Genelle Thompson
Name: Genelle Thompson
Hometown: Hopkins, S.C.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Originally, Genelle Thompson’s plan was to become a nurse. However, after earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) degree, the junior from Hopkins, S.C., wanted to take a different path.
“I realized I wanted to do more,” explains Genelle. “So I decided that I either wanted to do physical therapy or occupational therapy. Coming to Coastal I thought exercise and sport science would be the best major for that.”
Notice how Genelle said “more.” Pursuing exercise and sport science didn’t mean she would cease all nursing-related opportunities, evidenced by the fact that she is a certified nursing assistant at a hospital in Columbia. But it did mean she would broaden her academic path and increase her professional opportunities.
Becoming a Chanticleer opened up social opportunities as well. Genelle is a sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha and a member of Women of Color (WOC). She is also involved with Coastal Activities Board (CAB). If that wasn’t enough, Genelle is a Teal Trailblazer.
“Prior to coming to Coastal, I didn’t have that much courage,” a humble Genelle says. “But now that I have gotten here I have definitely been able to step out of my comfort zone.”
After Genelle earns her undergraduate degree in 2020, she wants to continue taking classes. Her plan is to satisfy prerequisite requirements so she can enter a physical therapy or occupational doctoral program. As Genelle continues to push herself by doing “more,” we see nothing limiting her from significant future success.