Ericka Reed has always been fascinated with the human body.
"Especially anatomy – how the body works and the different ways it can repair itself," said the recent Northeast Lauderdale High School graduate.
So it comes as little surprise that Reed plans to pursue a career in medicine. In the fall, she will begin pre-med studies in biology at the University of West Alabama.
Having developed an early interest in science – kindergarten, to be exact – Reed said she decided on a medical career after talking to a relative who works in the nursing field.
"I thought about becoming a research scientist, because I like research ... I also like researching the different effects on the body," she said.
To prepare for her chosen career path, Reed studied hard, took advanced placement college-level courses and maintained excellent grades. In addition to being a member of the Science Club and National Honor Society at Northeast, she also was recognized for having a perfect score on the Statewide Biology I Test.
After completing her studies at UWA, Reed plans to go on to medical school to study obstetrics and gynecology.
"I like babies; I think it's neat how they develop," she said.
Beyond the sciences, Reed's interests include photographing nature, writing poetry, reading and completing logic puzzles.
"I like brain teasers and anything that's challenging," she said almost shamefully.
Although Reed would like to work and live in Atlanta, she said she hopes to eventually return home to practice medicine.
The 18-year-old daughter of Cheryl Reed and Everett Reed has one brother, Josh, and two half-sisters, Amber and Ashley.
Her advice to other young people in pursuit of their goals:
"What my Mom always tells me: 'Just stay focused and keep God first. With Him first, you can go anywhere.' I know it sounds kinda of cliche, but that's really what I believe."
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Star of The WeekEricka Reed
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City cuts payment to Watkins
The Meridian City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to cut their monthly payment to David Watkins, project developer of Meridian's new police station, by $9,999 until work resumes on the project.
The order, made during the Meridian City Council meeting Tuesday morning, included a mutual agreement between the councilmen and Watkins to reduce the project developer's monthly consultant fee of $10,000 to $1, effective Tuesday. -
Crews work on gasoline pipeline
If you hear a loud, booming sound early today, between 4 a.m.-10 a.m., there is no cause for alarm.
Workers with Plantation Pipeline will be performing maintenance work on their 30-foot gasoline pipeline in the Meridian area to accommodate the widening of Highway 493. The location of the work activity will be at Highway 493 North and Oak Hill Baptist Church, just inside the city limits. -
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The flowers and balloons Crestwood Elementary School Principal Kimberly Kendrick received at school Monday were not an early Valentines' Day gift.
Kendrick has been named Meridian Public School District's 2012 Administrator of the Year – an announcement that both surprised and wowed the 17-year veteran educator when made by MPSD Superintendent Dr. Alvin Taylor. -
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Digital system promises better communication
Hopefully in the near future you won't hear someone in the emergency services ask over the radio, "Can you hear me now?"
A digital communications system, one which is being pushed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), is a few months away and, in some cases, is already in the testing phase in Lauderdale County. -
Inmate escapes custody
Mississippi Department of Corrections officials said Monday afternoon an inmate escaped from custody Friday and is still being sought.
Officials said Johnny Hall Jr. escaped from two Wilkinson County Correctional Facility officers’ custody while being escorted from his father’s wake at the Picayune Funeral Home in Picayune. Preliminary information indicates Hall left the officers and jumped into a waiting black vehicle with a white female driver. -
Citizen’s Police Academy begins today
The work law enforcement conducts on a daily basis is often misunderstood by the general public.
Officials at the Meridian Police Department developed a program to inform and educate citizens on what police do in serving and protecting the population. The program, The Citizen's Police Academy, has been gaining speed for a couple of years since it was first offered. Officials said it shows residents are interested in police work and how it is conducted. - Woman: decongestant brought meth charge in Alabama
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