Rebekah Markem

Rebekah Markem, a graduate student in Tennessee Tech’s Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s program, is bringing her dreams to life.

“I am seeking FNP because I eventually want to open my own clinic,” she said. “I want the ability to treat everyone in my hometown, but if I wanted to just focus on pediatrics, kids, I could do that as well.”

Markem has expanded her ability to care for people as she is learning how to assess, diagnose and treat patients.

“I think being able to help people in a different way and being able to expand my knowledge excites me the most,” she explained.

While in graduate school, Markem is also balancing a full-time job. She has some insight as to how she maintains both school and work.

“I ensure that my planner is kept up to date,” she continued. “On the days that I am not working, I put my nose to the grindstone to complete my school work, and I also try to complete some school work ahead of time.”

Markem points out that her professors notice and acknowledge the effort that goes on inside and outside of the academic classroom for graduate students.

“(My professors) also know that I am more than just a student,” she revealed.

When considering the challenges that arise in graduate school, she noted how her professors at Tech have been nothing but encouraging.

“They have supported my personal growth by helping me to think outside the box,” Markem stated. “They have helped me learn clinical skills that I need and use in my everyday practice.”

Markem explains that graduate school has challenges but navigating that adjustment and keeping your career in mind makes it all worth it.

“The adjustment from undergrad to grad school has been kind of difficult, but so far I am able to tolerate it,” she admitted. “The most rewarding aspect so far is the excitement everyone in my family has shown me about me becoming a nurse practitioner.”