Rachel Eccles

How would you describe your college experience?

My college career was a bit unique.  I started taking classes for college credit my sophomore year in high school.  I felt as if I needed to challenge myself, and I was lucky enough to have several important mentors and friends in my life that helped me start my college journey early.  My entire senior year in high school, I took all my classes on my local community college’s campus through dual enrollment.  I think it gave me a degree of freedom from sitting in classes seven hours every day.  Throughout my experience, I learned a lot about myself and obtained the soft skills necessary for my future career.  I also became great at time management from juggling clubs, sports, and schoolwork on both campuses.  I learned that it is very easy to ask questions of teachers, professors, and adults in your life, even if it seems intimidating, because they want to help you succeed.

When did you know that you wanted to major in a STEM discipline?

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to major in a STEM field.  I have participated in several “Girls in Science” and “Expanding Your Horizons” programs ever since elementary school.  When I got older, I took the opportunity to job shadow some healthcare professionals in my hometown to see what fit me best.  These experiences ultimately led me to where I am today, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in Memphis.

What is the most rewarding thing that you do in your job as a STEM professional?

As a student, I have many chances to help in the community and I very much enjoy giving back.  I am apart of several clubs and a pharmaceutical fraternity that holds service events throughout the year.  So far, I have been able to assist in health screenings that take place in underserved areas.  At these screenings, we offer the public blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, flu shots, and convey general education about the individual’s medications.  We offer valuable information to help these people remain as healthy as they can be.

What would you tell a middle or high school girl about careers in STEM?

I would tell younger girls to always try to reach for their dreams.  There is nothing that you cannot accomplish if you want it enough.  Reach out to people who have experience with what you’re interested in.  I know from my encounters that those connections are very important to push you and to help you strive to find the right path.  Careers in STEM can be difficult, but in the long run, they are extremely rewarding!

What should middle and high school girls be doing to prepare themselves for college and a STEM careers?

I would say definitely start as early as you can.  I began college level classes throughout high school, and I feel as if that gave me an advantage when I began applying for scholarships and pharmacy schools.  Learn how to properly manage your time while challenging yourself with harder classes along with extracurricular activities and volunteering at your own local STEM days for kids in your area.  These types of activities are what makes school fun because it is where you can implement what you are learning in real life and help inspire those around you!

What career advice would you give to girls if you only have two minutes?

I would say definitely start as early as you can.  I began college level classes throughout high school, and I feel as if that gave me an advantage when I began applying for scholarships and pharmacy schools.  Learn how to properly manage your time while challenging yourself with harder classes along with extracurricular activities and volunteering at your own local STEM days for kids in your area.  These types of activities are what makes school fun because it is where you can implement what you are learning in real life and help inspire those around you!