Yasmeen Rasasi, Class of 2026

Yasmeen Rasasi’s road to higher education has been one of self-discovery, unwavering determination, and deep familial support.

Born and raised in Greenville, the Presbyterian College junior’s journey has been shaped by her ethnic heritage, her mother’s steadfast encouragement, and her relentless pursuit of a career in medicine.

“I’ve always known I wanted to be in healthcare,” Rasasi said. “Even when I was young, I would take notes whenever my brothers got sick, writing down their symptoms and trying to find patterns. That curiosity never left me.”

A defining moment

As a student at Greenville Tech Charter High School, Rasasi’s interest in medicine deepened when she participated in MedX, a Prisma Health program designed to expose students to careers in the medical field. During the program, she met a Presbyterian College alumna, Dr. Jenna Seubarran, whose experience at PC left a lasting impression.

“She was a double major in biology and music, which I thought was fascinating,” Rasasi recalled. “She spoke so highly of PC that I started to look into it more seriously.”

At first, Rasasi only knew of PC for its pharmacy program. But as she explored further, she discovered its strong undergraduate offerings and close-knit community—qualities that made it the right fit for her academic and career aspirations. Encouraged by her research, she applied to PC and was later awarded the prestigious Griffith Scholarship.

A scholarship’s impact

“The Griffith Scholarship was a game-changer,” she said. “I was applying to multiple schools, but PC stood out because they made the effort to reach out personally. I received handwritten letters, personal calls, and a level of warmth that other schools didn’t offer.”

Rasasi’s visit to PC for the scholarship competition confirmed her decision. She vividly remembers the moment MK Kelly, a former admissions counselor, called to encourage her through the process.

“She even offered to help me pick out my interview outfit,” Rasasi said with a laugh. “That kind of attention to detail and care was something special.”

A strong bond with family

Her decision to attend PC was further reinforced by her mother, Elham Daqqa, whose wisdom and guidance have played a central role in Rasasi’s life.

“My mom has always been my biggest supporter,” she said. “She told me she felt safe with me being at PC, and that meant everything to me.”

A strong family bond has been at the heart of Rasasi’s journey. Her father, Maher Rasasi, and her mother instilled in her the values of hard work and compassion.

“My mom took care of her own mother when she had Alzheimer’s,” Rasasi said. “She showed me what it means to be compassionate and patient, and that deeply influenced my desire to go into healthcare.”

Making the most of PC

Now in her third year at PC, Rasasi has fully immersed herself in campus life. She is a double major in biology and Spanish and serves as president of the Pre-PA Club, an organization that connects students with physician assistant programs and professionals in the field.

“I love being involved,” she said. “I’m also the content manager for BlueTube, PC’s YouTube channel, and I oversee the Buddy Program for international students. I’m also a member of the Hispanic Appreciation Organization. There’s so much to do here, and I want to make the most of it.”

Her passion for medicine and community service is evident in everything she does. Through her leadership in the Pre-PA Club, she maintains close connections with PC’s PA program, frequently bringing in guest speakers and facilitating networking opportunities for students.

“Since I took senior-level classes as a freshman, I’ve seen many of my friends graduate and enter the PA program,” Rasasi said. “It’s great to be able to learn from them and prepare for my own journey.”

A future in healthcare

Her decision to pursue a career as a physician assistant stems from her desire to provide patient-centered care while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

“I’ve thought about this a lot,” she said. “Medicine has always been my calling, but being a PA allows me to explore different specialties and have flexibility. I want to be there for my family, and this path gives me that opportunity.”

Rasasi envisions herself working in pediatrics or OB-GYN, driven by her love for children and maternal health. She credits her mother for shaping her compassionate approach to patient care.

“My mom always dreamed of being a pediatrician,” she said. “She worked at a hospital in Jordan, but she was more involved in the administrative side. I think in some ways, I’m carrying out her dream too.”

Looking ahead

As she looks ahead to PA school, Rasasi remains open-minded about where she will continue her education, but PC remains at the top of her list.

“The connections I’ve built here are invaluable,” she said. “I feel lucky to be in a place where my professors know my name, where I can stop and have real conversations with them. That kind of mentorship is rare.”

For Rasasi, the journey is far from over. With her determination, passion for medicine, and strong family support, she is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of healthcare.

“If you have the heart of a healer, everything else follows,” she said. “And I hope to use everything I’ve learned at PC to serve others in the best way I can.”