Over the next few weeks, Gates County Community Partnership will highlight some of its scholarship recipients, emphasizing their college journey and experiences since receiving one of our scholarships. Our objectives are to keep our local community engaged in the success of our youth and to help improve our students’ understanding of college. We recognize how these stories can inspire others and deliver a positive impact on young lives.
Today’s spotlight is on Kailyn Wilson, a 2023 graduate of Gates County High School and a recipient of Gates County Community Partnership’s “3 Sisters A.R.E. Achievers” Scholarship! This scholarship was sponsored by Dr. Crystal Harden of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, UNC-Chapel Hill.
1. What major or area of study did you choose?
My major is Biology.
2. What are you up to now?
I am currently a senior honors student at North Carolina Central University. I am actively applying to Master’s Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs to not only further my knowledge about the specific field that I’m interested in (medicine) but also to make me a better applicant for medical school and give me time to study for and take the MCAT.
3. How did the “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” help ease your transition into college?
Receiving the “3 Sisters ARE Achievers Scholarship” helped my transition to college in several ways. The first one is financial freedom; this scholarship allowed me to focus solely on my academic endeavors without financial stress. This scholarship is also one of the reasons that I will be graduating debt-free. Lastly, this scholarship was a reminder that the people who chose me for this scholarship have so much faith in my future and the impact I WILL have on the world that they were willing to put money into it, and I refuse to let them down.
4. Can you share your experience transitioning from high school to college?
I was very intentional about my transition from high school to college and setting myself up for success in my first year in college. I knew that going from a small town (Gates County) where everyone knows everyone to THE “Bull City” would be an adjustment. I intentionally picked clubs and organizations I enjoyed in high school when I went to college. Last year at Central, I was a part of the D.R.E.A.M Volleyball Club, 11:11 Durham, and Women in Pre-Med; these clubs were where I met friends and mentors and traveled to different schools. Lastly, I didn’t forget about my support system back home. Although I am pretty independent, I made sure to stay in contact, of course, with my family, as well as with mentors, coaches, and teachers.
5. What have been some of the most rewarding experiences during college?
The most rewarding experience during college is being motivated every day to bring my best self because I’m surrounded by Excellence at my illustrious HBCU. I have been able to network with amazing peers both on and off of North Carolina Central University’s campus through clubs such as Circle K International, Science African American Majors Evolving, 11:11 Durham Organization, and Women in Pre-Med.
6. In what ways have you been able to engage with the community since high school?
My passion for community service started at Gates County High School through clubs like Beta, 4-H, and HOSA, but it flourished at NCCU. I attend a school where “Truth & Service” is our motto. I’ve volunteered at blood, coat, and hygiene drives, local churches in Durham, Eagle Preview, and so much more. My most meaningful community service work has been through the work I’ve done with Duke and NCCU through the Durham University Assisted Community Schools Research Collective. I’m a part of the curriculum sub-team, and this semester, I’ve assisted my team with finalizing the final touches and changes to the curriculum so that it can be utilized by college students in the spring of 2025. The purpose of the curriculum is to prepare college students with the knowledge needed to effectively understand and engage with vulnerable and minority populations before volunteering in public school settings.
7. What are your life goals/aspirations?
I aim to be a physician who can change our community’s mistrust of healthcare and research.
8. What advice would you offer to future college students on making the most of their college experience and giving back to their community?
My best advice to a future college student would be to give yourself grace.
9. Are there any significant accomplishments or experiences you would like to share?
I was recently accepted into the UNC Shadowing Program and will begin shadowing physicians in January.
I recently became a Bubble Skincare campus ambassador, where I create content about Bubble Skincare products and share it on my social media accounts. I also complete different challenges around my campus to promote the brand, so I can’t wait to come up with new and creative content ideas in 2025.
I’m a student researcher for the Durham University Assisted Community Schools Research Collective (Duke & NCCU). In October, I traveled to Baltimore, MD, where I learned about the history of community schools in the Baltimore area and toured and saw schools such as Henderson-Hopkins School and Booker T. Washington Middle School.
In the Summer of 2024, I participated in two summer programs, the first one being the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) Experience at the University of Houston, where I networked and had the opportunity to do research with professionals in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The second one is the VCU Allied Health Career Exploration (ACHE) program; I had the opportunity to spend two weeks on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus learning, exploring, and connecting with current students and faculty members as a part of nine allied health career programs that VCU offers.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Gates County community?
Although Gates County is small, and resources may be limited, we are just as capable of greatness as our peers.