As valedictorian of her senior class, MaKayla Franks knew she wanted to be a pharmacist and had several college scholarship opportunities. However, one college was at the top of her list when she finished her research: Northwest-Shoals Community College.

Franks found out last week her dreams are one step closer to becoming a reality when she received her acceptance letter into the McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Samford University.

Franks said she knew her freshman year at Tharptown High School she wanted to be a pharmacist. “There are so many different opportunities as a pharmacist, such as community or institutional pharmacy, that allow one to have hands-on experiences that go far beyond filling prescriptions,” said Franks.

Franks said NW-SCC offered several opportunities that were important to her when she was selecting a college.

“Northwest-Shoals always seemed to be at the top of my list,” said Franks. “I was instantly attracted to NW-SCC because of many factors, including the smaller class size, the accessibility of classes because to two campuses and the many scholarship opportunities.”

The aspect of NW-SCC that was most important to her, Franks added, and what really separates NW-SCC from other schools is the relationships the college provides. “When I say NW-SCC is my second home, I mean it,” said Franks. “I have met amazing people here that have welcomed me with open arms. I will always have a network of friends and mentors that I can call on at any time.”

As a student at the NW-SCC Phil Campbell campus, Franks has represented the college as an ambassador, through which Franks said she has obtained some of her most valuable skills. “As an ambassador, I have enhanced my leadership and organizational skills, which I feel are key factors to succeed in not only pharmacy school but in any career field,” said Franks.

After graduating from pharmacy school, Franks said she would like to return to Franklin County and give back to the community. She would like to eventually own her own pharmacy.

Regardless of the direction her pharmacy profession takes her, Franks said she will always be grateful for how NW-SCC helped her. “I have been blessed to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College, and I am forever grateful for my family here,” said Franks.