b'WWW.MARSHALL.EDU/FOUNDATIONshe is feeling overwhelmed. She isBS/MD:a member of Alpha Kappa AlphaBelieving Science / Making a DifferenceSorority, Incorporated, a historically black sorority that helps improve social and economic conditionsIve grown up around Marshall my entire life, through economic status. Brianna isvisiting for various school field trips, competitions also a member of the pediatrics andand sporting events. The same campus I have internal medicine interest groups.walked for years has taken on a whole new appearance that is full of excitement now that I Thankful for the support of alumni,have committed to study here for the next seven Brianna believes they give brightyears, said Cassidy Woodrum, an entering minds and leaders a chance. Onfreshman, from Huntington, West Virginia. her educational journey, she is most thankful for the opportunity to simplyCassidy will be attending Marshall as part of the be attending medical school. newest BS to MD cohort and majoring in biology It is a dream that many are neverwith a minor in chemistry. She will graduate from able to attain, not solely becausethe Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of ability or financial reasons butof Medicine in 2027, as part of an accelerated because of a long running list ofseven-year program.blocks that prevent them from doing so. I am thankful that the barricadesWhen presented with the incredible opportunity of the BS to MD scholarship, as well placed in front of me didnt hold meas the comfort of staying in my hometown, I couldnt refuse attending Marshall, said back. I am thankful that the obstaclesCassidy. Im excited to further my education in the STEM field as well as electives such I faced didnt weigh me down. I amas creative writing and Spanish.thankful to be of sound mind and reason that will one day allow me toCassidy believes her greatest challenges at Marshall will be making the transition to be the best physician I can possiblyfull independence and managing her time with a full pre-med course load, although be. she was involved in extracurricular activities in high school. Cassidy was a member of the tennis team, swim team, National Honors Society, Student Government, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honorary, and a Writing Center tutor. She is most thankful for Mrs. Words cannot expressMcElroy from the Distinguished Honors Scholars Program.how thankful I am to Drs. Touma. GrowingHonors Program challenged me in ways I wouldnt have deemed possible, and it up in a less privilegedbrought so many incredible opportunities into my life that I might not have otherwise taken advantage.community has not only offered financial andCassidys parents are her biggest supporters because they encourage her to do her academic challengesbest and taught her that her best is always enough. She has high hopes for her time at Marshall, where she plans to work hard and excel in her courses, take full advantage but has also helped meof the numerous clubs and activities offered by the university as well as form lifelong realize the importancefriendships along the way.and value of obtainingOther than all of the amazing opportunities Marshall has given me, I love the sense of a quality education.family and community you have on campus and in Huntington. Even with thousands of Thank you for believingstudents, you feel as though you are seen and heard, said Cassidy. in me.As a recipient of the Promise, John Marshall, the BS to MD scholarships and the Caro Family Endowment, Cassidy is grateful for the opportunities they provide. She believes it is important for alumni to give back to share their success with others and motivate students to succeed themselves, while providing hope and support to students who are struggling financially.I would like to say thank you to every individual and organization that works each year to make these scholarships possible, because I know they mean so much to me and every other student who receives them.'