Their journeys to the commencement stage at UNC Pembroke couldn’t have been more different. Still, Marijo Wilkes and Sayeed Kabir share a remarkable distinction: both soon-to-be graduates are set to continue their academic journeys at two of the nation’s most prestigious medical schools.
Through hard work, resilience and academic excellence, they’ve each forged a path from UNCP to a future in medicine — Wilkes to NC State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Kabir to East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine as a distinguished Brody Scholar.
“For me, graduation will be a bittersweet moment because of the hard work and dedication to get to this point,” Wilkes said. “When I first stepped on campus, I would have never imagined I would have gotten these opportunities, such as doing research and visiting other vet schools. Looking back, I am thankful that I came here. UNCP will help you get far in life.”
Kabir, too, is looking forward to crossing the commencement stage on Saturday, celebrating this milestone before turning his focus to the next chapter at ECU.
“UNCP has become a part of me,” Kabir said. “It’s become a part of the person I am –– my experiences with my friends, my instructors and all of the staff –– it has been wonderful!”
A native of New York City and aspiring physician, Kabir has always been driven by curiosity, a love for science and deep empathy for others. At UNCP, he cultivated that passion through rigorous coursework, hands-on research and meaningful service opportunities that reinforced his commitment to medicine. As a Brody scholar, Kabir was guaranteed a spot in the 2025 entering class at the Brody School of Medicine. He completed his UNCP course requirements early and, since January, has been in Greenville, interning with the Health Cardiovascular Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at ECU.
As a first-generation American, Kabir has set his sights on a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation, hoping to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. He will graduate summa cum laude –– the highest academic level of distinction.
“It’s been a huge learning experience,” Kabir said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that UNC Pembroke has given me. Many great instructors shaped me into the person I am today, but Dr. Robert Poage in the biology department was a great resource for me. He shaped my growth and my development. Without him, I wouldn’t be as clinically involved and driven as I am now.”
Wilkes grew up on a farm near Prospect, where a love for animals began early amid cows, horses and chickens. With a nurse for a mother and a love for animals, Marijo combined both passions in pursuit of a veterinary career. Since arriving on campus, Wilkes has excelled academically in the classroom and on the softball field, where she was a four-year starter and team captain. She admits she didn’t make it to graduation without challenges.
“Being a student-athlete and majoring in biology is tough,” Wilkes said. “You have to miss a lot of class time. I struggled. It was hard to find a balance. However, it forced me to form strong relationships with my professors so I could make up labs.”
Wilkes persevered and, on Saturday, will graduate with honors. She’s excited for the next four years at N.C. State and credit the faculty and staff at UNCP for preparing her well.
“UNCP prepared me through a stringent curriculum and dedicated professors, especially in the biology department, who expect a lot from you,” she said. “They encourage you to participate in research outside the classroom, which prepared me for what to expect at vet school.”
