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Destiny Rymer: No One-Size-Fits-All Path to Success

Destiny Rymer’s academic path hasn’t followed a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. As one of the 2024–2025 CLA Outstanding Student in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Rymer embodies the spirit of persistence, purpose, and compassion.

Rymer is completing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies, all while working full time in healthcare—a field she entered at just 15 years old. “Balancing work and school hasn’t always been easy,” she shared, “especially during a major transition when I moved from Alaska to Kentucky in the middle of a semester. But through that experience I’ve gained a lot of perspective about the different paths students can take to succeed.”

For Rymer, her motivation has come from staying focused on the bigger picture. “Working toward something meaningful kept me going,” she said. Her husband has been a crucial support system, particularly during their move. “It would’ve been easy to let something slip through the cracks,” she said, “but he helped ground me and reminded me of my goals.” Rymer also finds motivation in her patients and coworkers: “Being in the medical field has shown me the importance of compassion, advocacy, and connection—which all reinforce my academic work.”

That connection between personal and academic purpose deepened through an unexpected turning point: a conversation with a healthcare provider who had studied anthropology. “I was intrigued,” Rymer said. “I took a course, and I completely fell in love with it.” Anthropology became more than a discipline—it became a lens through which she could understand people, systems, and lived experience, and use those insights to improve healthcare.

As she continued, Rymer found a natural link between anthropology and women and gender studies. “I discovered a strong passion for women’s health,” she said. “I’m especially interested in using medical anthropology to amplify the voices of women and patients who often go unheard.” That realization brought clarity: “I don’t have to choose between science and advocacy. I can do both.”

Rymer now hopes to continue working in healthcare and apply what she’s learned to transform how care is delivered. “Medical anthropology helps providers go beyond symptoms,” she explained. “It’s about understanding lived experiences, appreciating culture, and offering care that’s informed, respectful, and truly patient-centered.”

Her advice for future students? “There’s no single right way to do college,” Rymer said. “Everyone’s journey is valid. What matters is finding your own balance, staying true to your values, and being proud of the progress you make—even if it looks different from the person next to you.”

As she put it in her closing remarks: “Being recognized as the CLA Outstanding Student of the Year is something I’m incredibly honored by. I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken, even with all its ups and downs—and I’m grateful to be part of a community that values different kinds of student experiences.”