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Mackenzie Ridout

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Art
  • Painting and Studio Art
  • Reading
  • Acting And Theater
  • Martial Arts
  • Medicine
  • Cooking
  • Baking
  • Learning
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Volunteering
  • Horseback Riding

Reading

  • Drama
  • Mystery
  • Romance
  • Fantasy
  • Action
  • Suspense
  • Young Adult
  • Classics

I read books daily.

Bio

Hey, y'all! My name is Mackenzie Ridout, and I am currently a college sophomore at Texas A&M University, Gig 'em! I love to read, bake, and create artwork. Art has always been a passion of mine, as I feel I can completely express who I am and deliver messages that cannot always be communicated through words. Throughout my life, I hope to express my memories and emotions with my art. For a long-term career, my dream is to be an OB/GYN. At first, being a lawyer had always been my goal, but I soon realized where my real passions lie: medicine. I learned that a career should be about interests and not money. Listening to my heart, I realized that I want to make a difference, helping bring humanity's future into this world. One day, they will be the ones running our countries, schools, households, and so much more. Life itself is a beautiful masterpiece, and art has to start somewhere. There is a long process involved when creating art. Most of the time, the beginning stages are overlooked, but they are crucial to this process. Those beginning stages are where I want to make my impact. I can't wait to be in an operating room and just say, "Welcome, little one. It's time to start your journey."

Education

Texas A&M University- College Station

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2027

Majors:
  • Biology, General
Minors:
  • Education, General

Legacy Christian Academy

High School

2019 – 2023

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Biology, General, Education, General
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Server and Cashier

    Restaurants · McAlister's Deli

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Assistant whenever needed. Carried luggage at photography sittings and helped with painting portraits

