Early College Student Headed For Ivy League

SEMINOLE, FL — James Fackrell, an Early College student at St. Petersburg College’s Seminole Campus, knows how hospitals work. From a very young age, he struggled with asthma and recurring pneumonia that had him in and out of the hospital many times. But something positive came out of the experience. By the time Fackrell was seven years old, he knew he wanted to be like the people who had helped him so much over the years.

“I had so many amazing doctors who inspired me to be like them,” Fackrell said. “I knew I wanted to be a physician so I could help people.”

Fackrell, who just earned his high school diploma in addition to an associate degree in SPC’s Early College program, got what may be the most exciting letter of his life: An acceptance to Brown University’s Liberal Medical Education program, a liberal arts program for future doctors. The Ivy League program allows him to move right into Brown University Medical School without applying or taking the MCAT, and will make him an MD by the time he’s 24.

“I’m super excited, and all the pressure is off my shoulders, since I don’t have to apply to med school and I know where I’m going to university,” he said.

Fackrell was one 63 accepted students of 3,200 applicants to Brown’s elite program. He credited SPC Seminole Campus Early College Academic Coach Kelly Rich for her support.

“I have to thank Ms. Rich for everything she’s done for me and for all of the ECP kids,” Fackrell said. “She’s really been here for practically every step of the path, always encouraging us and being someone we can go to if things happened – both good and bad.”

Through a partnership between St. Petersburg College and Pinellas County Schools, Early College allows students to spend their high school junior and senior years attending all classes at one of three SPC campuses: Clearwater, Seminole or Tarpon Springs. Students simultaneously earning a high school diploma from their assigned school and an Associate in Arts degree from SPC. There is no cost for the college application, tuition or textbooks. This year, SPC graduated 177 students in the Early College program.

Fackrell was chosen, along with his best friend Nadia Fahmy, to be a class speaker for the Seminole Early College graduation celebration. He thanked teachers and advisors and also encouraged his fellow grads to go out and do great things.

“Aim to change the world,” he said. “Not just for yourselves, but for all of us.”

Learn more about SPC’s Early College Program on our website.

This press release was produced by the St Petersburg College News. The views expressed are the author's own.