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W&L Outcomes: Caroline Linen ’25 One of the Class of 2025 valedictorians, Linen will work as a medical assistant for a year while interviewing for physician assistant programs.

Caroline-Linen-scaled W&L Outcomes: Caroline Linen ’25

Caroline Linen ’25
Majors: Cognitive and behavioral science and French
Minor: Biology, physiology concentration
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina


What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation, I will work as a medical assistant at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this gap year, I will gain valuable hands-on experience in a specialized clinical setting while completing supplemental applications and interviewing for physician assistant (PA) programs. This role will help me further strengthen my clinical skills and deepen my understanding of patient care as I prepare for the next step in my journey to becoming a PA.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

At Washington and Lee, I was a double major in cognitive and behavioral science (CBSC) and French with a minor in biology. Through CBSC, I developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, data analysis and research methods, all of which taught me to approach problems with both critical thinking and empathy. Studying French enhanced my communication skills and cultural awareness, which are both essential in patient care. And biology deepened my scientific understanding of the human body. Across these disciplines, I learned to stay intellectually curious, ask thoughtful questions and creatively seek solutions, which are skills that will serve me well in clinical decision-making, patient communication and lifelong learning as a physician assistant.

How did your career plans evolve throughout your time at W&L? Did you always know what you wanted to do?

By the start of freshman year, I was already set on becoming a PA, but I didn’t fully understand what that path entailed until I immersed myself in it at W&L. Shadowing Janice Hagan, a PA I admire deeply, gave me an inside look at the kind of provider I hope to become — knowledgeable, compassionate and team-oriented. Founding the Pre-PA Advising Club helped me connect with others on the same path and pushed me to take ownership of my goals. And working as an emergency medical technician and patient care technician gave me hands-on experience that confirmed how much I enjoy direct patient care. These experiences didn’t change my plan, but they deepened my understanding of the role and strengthened my commitment to it.

Is there one class that ended up changing your perspective or that really surprised you?

Extreme Physiology with Dr. LaPrice completely changed how I viewed the adaptability of the human body and life in general. Before this course, I hadn’t studied extremophiles in depth, so learning how organisms survive — and even thrive — in extreme environments was both surprising and fascinating. It reshaped my understanding of what’s considered “normal” physiology and showed me how adaptable biological systems truly are. Each lecture deepened my appreciation for the complexity and resilience of life, and it sparked a lasting interest in how the body responds to stressors like temperature, pressure and altitude.

Which faculty member had the most impact on you, and what did you learn from them (either inside or outside the classroom)?

Dr. Woodzicka had the most profound impact on me during my time at W&L. As both my CBSC adviser and professor for Introduction to Social Psychology, she modeled a sense of calm and steadiness that I deeply admired and strived to embody myself. Amid the inevitable stress and unpredictability of my college life, she remained a steady, supportive presence — whether guiding me through complex schedule changes or helping me navigate academic and career decisions. Her willingness to write multiple letters of recommendation for me is just one example of her ongoing support, and I am incredibly grateful for her encouragement. More than anything, I learned from her the value of being composed, compassionate and consistently present for others, which are qualities I hope to carry with me into my future as a health care provider.

What clubs, organizations, athletic teams or other extracurriculars were you involved in that had an impact on you?

Red Cross Humanitarian Service Club: Through four years with the W&L Red Cross Humanitarian Service Club, I helped run blood drives, fundraisers, disaster relief events and awareness campaigns. As Class of 2025 rep and later VPO and VPF, I organized campus-wide efforts like the Prepareathon and led initiatives like a DEA fentanyl awareness event. Managing events and working with national leadership taught me that planning and communication drive real change, which are lessons I’ll carry into health care, where preparedness and empathy are vital.

 Pre-PA Advising Club: Seeing a lack of guidance for pre-PA students, Gretta Syrett ’24 and I founded the Pre-PA Advising Club to bridge the gap. We hosted forums, shared strategies and invited PA students and practicing PAs to speak. One highlight was Tony Miller, a PA and former director of the Shenandoah PA Program, who offered to drive to Lexington and speak in-person because he loved the idea of the club. Over two years, I suggested ideas for patient care roles and support. Individual students now reach out to me for guidance. Starting the club taught me to identify a need, build a solution and serve a community, which are skills that mirror those of a PA.

What internships or other summer experiences did you partake in, and how did those experiences shape you and your career plans?

