Forum sets Greenbrier senior's sights on reconstructive surgery
Adrean Riba , a rising senior at Greenbrier, is president of the drama club. She plans to major in biology and hopes for a career in medicine.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
She was merely a number among more than 400 students attending a medical forum in Atlanta, yet Adrean Riba was determined to make the experience worthwhile.
"Medicine has always been a love of my life," said the 17-year-old rising senior at Greenbrier High School. "I like the healing factor: seeing patients, helping them become well."
It wasn't until she participated in last month's National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine that she decided she wanted to become a reconstructive surgeon.
"I really enjoyed the hands-on experience," said Adrean, the daughter of Reese and Louise Riba of Evans. 'I participated in a lot of programs and we heard some great speakers."
While in Atlanta, Adrean was given the opportunity to visit the Emory University School of Medicine and talk to students.
"It was good to get their perspective on being a medical student," she said. "This experience just strengthened my love and passion for medicine."
At the Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, Adrean shadowed a wound healing doctor and a woman who worked in an oncology unit. She observed a pressure ulcer being dressed and a natural birth and cesarean delivery.
"I learned very quickly that I didn't want to work in a hospital," said Adrean, who prefers the comforts of a private practice.
Following graduation from Greenbrier High next year, Adrean plans to attend a small, private college or university and double major in biology and theater. "Theater is the other love of my life," said the all-A honor student who is president of Greenbrier High's chapter of the International Thespian Society. "I've been doing drama since I was old enough to talk."
"Adrean is a fascinating young lady who brings many talents to our program," said Steve Hansen, drama coach at Greenbrier High. "First and foremost, she is a strong advocate for the arts. She is very well informed and rarely passes up a chance to talk about what's going on in our program and in the community."
Adrean has been a cast member of several productions by The Augusta Players and is extremely involved with the State Thespian Conference as a performer and representative for Greenbrier High.
"Her ideas and passion for theater are her greatest assets," said Hansen.
"I know if I don't do theater in college, I'll probably be kicking myself later," said Adrean, who also is a member of the National Honor Society.
"I believe many of my students have a future in theater, in one capacity or another," said Hansen. "Some are extremely talented and may consider it as a career choice; others will choose fields outside of theater, but will utilize the skills and experiences obtained in class or productions to be better communicators, better team builders and better leaders.
"True passion for theater springs from the desire to be involved, not just in the limelight, but in any and all aspects of the production of theater," he added. "Adrean is that kind of person! She is involved off stage in the production of every show in some capacity. Last fall Adrean effortlessly played the blind female lead made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Wait Until Dark. Audience members attending the GHS production still recount the heightened emotions that Adrean and other cast members were able to invoke. Look for Adrean to work that magic again this fall as she appears in this year's murder mystery Postmortem."