Mickayla Hinkle is 2019 Duke graduate and former Women’s Swimming and Diving team member. Participating in ACE in South Africa in the summer of 2017 gave Hinkle experiential learning and service opportunities that helped solidify her passion for both medicine and ethical service. Five years later, Hinkle is now pursuing both these passions as she begins her Physician Assistant Program at Northwestern last June.
What are you doing now? How did ACE influence your career?
I’m started graduate school in June at Northwestern University to become a Physician Assistant. I’ve always had an inner desire to help others, which ACE allowed me to do half way around the world with people from various backgrounds and cultures. With my interest in medicine combined with my passion to serve others, ACE furthered my desire to pursue my dream of becoming a PA for the underserved population.
What was the most meaningful part of your ACE experience?
Following my trip to South Africa, I reflected on how fortunate I was and the opportunities I was given throughout my life. This experience gave me a new perspective and rekindled my joy in the pool and classroom.
Share a lesson you learned from your ACE experience that still holds true today:
Nine students from diverse backgrounds and experiences quickly came together to achieve a common goal. I learned that the power of a cohesive team is unstoppable.
“I hope student-athletes continue approach their ACE trip with open eyes and curiosity to learn that inspires them to do something in their community following their ACE trip.”
– Mickayla Hinkle, ACE in South Africa 2017
Describe your ACE experience in as few words as possible:
Eye-opening.
What’s one thing you want people to know about ACE?
Many of the lessons I learned during my ACE trip would be challenging to learn in a traditional classroom setting, so I’d highly recommend you experience ACE yourself to immerse yourself into a new culture and community and enjoy the adventure.
What’s your hope for the future of ACE? What advice do you have for future ACE participants?
I hope student-athletes continue approach their ACE trip with open eyes and curiosity to learn that inspires them to do something in their community following their ACE trip.