Alumni Profile: Steven Buckeridge '14
Steven discusses his life since leaving Rabun Gap, how Rabun Gap prepared him for his future, provides advice for current students, and more!
Tell us what you have been up to since leaving Rabun Gap?
Tell us what you have been up to since leaving Rabun Gap?
After graduating from Rabun Gap in 2014, I matriculated to Georgia Southern University where I completed my Bachelor of Science degree as a Pre-Med student. I graduated from college in 2018 and now I am currently a fourth year medical student at the Morehouse School of Medicine. I will be applying to residency this year and my long term goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
How did Rabun Gap help to prepare you or influence your future goals?
I immigrated from Jamaica with my family in December, 2012. I joined the Rabun Gap family during the middle of my junior year. This was an extremely challenging transition since I immediately had to begin preparing for my standardized exams (SAT, ACT, etc.) and college applications while adjusting to a new country. Rabun Gap's personalized approach to each student meant that I had the support I needed to be successful while still being given enough independence to grow and stand on my own feet.
People often talk about diversity at Rabun Gap? Can you speak to how Rabun Gap’s diverse community impacted your experience?
There is a place for everyone at Rabun Gap. I still keep in touch with friends who live all over the world that I met during my time at Rabun Gap. This diversity also helped with my transition to the United States since I had many classmates who were also from the Caribbean.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Rabun Gap?
My favorite memory from Rabun Gap was my first time seeing snow. During one of my first weekends on campus, we received eleven inches of snow. It was extremely fun to see both faculty and students sliding down the hill and having snow-ball fights. I also still have several pictures and videos of the beautiful scenery on campus after the snow had stopped.
Is there a specific faculty member, coach, or dorm parent who had a particular important impact on you?
Ms. Amy was the dorm parent for Ernest dorm when I arrived at Rabun Gap. As I mentioned in one of the yearbooks at that time, Ms. Amy played an important part in my transition from Jamaica to Rabun Gap. She would often buy food for all the students in the dorm and she would watch movies with me on the weekends whenever I thought it was too cold for a Jamaican to be outside. These experiences helped to mitigate my homesickness and made me instantly feel like a part of the Rabun Gap family.
What advice do you have for current Rabun Gap students that you wish someone told you during your time at school?
Rabun Gap is the best place to complete your education before beginning tertiary education or entering the working world. After attending Rabun Gap, you will be more prepared than your peers for anything that life throws at you. Take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity and be sure to have fun along the journey.
What are your hopes for Rabun Gap in the next 10-20 years?
I hope to see Rabun Gap continue to grow and I hope to be a part of that growth in the future.
Anything else you would like to say?
Thank you for allowing me to attend such an amazing institution and I will always cherish my time at Rabun Gap.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
.png){kind=logo}
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
