A resident of Massachusetts, Caroline Mascott has pursued studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville since 2021. She majors in medicine, health and society, and cognitive studies and aspires to become a nurse practitioner and make a meaningful difference among vulnerable populations. Caroline has completed a shadow experience in the emergency room at Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Ms. Mascott is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and participates in various philanthropic and volunteer efforts. She serves as a tutor with The Afterschool Program (TAP) and taught those with disabilities to surf through Surfing with Smiles. Ms. Mascott also had the opportunity to volunteer with Ed Markey for the US Senate Campaign in 2020.
Ms. Mascott excelled in sports while in high school, captaining the ski team and participating on the field hockey and tennis teams. She also served as the captain of the math team succeeding in doubling female participation on the team. Caroline graduated from high school with highest distinction from the Pingree School.
In the summers, Caroline works at Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar as a senior hostess in Massachusetts. She handles reservation inquiries and manages customer service requests, also providing training to incoming employees as required. While in high school, she also gained professional experience as an ice cream server at Harbor Creamery in Newburyport and graduated from high school with the highest distinction.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
The days that I feel most productive are my most well-rounded days. They are the ones that include a mix of work, fitness, and social activities. I usually start my day with classes, then get a workout in, complete assignments, attend meetings, and grab lunch or dinner with friends.
How do you bring ideas to life?
My best ideas come to me when I’m not sitting down trying to come up with an idea. They come when I’m running or walking and my subconscious is the most active.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about the future of artificial intelligence. While it has its share of shortcomings, I believe it holds great promise for productivity. We’re already seeing it have a major impact on providing personalized recommendations across various aspects of life. Yes, some jobs will be replaced by AI, but I believe that there are future opportunities for those who know how to intelligently use AI.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Exercise is really important to my productivity. I feel most energized and clearheaded when I get in a workout.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Cast a wide net—talk to new people, take classes in subjects outside of your discipline, read books outside of your typical interests, and try new hobbies. This is how you learn and grow and how you may find your passion project or new best friend.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I don’t have anything that I can definitely say “almost nobody agrees with me on.”
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Prioritizing exercise is the one thing that can have a profound impact on one’s physical health, mental clarity, and energy level. Unfortunately, it’s the first thing that people sacrifice when they get too busy.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I try to get organized. I may make a list and tackle one or two simple tasks to demonstrate progress. If I feel really overwhelmed, I may take a break, go for a walk, or call a friend or mentor.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
As I was thinking about my career aspirations, I was curious about a variety of paths. When I aligned my interests along with my talents and began to lean into it, my path became clearer. I began networking with experts and sought out shadow and internship opportunities, and through those experiences, I knew I was destined for a career in healthcare. It’s really about being honest with yourself—about not only what interests you, but also what you’re good at.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I’m just getting started in my career, but early in my education, I suffered from imposter syndrome—believing that I didn’t have what it takes and always comparing myself to others. As I matured, I learned to believe in myself and build confidence from my successes. The biggest lesson is that it is normal to feel uncomfortable when something is new.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I enjoy experimenting with artificial intelligence. I’m exploring ideas on how to use AI in healthcare.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I believe that the best way to spend money is on travel. Recently, I studied abroad and it was life-changing. I found it extremely fulfilling to meet new people, visit new places, and experience new cultures.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is Educated by Tara Westover. I’m inspired by her resilience and found her story to be moving and empowering.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched The Pitt and found it to be an extraordinary depiction of life in a big city hospital emergency room. The characters, the storylines, and pacing are what captured and held my interest
Key learnings
- Take time to figure out what you’re good at and what motivates you and lean into it.
- Always be curious. Talk to people, visit new places, and try new things.
- Your physical health is critical to your mental health and overall growth.