Frenship High School Certified Health Science Teacher Lori Powell, RN BSN, said the opportunity arose to bring in a panel of Texas Tech Health Science Center (TTHSC) professionals and a few FHS alumni, to present information, and answer direct questions about what it takes to get into and progress in medical school.
“The path to be accepted into medical school can be varied and unique,” Powell said. “This freedom can be perplexing to aspiring health science students. Choosing the ‘right’ undergraduate degree plan and staying on top of the many aspects of medical school applications are big decisions for busy Juniors and Seniors in high school. The wonderful aspect of this event was hearing recent graduates speak to their hard work and diligence which brought about great opportunities.”
Powell said not only was the initial presentation a great opportunity for students, but many students made connections as well.
“The feedback received so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” Powell said. “Students felt they have a better knowledge about how to pursue medical school. They also appreciated hearing of the variety of programs which offer the pathway to entrance into medical school. Many of them were deeply encouraged by the one-on-one time they had at the conclusion of the event to visit with the panelists.”
Ashley Hanson, TTHSC School of Medicine Assistant Director of Recruitment and Special Programs, was one of the panelists at the presentation. She said that events like this are meant to inspire students in the area to continue their paths in the medical field but also to give them tips on how to go about it.
“It’s important for us because we want to keep and grow our own healthcare students from the region,” Hanson said. “It’s more likely that people will stay and practice medicine in the place where they are from or familiar with, and we don’t want to lose great future physicians to bigger cities. We like to keep the best and brightest!”
Hanson said she believes that opportunities like this are special for high school students.
“I think this was helpful for the FHS students because we are trying to show them what’s out there, plant a seed, help them establish connections and mentors here, and guide them in their journey,” Hanson said.
Along with Hanson the panel included Felix Morales, TTHSC School of Medicine Associate Dean of Admissions, and three Frenship High School alumni, Jacob Evans, Chase Dawson, and Hannah Seo.
Jacob Evans was a Frenship Tiger for 13 years, was part of the Frenship High School Class of 2018, and previously attended Terra Vista Middle School and North Ridge Elementary.
Evans said he is now a TTHSC Honors College Junior, double majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. He said Frenship High school helped him prepare for the opportunities he has experienced at Texas Tech.
“The numerous Dual Credit and AP courses I took at Frenship High School helped me get ahead in my coursework, which has allowed me to take courses in college outside of my degree plan,” Evans said. “The rigor of these advanced courses helped prepare me for those in the collegiate environment.”
Evans said that events like this are special and help give students a glimpse into possible avenues to take.
“While I might not have all the answers, I can certainly share my experiences of undergrad and the application process to students who might be in the same position I'm in shortly,” Evans said. “Furthermore, events such as our panel give an ‘insider's scoop’ on what students can expect as pre-med college students, so that they can begin to prepare and set themselves up for success.”
Frenship High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator Amy Baker said she knows that the Health Science courses at FHS are some of the very best in the country.
“They have deep and valuable connections,” Baker said. “They are always looking for ways to bridge the gap with industry and to help Frenship students gain every advantage for their future. Our Health Science team works with a number of guest speakers and former students each year to educate, motivate and help prepare students for the next step in their education or learning.”
Baker said it is vital for students to hear from “real-world” experts in order to gain a different perspective.
“The information students glean from outside professionals is irreplaceable,” Baker said. “It’s one thing to hear it from your teacher- but when you hear it from a recruiter, employer or someone who will likely screen your future resume, it takes on a whole new meaning and impact.”