Damon Jenson, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
South College’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science program can be a precursor for those wanting to become a Physician Assistant. With this degree, Damon hopes to assist doctors in their day-to-day practice and help those who need it. Find out what South College student, Damon Jenson, has to say about his experience at South College and his pursuit to become a Physician Assistant with a degree in Health Science.
What program are you in?
I am currently in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science undergraduate program.
Why did you choose that? What was that thought process for you, and how did you make it happen?
I chose the health science program because my ultimate goal is to become a Physician Assistant. This program prepares those who have the interest of continuing an education to the master’s level of health science and fulfills all educational pre-requisites for acceptance into a Physician Assistant program. I was able to make my educational pursuits a reality with the financial assistance of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. South College made the process of enrolling into classes very easy.
Why did you choose South College?
I chose South College because of three main things:
- South College has a very good reputation for assisting military veterans with their educational pursuits.
- South College is an accredited school that offers the degree programs required to meet my goals.
- South College is conveniently located in relation to where I live.
Did you come back to school after working, raising a family, etc? Are you changing careers? Or are you coming straight out of high school? Describe that journey.
After high school, I served four years as a medic in the United States Air Force. After my time in the service I had the opportunity to open my own photography business. I operated my business for eight years and was quite successful. Though my business was successful, I found little glory in the day-to-day operations and even though the money was great, I did not feel like my presence in the world was making much of a difference in the lives of those around me, including my own. My heart was being pulled in a different direction, a direction that I knew I was meant for all along. The passion for my business waned, but the passion to pursue a career in the medical field grew. I knew it would be a long journey, but I was prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to chase my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant.
What is your favorite part of your studies?
My favorite part of my studies, so far, has been the challenge. It truly is bittersweet and can be described by the old adage, “the greater the challenge, the greater the glory in overcoming it”.
What is your goal for after you graduate?
My goal upon graduation is to continue my education to graduate school where I will achieve a master’s degree in the health sciences and licensure as a Physician Assistant.
Do you have any advice for future students who might be in your same position?
The advice that I have for future students is to deeply reflect on what they believe their purpose in this world is. With honest and frequent introspection, a path will present itself. When that path becomes clear, travel it! Allow yourself to feel every obstacle, bump, success and failure along the way so that you can learn just as much about yourself as you do about your journey toward your dream. Knowledge gained from an educational program at an institution of higher learning is not just about what you learn in the classroom, but what you learn about yourself in the face of great challenges as well. Chase those dreams and become the greatest version of yourself. If you choose South College for your educational pursuits, know that you will have small class sizes and instructors that truly care about their student’s education. I have absolutely adored every instructor that I have had at South College, and if asked what my favorite part of South College is, my answer is always, without a doubt, the instructors. It is obvious that they love what they do and that they love to see their students succeed.
