By Addison Lusco
Abby McGee is constantly turning trials into triumphs. Twenty-one years ago, Abby’s older brother Wyatt was born at just 23 weeks while her parents were vacationing in New Orleans. The doctors in New Orleans did everything they could to ensure that Wyatt would survive his premature birth, although Abby’s parents were told he would likely be wheelchair bound, deaf, and blind. Now a healthy and happy 21year old, Wyatt is really a living miracle and the inspiration behind Abby’s goal of attending medical school to become a neonatologist.
Her own diagnosis of Dysautonomia, and the numerous doctor’s appointments and challenges that followed, solidified her plan to become a doctor. “I want to help others like the doctors helped my parents and my brother,” Abby says. “After experiencing multiple doctors, I know how I want to be as a doctor and ultimately make an impact on people’s lives.” Abby, who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT, hopes to attend her dream school, Princeton University, and is considering enrolling in early medical school to get a jumpstart on her dream of becoming a doctor.
As a Thompson High School senior, Abby McGee holds numerous leadership positions as chair of the Teen Council Entertainment Committee, president of the Thompson Ambassadors, and member of the Mountain Biking Team. She also ran for SGA president this fall (election results were still pending at the time of this article).
As a female interested in a STEM field, Abby was inspired to found the STEM Girls Club to combat the stigma females often experience when they pursue STEM careers. Abby decided to start the club so that female Thompson students interested in STEM could not only share their love of the field but could mentor younger girls and learn from women already pursuing professional STEM careers. The STEM Girls Club aims to break stereotypes and build bridges between the STEM world and women, and with the club entering its second year, it is safe to say that the STEM Girls club is racing toward its intended impact with no intention of slowing down.
Like what she has achieved and hopes to achieve with the STEM Girls Club, Abby is always looking towards the future. After graduation, she plans to attend college—with Princeton, UAB, Baylor, and the University of Central Florida under consideration—and then on to medical school.
In addition to her stellar test scores and accomplishments, most importantly, Abby possesses the drive, determination, and intelligence to do more than secure a place in one of the most competitive and male-dominated spheres; she has the power to change it, too.
Abby is the daughter of Traci, a THS counselor, and Joseph McGee. “My dad is my biggest supporter,” Abby says. “He never fails to remind me how proud his is of me.”
To meet more of Alabaster’s Teen Council, click here.