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Burgemeir
Molly is a graduate of Pendleton County High School and Northern Kentucky University Class of 2020. She was a member of the honors program and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. Molly is one of the select group of students admitted to the UK College of Medicine Early Assurance Program which was designed to create a clear pathway for students in medical school. Once accepted Molly was assured admission to the UK College of Medicine/NKU Campus which she will begin in August.
Tell us about your journey in Pendleton County Schools. What was a highlight that stood out?
I attended Northern Elementary School, Phillip Sharp Middle School, Pendleton County High School, Northern Kentucky University, and will be starting medical school this August at the University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine at Northern Kentucky University. One highlight that really stands out to me is how I kept the same group of classmates all the way from elementary school to graduation. Not many people can say that and I think that comradery between my classmates and I made us better students.
What aspects of your public education helped mold you into the person you are today?
The most shaping aspect of my public education was how much my teachers really cared about me and my future. One of the reasons I succeeded in my education was because I enjoyed coming to school. My teachers provided a good balance which allowed me to work hard and work to my own potential, but I never felt too much pressure to be the perfect student. That type of pressure can lead students into a spiral of always needing to be perfect but never living up to expectations and that can discourage great students from reaching their potential. I never felt that pressure to be perfect and I think that allowed me to comfortably push myself.
When you think back on your experience in school, are there specific instances or relationships that stand out to you as having had a significant impact on your success since graduating?
High school had the greatest impact on me because I was able to form stronger connections with my professors and I had the opportunity to take Advanced Placement, dual-credit, and college courses. The dual-credit and college courses that Pendleton County High School offers to students significantly impacted my success in college because they helped me learn how to study and I was prepared for my NKU courses.
As a product of public education, what advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child?
Advice I would give to a parent choosing an education path for their child is to think about the big picture, not just what will make your kid the smartest. Of course intelligence is important, but it’s important for a student to be well rounded. I think public education does a great job of creating well-rounded students who not only excel in academics but also provides trade school programs like co-ops. Public education also has a great sense of community and I think every student should have that feeling when learning because it creates a more inviting environment.
As a product of Pendleton County Schools what drives you to give back to your local school and/or district?
I want to give back to my local schools because I know how much they’ve done for me and I want other students to be given the same experiences that I have. I would not be where I am today without the support from my previous teachers and they made me feel like they really cared about me. For some students, that care and support can make all the difference and that student can grow and succeed, which may not have happened without that care and support that I felt from my local school.