At 17, Kymbria Thomas has her sights set on a career as a hospital pharmacist formulating special compounds and calculating doses for pediatric patients.
That career, she said, will combine her interests in chemistry and math. She learned about the specialty while attending an extracurricular pharmacy camp under the sponsorship of her school, the Mississippi School for Math and Science (MSMS).
Chemistry is her favorite subject at MSMS, which she attended this year, her junior year. She was selected in a competitive application process as one of the school’s select group of students from across Mississippi.
Before attending MSMS, Thomas was at Greenwood High School. The full scholarship, state-sponsored Math and Science School is a two-year program. This coming school year will be Thomas’ senior year, and in March, her class will travel to Greece.
“Our teachers have said it’s an educational trip to allow us to see how people live in different parts of the world,” Thomas said.
“I’ve never even been on an airplane before.”
To go to Greece, Thomas and her mother, Erica Doss of Greenwood, need to raise $2,500 by November.
“We have a $690 payment due this month; then the remaining balance is due on Nov. 19,” Doss said.
Last week, the two raised $500 through a drawdown raffle.
This Saturday, they’ll be washing cars at Advance Auto Parts on U.S. 82 to add to the tally.
It’s a formidable task, but with support from the community, mother and daughter are confident they’ll make their goal.
Fear of getting on that airplane is in no way a barrier for this ambitious, adventurous student, who is considering Vanderbilt University in Nashville and Samford in Birmingham, along with Mississippi universities, for her college studies.
She said the heavy academic load at MSMS suits her just fine, keeping her busy and stimulated. During her junior year, she took classes in Algebra II, pre-calculus and trigonometry in addition to a full load of literature, chemistry and history courses.
Thomas also was chosen to be a student ambassador next year, giving tours of the school for visitors and helping juniors learn their way around the school’s campus within a campus at Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.
This summer, Thomas will remain focused on raising that $2,500. To volunteer to help wash cars or to make a donation, contact Kymbria’s mother, Erica, at edoss07@gmail.com. And don’t forget to get your car washed this weekend.
•Contact Kathryn Eastburn at 581-7235 or keastburn@gwcommonwealth.com.
