While many of her friends decided to attend local colleges closer to home, cell and molecular biology senior Courtney Smith knew she wanted to attend college someplace different. After a tour at Missouri State, her decision was made.

Smith was recently selected as the CMB Senior of the Year, awarded a pre-medical scholarship and a large scholarship from the national Phi Eta Sigma.

“I knew I wanted to go to Missouri State by my junior year of high school,” said Smith. “The second I visited campus, I knew I wanted to go here. The campus is the right size, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed.”

Even though Smith knew she wanted a degree in the medical field because of her love of helping others, she was uncertain of what area she wanted to focus on. After helping research pulmonary embolisms she knew she wanted to pursue a career as a PA, or physician’s assistant.

“I really feel like a physician’s assistant is the best of both worlds,” said Smith. “You get to take on a lot of the responsibility but you also get to have more time with family, and that’s always been really important to me.”

Smith has dedicated much of her time not only to her academics but also to serving in the community. She was an avid member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters in high school and wanted to continue volunteering when she came to Missouri State.

“After about a year I was matched with Harley, and she’s been my little sister now for two years,” said Smith. “Harley didn’t really do so well in school when I first met her, but now she’s doing better and is wanting to go to college like me some day. I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve done on campus.”

Smith currently works full time at Dublin’s Pass to pay for school and enjoys riding her motorcycle in her free time.

“It’s just another thing that I think makes me unique,” said Smith. “There aren’t that many people that ride motorcycles, and definitely not many girls. It’s my escape from all the other parts of my life. I’m very passionate about it.”

Check out Courtney on You Tube at:   https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=-UvE_pqN3Vg

Story by Shay Stowell, MSU’s university communications student writer