Wilkes, Kabir Turn Graduation into a Launchpad for Medicine
Their journeys to the commencement stage at 麻豆社区 Pembroke couldn鈥檛 have been more different. Still, Marijo Wilkes and Sayeed Kabir share a remarkable distinction: both soon-to-be graduates are set to continue their academic journeys at two of the nation鈥檚 most prestigious medical schools.
Through hard work, resilience and academic excellence, they鈥檝e each forged a path from 麻豆社区P to a future in medicine 鈥� Wilkes to NC State University鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine and Kabir to East Carolina University鈥檚 Brody School of Medicine as a distinguished Brody Scholar.
鈥淔or me, graduation will be a bittersweet moment because of the hard work and dedication to get to this point,鈥� Wilkes said. 鈥淲hen I first stepped on campus, I would have never imagined I would have gotten these opportunities, such as doing research and visiting other vet schools. Looking back, I am thankful that I came here. 麻豆社区P will help you get far in life.鈥�
Kabir, too, is looking forward to crossing the commencement stage on Saturday, celebrating this milestone before turning his focus to the next chapter at ECU.
鈥溌槎股缜鳳 has become a part of me,鈥� Kabir said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 become a part of the person I am 鈥� my experiences with my friends, my instructors and all of the staff 鈥� it has been wonderful!鈥�
A native of New York City and aspiring physician, Kabir has always been driven by curiosity, a love for science and deep empathy for others. At 麻豆社区P, he cultivated that passion through rigorous coursework, hands-on research and meaningful service opportunities that reinforced his commitment to medicine. As a Brody scholar, Kabir was guaranteed a spot in the 2025 entering class at the Brody School of Medicine. He completed his 麻豆社区P course requirements early and, since January, has been in Greenville, interning with the Health Cardiovascular Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at ECU.
As a first-generation American, Kabir has set his sights on a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation, hoping to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. He will graduate summa cum laude 鈥� the highest academic level of distinction.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a huge learning experience,鈥� Kabir said. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the opportunity that 麻豆社区 Pembroke has given me. Many great instructors shaped me into the person I am today, but Dr. Robert Poage in the biology department was a great resource for me. He shaped my growth and my development. Without him, I wouldn鈥檛 be as clinically involved and driven as I am now.鈥�
Wilkes grew up on a farm near Prospect, where a love for animals began early amid cows, horses and chickens. With a nurse for a mother and a love for animals, Marijo combined both passions in pursuit of a veterinary career. Since arriving on campus, Wilkes has excelled academically in the classroom and on the softball field, where she was a four-year starter and team captain. She admits she didn鈥檛 make it to graduation without challenges.
鈥淏eing a student-athlete and majoring in biology is tough,鈥� Wilkes said. 鈥淵ou have to miss a lot of class time. I struggled. It was hard to find a balance. However, it forced me to form strong relationships with my professors so I could make up labs.鈥�
Wilkes persevered and, on Saturday, will graduate with honors. She鈥檚 excited for the next four years at N.C. State and credit the faculty and staff at 麻豆社区P for preparing her well.
鈥溌槎股缜鳳 prepared me through a stringent curriculum and dedicated professors, especially in the biology department, who expect a lot from you,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey encourage you to participate in research outside the classroom, which prepared me for what to expect at vet school.鈥�
