Davidson College: One Student’s Big Break

If you glanced at Chelsea Gaesser’s weekly planner, you’d probably want to close it as quickly as you opened it. The Davidson sophomore has one of those plates that’s always spilling off the sides, but somehow she does it all and with a huge, grateful smile.

The Kentucky native applied to Davidson Early Decision, sight unseen, at the urging of a high school guidance counselor who thought it could be the perfect fit. Right, he was. The biology major and public health minor loves being a Wildcat and has big plans for the future.

“I want to go into global women’s health,” Gaesser said. “In my very first public health class with Dr. Bullock, we learned about the maternal death rate, and I knew immediately that I wanted to make an impact on that. Big picture, I’d like to go into neonatal medicine, become double board certified in OB-GYN and pediatrics, and become the international expert people call on when there’s a really tough or complex case.”

Gaesser’s schedule would already be pretty full with academic requirements, but she fits in so much more. The Bonner Scholar volunteers at several places, including a Novant Health Breast Center and Davidson College Presbyterian Church. She also has a paid role at the church involving their children’s ministry and coaches tennis at two local elementary schools. To top it off, she leaves for New Zealand in May on a study away program.

“My parents sacrificed so much for me, and I want to show them their sacrifice was not for nothing,” Gaesser said. “So I think about them all the time, especially when I’m exhausted and questioning how it’s all going to get done.”

The middle child of three, Gaesser relies heavily on Davidson scholarships and grants to make it all work. She is financially independent and says she is “so very blessed” by the ways the Davidson community supports her. And, she never loses sight of her future goals and what’s required to make them happen.

“I have my acceptance letter framed in my room,” she said. “In my life, Davidson has truly been my big break.”