Gracie Cornelius

About

---

Overview

I am originally from Lewisburg, WV, but I moved to Huntington in 2019 to pursue an undergraduate education. Following three years of intense study, I graduated from Marshall University in May 2022, with a bachelor’s degree in biology (with minors in chemistry, psychology, and English). Post-graduation, I began Marshall University’s biomedical research graduate program. Although my expected graduation date is December 2024, I hope to matriculate to PA school within the next two application cycles. Therefore, I may begin PA school before graduating with a biomedical research degree.

During my undergraduate years, I participated in several organizations and activities. Most notably, I am a member of Marshall’s prestigious BS/MD program, ensuring my acceptance to medical school with a full tuition waiver. I also worked all three years as a part-time pharmacy technician in a local pharmacy. To see the complete list of my extracurricular and work activities, please visit this page with my professional resume and portfolio.

Career Goals

My long-term professional career goal is to become a physician assistant and treat families in underserved areas of West Virginia. I enjoy working one-on-one with people of all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, I feel passionate about caring for the well-being of others. I believe physical, mental, and emotional health are all equally important, and in my future practice, I hope to take a holistic approach to treating my patients.

In addition to becoming a PA, I aspire to run for an elected office one day. I have a special interest in political policies and feel strongly about fulfilling my civic duties. I believe in advocating for my future patients and constituents by supporting policies that benefit the greatest number of people. By running for office, I hope to make a long-term difference in the lives of fellow West Virginians.

I also hope to spend part of my career in a teaching role. I love to teach students of all ages and I have multiple years of tutoring experience. I hope to eventually become a part-time professor, teaching future PA and graduate students.

Personal Goals

I have several personal goals that are very important to me.

• 1. Improving and maintaining my mental health

Every day, I work towards improving my mental health. I believe physical, mental, and emotional health are all equally important; however, I feel that mental health receives the least amount of emphasis overall. I actively practice mindfulness and self-care to improve my own mental health. I also advocate for the mental health of others by raising awareness for mental illnesses and suicide prevention. I believe that sharing my story of struggling with mental illness is one of the most efficient ways to raise awareness and decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.

• 2. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance

A healthy work-life balance is a priority for me, especially as I enter into my future career as a physician. To me, a work-life balance means that I work hard during the scheduled work week, but save time to pursue hobbies and other activities that I enjoy outside of work. By maintaining a healthy balance, I believe my work quality will improve, as well as my mood, positivity, and home life.

Additionally, family is very important to me, and one day, I hope to have my own family. When I begin having children in a few years, spending time with them will be a priority for me. I believe having a career is important, but spending time with family is equally as important.

• 3. Spending time on creative activities

Many of my classes and extracurricular activities revolve around science. Although I love science, math, and STEM, I also love stretching my “creative muscles”. Painting, coloring, knitting, crafting, designing, and decorating are all creative activities I love doing. Unfortunately, I don’t always have time to develop my creative skills, so a personal goal of mine is to be intentional in the time I spend doing these things.

Hobbies and Interests

Reading

I love to read! Ever since I was little, I’ve read everything- historical fiction, fantasy, biographies, magazines, short stories, poems, sci-fi, you name it. Reading does two things for me. One, it transports me to another world. Reading is a wonderful escape from life, as it sucks me away into different places and times. Two, it teaches me things that I may not learn otherwise. Books, even fictional stories, are full of lessons and wisdom. Authors often include their own knowledge and experiences in their books. Reading is like learning and experiencing everything the author knows and has experienced, without taking years of time.

Writing + Blogging + Journalling

Although I don’t always have time for it, and I’m definitely not the best at it, I love writing. Most of my writing is personal, either through journalling or personal stories. Occasionally, I will write a blog post or an article. Once, I even worked as a freelance writer for Verblio, where I wrote and sold articles to several different companies around the United States.

Hiking

My love for hiking began when I was in middle school when my dad and I would go on a new hike nearly every weekend. Luckily, West Virginia and the surrounding states have several beautiful hikes, so we never ran out of new places to explore. For me, hiking is both physically and mentally soothing. It can be difficult on your body, but the sense of accomplishment after finishing a hike is unmatched. Additionally, the gorgeous views and peaceful nature of hiking trails are very relaxing.

Art

Drawing, coloring, painting, building, and designing with Adobe are just a few of the art activities I enjoy doing in my free time. Most of my artwork is private and never seen by anyone else. However, I will occasionally enter a design contest or submit a piece of work for an exhibit. In fact, one of my pieces, titled “Appalachian Medicine”, will be on display at Drinko Library from January-May 2023.

Favorite Quotes

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Anonymous

Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted – folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them.

Michelle Obama

Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.

Anonymous

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.

Robert Louis Stevenson