2016’s 20 Under 20: Abby Kempf, Rock Bridge High School

Matt Patston

Abby Kempf, 18, Rock Bridge High School

College plans:

Double major in neuroscience and biology at Barnard College in New York City.

Favorite class in high school:

AP Biology.

Proudest accomplishment in high school:

Getting a 4.0 GPA and being Valedictorian.

Biggest lesson learned in high school:

If you are focused on praise or others’ opinions of your work instead of concentrating on the process, you will never be satisfied with anything you do.

Future goals:

I plan to become a physician — I’m specifically interested in neurosurgery. Because I plan on attending a MD/Ph.D program for medical school, I will also be conducting research throughout my time as a doctor. I plan on researching amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

What you do for fun:

I am a senior mentor for an advisory, a group of freshmen. Every other day, I hang out with them for an hour and a half. I help them with everything from algebra to boy problems, and they always give me a good laugh.

CBT’s 20 Under 20 celebrates 20 Columbia high school seniors who are ready to accomplish big things after graduating. Congratulations to the 2016 20 Under 20, and to all Columbia high school grads.