and naming a new bacteriophage virus, studying cancer-related mutations in fruit flies, and analyzing beetle populations in Costa Rica. Along with the research came opportunities to present at professional conferences. I presented my research findings on campus (WKU), at the US Naval Academy, and even at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s research facilities in Virginia! Living with 120 friends and classmates was definitely an adjustment, but I ended up developing some of the closest friendships I’ve had. Honestly, on a few occasions the Academy almost pushed me to my breaking point, but by God’s grace and with the help of some amazing staff and friends, the pressure and high expectations allowed me to grow into a stronger person. It was an incredible opportunity, and I am so thankful to have had it.
How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
I am much better at asking for help! Recognizing the need to admit my weaknesses and look for assistance in overcoming them was one huge lesson that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Also, the Academy has helped me get a head start on school. Lord willing, I plan to graduate in two years. Many of the friendships that I made while at Gatton have continued even after we have gone our separate ways, and I am so thankful for them! Lastly, the staff did a wonderful job of teaching me key life skills, like how to write a good resume or application essay, how to keep track of deadlines, and how to maintain a balanced life.
Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
After graduating from Gatton, I spent a summer working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, doing research on Lupus. While I was there, I got to watch a 7-hour long surgery, visited a cadaver lab, and learned more about the process of applying to medical school. I am continuing to pursue a double major in Biology and Chemistry at Western Kentucky University. This fall, I got to donate bone marrow (through a non-related match) to a patient with Leukemia! Last I heard, the cells worked and the patient is out of the hospital. Hopefully, I’ll get to meet her within the next year!
What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I would love to get into medical school and possibly become a pediatrician. My goal is to be able to provide care to people who do not have access to help, possibly travelling overseas to be a medical missionary in a third world country. Aside from that, I would love to get married, to keep serving at my church, and to be an encouragement to everyone I interact with!
What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
During my first finals week, we were on 23 hour quiet hours. Right before 10:00 (the end of “loud hour”), Beth Hawke came onto our wing and said “Hey, it’s the end of loud hour- make the most of it!” So we all yelled, hollered, clapped and stomped for the remaining few minutes until we were blue in the face. It was great to de-stress and share a moment of fun with students and staff.
We would like to thank Samantha for taking time out of her schedule to be interviewed. Next week, we will spotlight Ms. Emily Peeler (Class of 2008) who is currently a law student at the University of Louisville.