The summer after my sophomore year, I worked as an emergency medical technician, and the following summer, I served as a patient care technician in a hospital. Both roles offered invaluable hands-on experience with direct patient care and allowed me to see the health care system from different angles — pre-hospital and inpatient. These positions placed me in high-pressure situations where I had to think quickly, communicate clearly and act responsibly, often in moments that mattered most to patients and their families. Experiencing this level of responsibility affirmed my desire to become a physician assistant, a role that combines clinical expertise with meaningful patient interaction. I’m especially grateful to have received the Johnson Opportunity Grant both summers, which made it possible for me to pursue these opportunities.

What’s been one of your favorite experiences over the last four years?

One of my favorite experiences over the last four years was the unexpected snow day on Feb. 11, 2025. All the seniors gathered around our houses, turning the day into a spontaneous celebration. We spent hours sledding, playing snow games and just enjoying each other’s company. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down — no deadlines, no stress — just laughter, connection and the joy of being fully present with people I care about. That sense of community and togetherness is something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.

How did the Office of Career and Professional Development support you, and which resources did you find most helpful?

The Office of Career and Professional Development was instrumental in guiding me through the PA school application process. I worked closely with Brittany Carr, whose personalized support made a significant difference. From reviewing my personal statement to preparing for interviews, Brittany provided thoughtful, strategic feedback that helped me present my experiences and goals clearly and confidently. Her guidance not only strengthened my application but also gave me reassurance during a stressful time. I’m incredibly grateful for her support and the resources the office offered throughout this journey.

Did you connect with alumni during your career development process? How did they help you on your path?

Yes, I connected with several W&L alumni who are now PA students or practicing PAs, including Hannah Witherell ’15, Layne Nalty ’19, Vivian Barker ’22, Caroline Hall ’22 and Gretta Syrett ’24. Their guidance was invaluable throughout my journey, from finding meaningful summer patient care roles and identifying where to take Anatomy and Physiology I and II (since W&L doesn’t offer the full sequence), to navigating the PA school application and interview process. They also helped me explore gap year medical assistant positions. Many generously gave their time to speak with the Pre-PA Advising Club, sharing advice and insight that benefited not only me but many other students. I’m deeply grateful for their support and the way they continue to give back to aspiring PAs.

What career-related advice would you give to next year’s graduating class?

Have fun and trust the stellar education you’ve gotten at W&L, which really sets you up for success. Don’t stress too much about having everything figured out right away. The process of learning and growing as you go is what really matters. The lessons you pick up along the way will help you feel more confident and ready when you start your new job. Just take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey! Senior year is the best time.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

Janice Hagan, a general surgery and oncology PA-C, has been a profound source of inspiration throughout my journey. I have had the privilege of shadowing her in surgery multiple times, witnessing firsthand her skill, dedication and compassionate care. Beyond clinical exposure, Janice has generously supported me by visiting W&L to speak with the Pre-PA Advising Club and by writing a recommendation letter for my PA school applications. I still vividly remember the moment she introduced herself to me in the hallway of St. Mary’s Hospital while I was working as a patient care technician, which was a chance encounter that truly and positively changed the course of my path. Her mentorship and example have fueled my enthusiasm to pursue a career in the surgical field, and I am deeply grateful for her ongoing guidance and encouragement.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest academic accomplishment is being named one of the valedictorians of the Class of 2025. Outside of academics, my proudest accomplishment is the opportunity to save lives as an EMT. That experience taught me the importance of quick thinking, compassion and teamwork in high-pressure situations, and it deeply shaped my passion for health care.

How has studying the liberal arts at W&L shaped how you see the world?

Studying liberal arts at W&L, particularly through my French philosophy, culture, history and literature courses, has profoundly shaped the way I view the world. These classes taught me to critically question prevailing opinions and challenge traditions simply accepted as “the way things have always been.” I learned to develop my own perspective, even when it differs from the majority, by examining ideas, art and literature from multiple angles and appreciating their complexity. This analytical and open-minded approach has deeply influenced how I interpret the world around me, always seeking deeper understanding and embracing diverse viewpoints, an outlook I believe is essential in health care as a physician assistant, where empathy and the ability to consider each patient’s unique story are crucial to providing compassionate, individualized care.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your W&L experience and/or your future plans and what you’re excited for?

My experience at W&L has been truly enriched by the incredible community of friends I’ve found here. We continuously uplift and support one another through every challenge and achievement. I’m constantly inspired by the passion and dedication of my peers, and I’m excited to witness the amazing things we will all accomplish in the future and to celebrate those successes together!