Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
Sarah Pullen
“Becoming a doctor is hard; being a doctor is even harder. Nevertheless, there is nothing else I would rather do. I want to listen, to care, and most of all, to heal.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Tampa, FL
- Hometown: Oviedo, FL
- Four-year College or University: University of Central Florida
- Graduate School: University of South Florida
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Health Care
- Other Interests: Nonprofits, Visual Arts, Volunteer Work
Biography
PROFILE: Sarah Pullen’s interest in medicine was sparked by her 10th grade biology class. “I remember the semester devoted to the human body. Chief cells, parietal cells, mast cells, neurons, Schwann cells…I continue to be fascinated with every aspect.” At home, she was observing medicine from the view of a cancer patient’s daughter. “My vacations were trips to the oncologist. Family time was spent on medical research and worry.” During the years that her mother fought cancer, Sarah was introduced to every aspect of the healthcare system.
She plans to become a family doctor, building relationships based on trust—and not just treating but healing. “I remember the change my mom underwent when she found a doctor who sat down and talked with her, listening to her concerns with respect. She returned from these experiences filled with hope—the most powerful medicine.” While volunteering in doctor’s offices, Sarah has seen the profession from the frustrating perspective of long hours and dealing with insurance companies. She has also seen the joys of healing, and that is what she intends to provide most of all.
INSPIRATION: Her mother’s passing challenged Sarah to continue her life as her mother exemplified—with laughter, belief, perseverance, and love. “My mother’s life has been, and still is, my inspiration. Through the tribulations, my mother continued to love and believe in a great hope. This hope I now carry: to go from simply surviving to completely living.”
ASPIRATION: Sarah plans to be a family practice physician.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Sarah served as treasurer and president of the Golden Key International Honour Society. She also taught lessons for Junior Achievement in an elementary school class.
ACCOLADES: Selected for an American Cancer Society Research Fellowship, Sarah also received the Founders’ Scholar Award for Excellence in Academic Performance, and has served on the University Honors Committee. She is on the President’s Honor Roll, and was a National Merit Scholarship recipient.
INTERESTING FACT: Sarah enjoys skydiving.
Other Scholars Like Sarah
Yeshey Pelzom
Graduate Scholar
TBD
Qian Qian Tang
College Scholar
Massachusetts Institute of Tech
Tomas Garrett
Graduate Scholar
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Michaelle Tauson
Graduate Scholar
University of Denver