My #UCFirstGen Story: Karrington Rainey, A&S ‘23
Karrington Rainey is a student in the University of Cincinnati’s College of Arts and Sciences, studying sociology. Karrington is a pioneer in her family as a first-generation college student.
What is your boldest vision for your future?
To attend medical school. After medical school, I want to create legislation and policy to have quality healthcare for everyone regardless of their economic status. I want to build a better community around me and give back to the youth. I delivered a speech my senior year of high school to bring attention to mental illness. I am also the president of Health for the Homeless. We create innovative initiatives to promote healthcare equality. All in all, my passion is bettering the healthcare system.
Describe a unique experience you’ve had at UC.
When I first came to the University of Cincinnati, I wanted to give back to my community since so many people have put their time and efforts into me. I wanted to pay it forward. I joined an organization called Bearcat Buddies. We are mentors/tutors to students in Cincinnati Public Schools. I realized how impactful I was to an elementary student. I am a role model, and I make education “cool.” I finally found my purpose. Just like so many donors and advisors invested into me and this program, I wanted to invest that same energy into a younger child and keep the motivation and ambitiousness alive through our youth.
How has the Gen-1/1MPACT House made an impact on your life?
When I first entered the Gen-1 House, I knew I was stepping into a community. I knew I had the support of my advisors and my peers. Since I am a first-generation college student, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown. However, I had my mentors and my advisor in the Gen-1 House. I developed meaningful relationships that will continue to help me on my college journey. My networking group has increased since being a part of the Gen-1 program, which I am forever grateful for.
What does it mean to you that you will be the first person in your family to graduate from college?
It is an honor and a privilege to be the first person in my family to go to college. I feel like I'm on the trajectory to success. I pushed myself beyond what I could imagine. I am so grateful to get the opportunity to continue my education and provide a better life for my family.
First-Generation Celebration Day
First-Generation Celebration Day was Nov. 8, 2020, and UC is celebrating by highlighting our student trailblazers and examining the transformational impact of graduating with a University of Cincinnati degree. Follow #UCFirstGen and #CelebrateFirstGen on social media and consider supporting Gen-1 students like Karrington.
Related Stories
UC chemistry alumna gives back to community
December 6, 2024
UC alum Ann Villalobos was undecided about joining the university’s PhD program in chemistry in 1985. She had graduated from the University of the Philippines—her home country—and gone on to the Tokyo Institute of Technology. She was looking for her next academic step when UC came onto her radar. Moving a world away to Cincinnati to further her education took some convincing for Villalobos. But she was intrigued by what the program had to offer. “I applied to the PhD program at the department of chemistry because the professors collaborate with each other to have a more meaningful, integrated research,” she said. After application, she was accepted. But she wasn’t totally convinced quite yet.
Physicists outline next 10 years of neutrino research
December 6, 2024
News media highlight a paper co-written by UC physicists that outlines the next 10 years of research into some of the tiniest known particles. Upcoming experiments could unlock secrets to the origins of the universe.
Environmental engineering student aims to make an impact on the...
December 5, 2024
Caitlin Fanello, fifth-year environmental engineering student at the University of Cincinnati, is motivated by the possibility of making a difference in the world. Of the many diverse paths students can take in environmental engineering, Fanello chose to focus her studies on water, including water resources and water treatment.