Students discover passion, careers in health science

From the time students begin their first day of preschool, they are faced with the infamously daunting question: what do you want to be when you grow up?

Through the years, the answer changes hundreds of times.

Exposure to new opportunities causes the answers to evolve from “Princess” or “King of Space” to equally exciting and more feasible options: like the careers found in health sciences.

Seven students traveled to Washington State University/Eastern Washington University’s Riverpoint campus in Spokane for a tour of their health science programs.

The tour was part of the Business AfterSchool program, organized by Greater Spokane Incorporated to help high school students gain exposure to careers in science, technology, engineering and math, as well as interact with industry professionals.

The Riverpoint campus is home to the WSU Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy, as well as EWU’s Colleges of Health Science and Public Health.

The objective of the trip, Business AfterSchool explains on their website, was to help students gain “a closer look at careers that involve research, teaching, and practice.”

They continued, “Participants [learned] more about pathways to achieve success in these careers.”

The trip more than served its purpose, not only educating students, but also inspiring them.

Lacey Miller recalled her experience: “First of all, I loved the trip. I learned so much about how many careers there actually are in health care.”

The students had the opportunity to tour labs on campus, including a cadaver lab.

Kierstin Witt remarked, “For some reason, it did not occur to me that they dissect real bodies.”

“I was very surprised by the extent of hands-on learning that the school provides,” said Abby Gering. “It was amazing.”

The workshops on the trip also provided students with insight into the education necessary to make careers in health sciences possible.

Rachel Schell explained, “It opened my eyes to the options for graduate school in the medical field.”

“I was really surprised with how many programs there are and the amount of options available,” explained Miller.

Learning of these programs and touring WSU/EWU Riverpoint had a significant impact on Miller’s future.

“The trip definitely changed my plans,” she reflected, adding, “I’m really considering occupational therapy or becoming a nurse, which I had never thought of!”

For others, the trip reaffirmed their aspirations.

Schell said of her inspiration, “I want to be a Registered Nurse because I really want to help others.”

The experience in the labs deepened her passion: “The nursing labs reassured me why I want to go into this field: there is a constant need of medical professionals,” she said.

“I want to become a physical therapist because I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field… and deal with patients in the rehabilitation state,” explains Witt.

She continued, “I already had plans of attending Eastern for my bachelor’s degree and then going into their physical therapy program. Seeing their program… makes me excited for my future.”

By gaining exposure to the health sciences, students were able to foster new and existing passions and open their eyes to just how bright their futures can be.

“The trip amazed me and I’m so excited for the future,” Miller concluded. “I strongly encourage any student to go on this trip.”