Cassandre Sylvain can’t remember when she first decided she wanted a career in medicine. But, she does remember the day she received her purple stethoscope.  Yes, purple! She was 7 years old; it was a present from her dad; and – it really worked!

Sylvain knew the path to medicine would be rough. So, she came to Georgia Perimeter College and joined GPC’s Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a program that helps underrepresented students seeking degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics -- the STEM subjects.

Sylvain participated in research projects with peers from colleges and universities throughout Georgia. “I’ve traveled, attended seminars and symposia, visited other colleges and conducted research,” Sylvain said. “I’ve grown so much. I’ve been thrown into the lifestyle of the sciences.

“This is more than I could have expected,” she said. “When I talk to prospective students, as a Star Leader, I tell them about all the opportunities at GPC.” On May 4, 2012, Sylvain graduated from GPC with a degree in Biology and valuable connections to the world of science. She will complete her baccalaureate at Georgia State, then head for medical school.