Allow me to introduce Mount student and dear friend of mine, Audrey Brewington.
Audrey is majoring in biomedical sciences, with a Pre-Physician Assistant concentration. At 19, Audrey also works as an Emergency Medical Technician at Bright Fire & EMS. Audrey and I were introduced through our JCG class trip to Appalachia. Through our work at the Christian Appalachian Project, we built a friendship and have grown close since. As we wrap up the 2025 fall semester, I wanted to highlight a student beyond worthy of recognition and someone I am grateful to call a friend.
Audrey, why’d you choose to be in college?
AB: I have always wanted to go into the medical field, but I had a tough time deciding what I wanted to do. I worked in a skilled nursing facility in high school, and loved my job, but I knew working in that area was not my call. I have also worked in rehab with physical and occupational therapists, and again, I loved my job but knew it was not for me.
What are some are your interests outside of school?
AB: I enjoy cooking, baking, trying out new foods, reading my Bible, hanging out with friends, playing with my dogs, and working out at the gym.
What is a hurdle you have overcome that has made you stronger?
AB: I signed up to volunteer at my local fire department before I graduated high school and received the opportunity to go to EMT school. I was hesitant, as EMT school would be taking place during my first semester of college, but I figured I would be able to make it work, and it would be a good job to have during college. This is when I knew exactly where I wanted to be. I fell in love with working in emergency medicine, helping people when they are at their most vulnerable point, giving them strength and comfort in some of their hardest times. This is when I decided I wanted to major in biomedical sciences, so I could go to Physician Assistant school.
What are some of your goals for the future?
AB: I am working towards pursuing a career in emergency medicine as a Physician Assistant. I have gained so much confidence working in emergency medicine, feeling comfortable knowing this is what I am supposed to be doing. By pursuing a career in emergency medicine, I am hoping to conquer patient vulnerability through patient empowerment and patient advocacy. This is something I am super passionate about, and I hope to be able to shape the future of patient advocacy and patient rights for those who are incapable of making just decisions when they are in a vulnerable state.
What is something that has been memorable thus far at the Mount?
AB: Something memorable at the Mount thus far has been going to Appalachia for WorkFest with Dr. Elijah Prewitt-Davis and Michelle Arnold. I learned so much in the week that I made many great friends! I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I would be so blessed to have the opportunity to go again.
What do you love most about the job that you do?
AB: I love being able to serve my community, and I get to use my passion for emergency medicine to help others. It is also extremely rewarding to be able to collaborate with a team that has the same compassion and care for patients as you do. Working at a fire department, I have also built many great relationships with my coworkers, and it truly feels like a family. Although my favorite part of my job is helping others, I also enjoy that my coworkers and I can cook together. We also love to pull pranks on each other whenever we get the chance.
Finally, if you could give advice to your freshman self, what would it be?
AB: If I could give advice to my freshman self, I would tell her to stop stressing about the things she cannot control. If you cannot control it, then that means you should not worry about it. Focus on the things you can control, because what can you do about the things you cannot change? Also, grades do not define you—you were given a purpose when you were brought into this world, so that 50-minute test, that two-hour lab, or even that 16-week course, doesn't compare to the value you bring to this world. In the grand scheme of things, at almost 20 years old, 16 weeks is only about 1.5% of your life. So, know that grade does not define you, you are so much more than that.
As we get closer to Christmas, if you have a friend or someone special to you, let them know just how much they mean to you. To Audrey, I love you very and I am immensely proud of you, your dedication, and your drive. Most importantly, I am proud to be your friend.