Where Are They Now: Preston–From Uncertain Beginnings to Pre-Med

Preston is a proud graduate of St. Louis Catholic School, Class of 2024-a milestone that once felt out of reach. Today, he is a neuroscience major on the pre-med track at Tulane University, preparing for medical school and pursuing a future shaped by service, purpose, and compassion.

His journey to this point was not guaranteed.

Before transferring to St. Louis Catholic, Preston's family faced significant financial constraints that limited his educational options. While his mother deeply valued a faith-based education and the academic rigor St. Louis Catholic offered, tuition was simply not affordable. "I wouldn't have been able to attend St. Louis Catholic without Arete," Preston says plainly. "When I received the scholarship, tuition was cut in half. That made it possible for my mom to set up a payment plan and actually say yes."

Without that support, Preston knows his path would have looked very different. He would have remained in a school environment with fewer academic resources, less college preparation, and limited exposure to the advanced coursework that ultimately helped him succeed. "I definitely wouldn't be where I am now," he says. "Arete set me up for success."

Academically, the transition to St. Louis Catholic was transformative. Prior to transferring, Preston was capable and motivated, but he lacked the level of challenge, structure, and individualized guidance needed to fully develop his strengths. At St. Louis Catholic, expectations were higher-and so was the support. Smaller class sizes, accessible teachers, and strong academic advising helped him sharpen his study habits, deepen his understanding of complex material, and gain confidence in his abilities.

That confidence proved pivotal.

"I think my favorite teacher I had-the one I learned the most from-was Miss Shoemaker," Preston recalls. "I took her for pre-calculus and calculus. She's by far the best math teacher I've had." He also credits his anatomy and physiology teacher, Miss McCormick, for helping solidify his interest in medicine. "She was a Tulane alum, and I connected with her about her experiences going here. That made everything feel more real-like this path was actually possible for me."

It was during this time that Preston's dream of becoming a doctor truly took shape. Drawn to neuroscience for its complexity and its connection to human behavior and health, he began envisioning a future in medicine-not just as a career, but as a calling. His goal is to become a physician who serves communities with limited access to affordable healthcare, potentially practicing in urban environments like New Orleans.

That vision is rooted in personal experience. Through his work as an EMT with Tulane's volunteer student EMS service, Preston has seen firsthand how cost can prevent people from seeking care. "Everybody knows how expensive it can be to call 911," he explains. "But our service is student-run and completely volunteer. Anyone who calls us doesn't receive a bill from us. That's made me feel really good. I feel like I'm making a difference-at least in some aspect of healthcare affordability."

As a doctor, Preston hopes to expand that impact-providing care that is both accessible and compassionate, and advocating for systems that reduce barriers to health services. He wants his work to leave people healthier, supported, and seen.

Now at Tulane, Preston's days are full. In addition to his demanding coursework, he works as a personal trainer at the university recreation center, participates in club sports, serves as an EMT, and contributes to research in a lab. Each commitment reflects the discipline, confidence, and sense of purpose he began developing at St. Louis Catholic.

Looking back, Preston is clear about what made the difference. "I'm extremely thankful," he says. "Without the Arete scholarship, I don't think I would have had the opportunity to attend St. Louis Catholic-and without that, I wouldn't be where I am today."

From uncertain beginnings to a future in medicine, Preston's story is a powerful example of what happens when opportunity meets determination. With the foundation built at St. Louis Catholic and the support of Arete Scholars, he is not only pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor-he is preparing to change lives, including his own.