Randolph-Macon College student Mekenzie Wilson ’19 has a lot to be proud of. A first-generation college student, she’ll graduate on June 1, 2019 with a B.S. in chemistry and biology—disciplines she is passionate about. As her family cheers her on during Commencement, they’ll also celebrate the fact that Wilson was recently accepted into the graduate program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS). Wilson will begin her studies this fall in conjunction with a BS/MD Program Agreement between RMC and EVMS.

Hard Work + Expert Guidance
Wilson worked hard to make her RMC experience successful and to plan for the future. She did an internship, joined campus organizations, tutored fellow students in the Higgins Academic Center, and sought the advice of faculty and staff.

She also attended Boot Camp, a two-day program sponsored by the college’s EDGE Career Center; and was a member of Leadership Fellows, the Pre-Health Society, and Delta Zeta. And throughout her college career, she met regularly with Josh Quinn, medical careers coordinator for the EDGE, who helped her navigate the medical school admissions process.

“His guidance was integral to my success throughout my pre-medical journey at RMC, and to my admission to EVMS,” she says. “The assistance I received from staff in the EDGE helped me apply to medical schools—a process that can often be stressful. Josh made sure that I knew what to expect regarding entrance exams, application essays and admissions interviews. Randolph-Macon prepared me well for this process; that is something unique to this institution.”

A Passion for Medicine
Quinn also helped Wilson secure a tailor-made internship at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center (MRMC). Wilson’s days at MRMC were busy: She shadowed physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators and saw firsthand what it takes to provide the highest standard of patient care.

“My internship enriched my college experience by providing me with the opportunity to experience an inside look at a ‘day in the life’ of my ultimate career aspiration—a physician,” says Wilson, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, ODK, Beta Beta Beta, Chi Beta Phi, and Phi Lambda Upsilon.  “I observed a wide variety of medical procedures; however, I discovered that the most valuable interactions occurred when I was just talking to the people I was shadowing. I asked them about their experiences and received valuable advice, which ultimately solidified my passion for medicine.”

Mentorship and Support
Wilson, the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, credits her success in part to the mentorship of Chemistry Department faculty.

“I was encouraged to declare chemistry as my major by Professor Serge Schreiner after my first semester at RMC, a decision that greatly shaped the rest of my college career,” she says. “The chemistry program challenged me to reach my highest potential academically, while also introducing me to lifelong friends and mentors.”

YJ Pride
“The RMC experience means that I have access to a huge network of friends, faculty and alumni who are willing to advocate for me,” she says. “I am overwhelmed with pride when I explain to others how wonderful my experience was as a student at Randolph-Macon College.”