A look at some of the members of the Class of 2007, where they've been, and where they're going.

Name: Rina Patel
Hometown: Spartanburg
High School: Boiling Springs High School
Major: Exercise Science
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With her studies in fitness and nutrition, Rina Patel believes that she has a solid foundation for a career as a physician. Patel, who has an interest in women's health, also is concerned about the obesity epidemic in the United States. When she enters the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the summer, Patel said that she will pursue her dream of being able to help people.

"I've always wanted to help people, and I've always had an interest in healthcare," she said. "I decided to study exercise science because I thought that it would be relevant to my career as a physician. Understanding the body and nutrition was so relevant to my own life, and it will be the same for the patients that I treat one day."

Patel, who had a LIFE scholarship for her education, chose the University of South Carolina because of the reputation of the Arnold School of Public Health and its outstanding department of exercise science, recently ranked No. 1 in the nation for its Ph.D. program.

It's hardly any wonder that she gives the university high marks for student service.

"The faculty and advisers that I had in the department of exercise science are always willing to help you," she said. "No one has ever let me down when I've gone to get help."

Though studying was essential, Patel also participated in a range of student activities, including Carolina Productions and being a peer leader for University 101 and 201 and a resident hall adviser at Patterson for two years. A member of the Indian Cultural Exchange, Patel was a volunteer at Palmetto Baptist Hospital.

A cum laude graduate, Patel said she loved living in Columbia, where "there are so many opportunities for jobs, internships and experiences where you can make connections for the rest of your life."

"I've had an amazing time here," she said. "Carolina is just a great, great place."