Rebecca Hight
Name: Rebecca Hight
Hometown: Lancaster, Pa.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Minor #1: Mathematics
Minor #2: Chemistry
Rebecca Hight is quite the impressive student. The sophomore biology major moved from Lancaster, Pa., to start her undergraduate journey at Coastal Carolina. Once Rebecca became acclimated, she hit the ground running and has become a vital member of the CCU community.
Rebecca originally enrolled at Coastal for the marine science program but, like most freshmen, switched her major to a new calling – health care. The discipline aligned better with Rebecca’s natural tendency to connect with people and learn their stories.
“I really want to enter the health care field because I love helping people and I have always been adamant about learning new advancements in health and how it can help people and their families,” explains Rebecca.
As a College of Science Research Fellow, Rebecca keeps herself busy by helping her mentor with research and developing her own research. The program culminates each year at the Undergraduate Research Competition with students presenting her findings to the campus community.
When Rebecca is not focusing on her academics, she keeps busy with many extracurricular activities. You can find her at the HTC Center taking fitness classes, especially hip-hop cardio. Rebecca is not afraid of trying new things and is always up for a fun way to exercise. She is part of the Outdoor Adventure Club and loves exploring the local area and visiting new places. Whether she’s dancing or hiking a trail, Rebecca will always do it with a smile on her face.
“Coastal has definitely had a positive impact on my life so far,” says Rebecca. “Being away from home is a big step for me and I love being down here. I get lots of opportunities and experiences that nowhere else can give me.”
Describing herself as outgoing, Rebecca loves trying new things and meeting new people. With an ultimate goal to become a pediatric physician assistant, she plans to enroll in an appropriate graduate program after her time at CCU concludes.
Q&A with Rebecca
How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about Coastal Carolina from a friend who told me I should check this school out for its prestigious marine science program.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I first came to Coastal because of the marine science program, it was just so diverse and the opportunities were numerous. I then changed my major halfway through freshman year because I found my love for the health care field. I didn’t want to leave Coastal though, because I love it here, and there are so many opportunities and experiences that this University has to offer!
Favorite professor: Eric Rosch, Ph.D.
Favorite class: Anatomy & Physiology Lab or any math class
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: I absolutely love the campus! I have never seen a campus like ours, where it is covered in palm trees and beautiful landscaping; it creates a very welcoming place to incoming students and visitors! I also love the location of the school and how close Coastal is to the beach and other places in Myrtle!
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: I love that we are right near the beach! But there is also so much to do in the area compared to other schools, and so many good places to eat!
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: Outdoor Adventure Club, Pre Advisor Health Committee, CCU Rec fitness classes, Honors College, College of Science Research Fellow.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: University Recreation Center as a fitness instructor, College of Science Research Fellow
Plans after graduation?: After graduation, I plan on attending a physician’s assistant program and earning my graduate degree to become a pediatric physician assistant. I would love to travel somewhere and have another internship or in another country and work with other physicians and children. I would also love to move down South and stay in one of the Carolinas or Florida, because I love the warm weather. I also want to keep a part time job as a dance teacher because that is something I never want to give up.
What are your hobbies?: I LOVE to dance! I love adventuring to new places, hiking, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, traveling, painting, and spending time at my dance studio!
Do you have any hidden talents?: I have been dancing for almost 16 years, so I can dance! I am double jointed in my elbows which people think is crazy. And I am always happy, so I would say that is a talent!
