by Cheryl Doss

Like all things that are new and challenging, it isn’t always easy.  At times it is frustrating, difficult, tiresome, and just not fun.  At those times, it easy for our students to get discouraged and wonder is it worth it.  But, thankfully, there is always a classmate or faculty/staff to ready encourage and lift up those who are feeling low.  A renewed sense of purpose and energy replaces the feelings of defeat, and the focus returns to continue the journey.

Many of our students come to our program because they need to strengthen their GPA and test scores to be more competitive applicants for medical, dental, physicians assistant, physical therapy, or veterinary shool.  Others come because they recently decided a career as a health care provider was for them.  Whatever the reason,  they all are looking for a program that will solidify their scientific foundation.  Students will certainly find our natural science courses will challenge them to become stronger students, but to be a successful health care provider is more than just knowing the science to being a healthy person.

Through our education, students learn to see the person, not the patient.  After all,  everyone has a story, and it often can play an important role in their overall health and well-being.  Integrating social science courses into our curriculum provides our students the knowledge needed to treat the whole person.

A funny thing happens when our students take some of our social science courses – they learn about themselves.  They often get a clearer picture of the kind of healthcare provider they want to be.  Some will allow themselves to experience unexpected personal growth that deepens their passion to providing quality healthcare with a servant’s heart.

And just like that, two years have come and gone; our students are ready for the next chapter in their life.  And if all goes according to plan they are going on to professional programs richer for the experience for their stop in our program; hopefully knowing their presence here was equally meaningful to us.