    Arts · J. Ridout Portraits

    Jan 2016 – Present

  • Sales Associate/ Cashier

    Retail · American Eagle

    Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist)
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Beacon of Light Scholarship
My guiding goal is to one day make a significant difference in the lives of women. Throughout my high school and college years, I have developed a deep sense of purpose, and that purpose is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). From the first time I listened to a child’s heartbeat to the powerful moment of watching a newborn take their first breath, I knew in my heart that this is the path I was meant to follow. In high school, I discovered my passion for science and began to understand the complexity and beauty of the human body. I excelled in biology and chemistry, and soon, my curiosity about human health grew into a desire to pursue medicine. In my senior year, I interned with Dr. Trevor Huber, a primary care physician, where I had the invaluable opportunity to observe the daily workings of a medical practice. I witnessed both clinical and administrative operations up close, which provided me with a clearer understanding of the demands and rewards of the medical profession. Though I realized that family medicine was not the right fit for me, the experience solidified my desire to become a doctor and pursue a healthcare career. As I continued my research and education, I became increasingly captivated by the biological sciences. I recognized that biology is the foundational language of medicine, and this realization fueled my passion even further. It was during this time that I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Tracy Elliot, an experienced OBGYN. I spent time in consultations, surgeries, and attended several live births. Each moment, from the early stages of pregnancy to the delivery room, deepened my admiration for the vital role an OBGYN plays in the lives of women. These physicians not only provide medical care—they are companions to their patients, walking with them through some of the most intimate and transformative moments of their lives. The sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from guiding women through such significant life events left a lasting impression on me. The first live birth I attended was a transformative experience. I was deeply moved as I witnessed the miracle of life unfold before my eyes. Seeing the new life enter the world was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and I was overcome with emotion. It was at that very moment I knew for certain that obstetrics was my calling. I have never felt such a strong connection to a profession, and the experience reaffirmed my desire to specialize in OBGYN. I am confident that obtaining a degree in Biology from Texas A&M is the essential next step in my journey toward becoming an OBGYN. I am determined, passionate, and ready to face the challenges that come with pursuing a career in medicine. I want to dedicate my life to helping women bring new life into the world, to be there for them as they experience the incredible joy of holding their babies for the first time. In doing so, I will also be part of shaping the future. These children will one day grow up to influence the world—leading countries, building businesses, educating generations, and contributing to communities in countless ways. I can’t wait to be a part of their journey from the very start.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
My guiding goal is to one day make a difference in the lives of women. My experiences in high school and college have shaped and confirmed that my purpose is to become an OBGYN. From the first moment I listened to a child’s heartbeat to watching them take their first breath, I knew this was what I was meant to do. Throughout high school, I enjoyed and excelled in science and became fascinated with the workings of the human body. In my senior year, I interned with Dr. Trevor Huber, a primary care physician. I was able to observe day-to-day clinical and administrative operations firsthand. Although I knew I was not destined for family medicine, the experience confirmed my desire to pursue a career as a doctor. As I continued my research, I realized that the fundamental principles of biology are the building blocks of medicine, I soon developed a passion for biological sciences. I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Tracy Elliot, OBGYN. I was fortunate to sit in on consultations, surgeries, and several live births. I saw firsthand how an OBGYN influences the lives of women: they walk alongside them, share life with them, and celebrate with them. Serving in that way has influenced me to consider obstetrics as my specialty. Watching a live birth for the first time brought me to tears. I had never been so invested in anything as I was at that very moment. I am completely hooked—this is what I was meant to do. I have no doubt that a degree in Biology from Texas A&M is the next step in my path toward a career as an OBGYN. My future is in medicine. I have the aptitude, grit, and desire to achieve this goal. I want to spend my career investing in the wonderful miracle of life by helping women experience the joy of holding their babies for the first time. One day, these babies will run our countries, our businesses, our schools, our households and so much more. I cannot wait to be a part of their start in life.
iMatter Ministry Memorial Scholarship
As a proud member of my community, I strive to be able to give back in any way that I can, spreading a positive impact to everyone I come in contact with. In high school, I became a part of an organization called LEAD Legacy. It is a program provided by the school in order to help promote student leadership and give students a voice in how the school is run. I became a co-chair of the Service team, where I was responsible for helping students become better servants both at school and in their community. This experience has taught me not only how to be a leader, but how to have a servant's heart. I believe that serving others is one of the most fulfilling things anyone can do. It creates a sense of community and belonging. The connections you make with the people you serve are unlike any other. In this role, I strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone involved in service events. I want people to feel cared for, valued, important, and loved by those around them. Furthermore, I have been fortunate enough to go out and volunteer with many organizations such as Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding and Respite in Krugerville, Texas. I have always had a passion for horses and so I thought I would be able to share my talents to help people in need. As I was there, I learned a lot more than I ever thought I could. I have used this opportunity to create connections with people who needed me. One of my favorite connections was with a girl named Kasey. She was a client at Blue Sky and was the sweetest girl you could ever meet. I was able to get to know her, and she made me just as happy as I hoped to make her. Throughout my high school experience on the service team and as a volunteer at many organizations, I have been able to create an inclusive environment not only at my high school but in the community through numerous acts of service. I hope to be able to continue helping others even after I leave high school. The skills and experiences I have acquired over the years to continue serving. In the future, I hope to be an OBGYN where I can truly make strong connections with the people in my community as I help several women through a really important time in their life. Through serving as a high schooler, I learned that I deeply value all the connections I made through serving in my community and I want to be able to create strong connections through my profession, using my talents to be a doctor, as well as a friend to those in need.
Bold Meaning of Life Scholarship
The meaning of life seems like such a complex idea that has stumped people for years, but as a Christian, this answer is very clear to me. My purpose in life is to worship and bring glory to God. I have been guided through life by my identity in Christ, and it is my purpose to praise him for everything he has done for me. God is the reason I wake up every morning and live each moment to its fullest. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “...Whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” No matter what we do in life, we should do it for God. He created us for this purpose and this purpose only. We are not here for our own sake, but God’s sake. Many people try to find meaning in worldly possessions such as love, drugs, education, and other pleasurable ideals. Ultimately, these do not lead to fulfillment. Over time, one can be left feeling a sense of emptiness and depression. This is because those words items are not why we are here on this earth. In John 4:13-14 Jesus says “...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” If we give our life to Jesus and his purpose, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit, our life will finally have meaning, and we can truly carry out our purpose on this earth as followers of Jesus Christ. I try to fulfill my purpose by being spreading the word of God to everyone around me. By showing others the truth, I am fulfilling my purpose as well. Through spreading the good news, God is gaining all of the glory we can offer to him.
Bold Career Goals Scholarship
For most of my life, I wanted to be a lawyer. My mind was set, and nothing was going to change it, or so I thought. In my sophomore year of high school, I realized where my real passions lie: medicine. I learned that a career should be about interests and not money. My career change was a drastic turn in direction, but it was not a hard one to make. I remember sitting in the lobby, waiting to go talk to my own OB/GYN. Looking around the room, I saw a woman. She was gently resting her hand on her round stomach. I couldn't help myself from watching her. It was so fascinating to think about how a small child was growing inside her stomach. Suddenly, something clicked. As strange as it sounds, I found my true passion at that very moment. I finally understood that my true dream is to be an OB/GYN. Over time, I continued to research the specifics of this job: both pros and cons. This made me even more convinced that this was the path for me. I want to make a difference, helping bring humanity's future into this world. One day, they will be the ones running our countries, schools, households, and so much more. Life itself is a beautiful masterpiece, and like art, it has to start somewhere. There is a long process involved when creating art. Most of the time, the beginning stages are overlooked, but they are crucial to this process. Those beginning stages are where I want to make my impact. I can't wait to be in an operating room and just say, "Welcome, little one. It's time to start your journey."
Bold Friendship Matters Scholarship
Friendships are the connections you make throughout periods of your life. They can shape you in so many ways, and they help you become the person you are meant to be. I would even say my friends have saved me from some of the lowest parts of my life. Towards the beginning of high school, I was going through some difficult times. My insecurities overwhelmed me in every aspect of my life. I felt invisible and alone. Confiding in people was never my strong suit, and so I never told any of my family or friends what I was feeling. It was something I had to fix on my own. Eventually, I began to reach out about these things to a friend of mine. She was the one who helped me through my darkest moments. Because of her, I sought out people who truly wanted to help me. I even tried out for the school musical because of her. She convinced me I needed a distraction from academic pressure. She was right. Those few months were the happiest I have ever been. I made so many connections with people who changed and challenged me in so many ways. I don't know where I would be without them. I learned to trust in others and let them help me through tough times. We can't always do everything ourselves. My friend pulled me out of a deep hole and showed me the benefits of having friends you can rely on. “What are friends for,” is a common phrase. Over time I developed an answer to this question. Throughout life, people are put in our lives to help us grow. They build us up at our lowest points and guide us to become the best version of ourselves.
Mackenzie Ridout Student Profile | Bold.org