When Sarah Raulston graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College at the age of 18 years old in the spring of 2015, she not only earned an associate degree and her high school diploma, she also completed the first two years toward a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

The ambitious Baldwinville teen got a jump start on her academic studies and career goals at age 16 through MWCC’s Pathways Early College Innovation School. She is believed to be the youngest student accepted into the University of New England’s six-year Doctor of Pharmacy program. The day of her admission interview, she was competing against traditional four-year college and university graduates from as far away as California for a spot in the selective program.

Sarah, who has earned an associate degree in MWCC’s new Liberal Arts Biological Sciences program, has known since middle school that she wanted a career as a pharmacist, after discovering a keen interest in how medicine is used to treat and heal disease.

“I knew I wanted to go to pharmacy school, so I wanted to get a head start. I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. High school is fun, but dual enrollment is such a good opportunity to get ahead. I think Pathways is a great way to start.”