Scott Keller

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“I believe that my accomplishments are directly tied to the support that I have received throughout my life by my family, friends, and God.”

  • Program: 2009 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Peoria, IL
  • Hometown: Mattoon, IL
  • Age: 23

Biography

PROFILE: Scott Keller’s strong religious beliefs have helped to form his career goal of becoming a doctor and helping those in need. His mission trips to the Ivory Coast, Mexico, and New Orleans to aid Katrina survivors solidfied that desire. If it weren’t for “family, friends and God” Scott says he would never have been able to pursue his dreams, nor accomplish the academic honors that he has achieved in community college and at Eastern Illinois University. His family in rural Illinois instilled in Scott the values of diligence, hard work, and responsibility. He’s a humble young man who takes nothing for granted and considers each day and each opportunity a blessing. Living life to the fullest, he loves both the excitement of playing sports with friends and the peaceful quiet of sitting and reading a book “and escaping whatever might be the pressing issue of the moment.”

 INSPIRATION: As he begins medical school, Scott recalls a teacher at Arcola High School in Illinois who helped him to become a better student. The teacher, Michael Nave, taught literature and English, Scott’s least favorite subjects. “But by challenging me he made me realize that there were aspects to these subjects that could be just as intriguing as the sciences, which I love.”
 
ASPIRATION: Scott hopes to earn both a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and an MD. Having both degrees will allow him to practice medicine as well as do research in the medical field.
 
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: It was during his most recent mission trip in West Africa at an HIV clinic that Scott saw his future before his very eyes. “It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life to go to another culture and work with the sick and the dying.”
 
ACCOLADES: Scott is a Dean’s List student at Eastern Illinois.
 
INTERESTING FACT: Scott’s a thrill seeker. He enjoys skydiving, rock climbing, hiking, and off-roading.

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