New Visions: Medical Careers Class of 2008-09 - Student Profile
Jordan Stephney
Peru High School 2009
University of Vermont, Dietetics Food and Nutrition Science Major with a Pre-Med/Pre-Health concentration
New Visions: Medical Careers was an extremely beneficial experience which has opened numerous doors for me in my college education already as a freshman.
I originally decided to apply and partake in the launch of the New Visions Medical program because I wanted to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. I felt that New Visions would help me reinforce my goal, give me a leg up in knowledge compared to other college freshman with similar goals, and boost my resume. New Visions was able to provide me with what I desired, while adding more physical and mental experiences I am lucky to have now.
During New Visions we followed a structured class curriculum where we were taught, Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Physiology, English, and Government and Economics pertaining to the medical world. The class also provided me with the "abouts" of college life as a freshman, which has made the transition from high school to college much easier.
Currently I am a Dietetics, Food and Nutrition Science Major with a Pre-Med/Pre-Health concentration at the University of Vermont. I also applied and received the first ever research assistant position given to an undergraduate student by the head of research for the Food and Nutrition Department at UVM. I applied, along with a vast number of students for the position, and was given the chance to have an interview.
At the interview I was told my chances were slim due to me being a freshman and most of the applications were coming from seniors. But, he said the reason I was given the interview was because he was interested in hearing about New Visions. After telling him what I had done in New Visions he immediately gave me the position because "he saw dedication in the education." This is only one of the many ways that New Visions has helped me.
If applying or participating in New Visions Medical Careers program, students should seize the opportunity to its fullest. Through observations I was able to obtain a recommendation letter, as well as many hours of shadowing. The subjects you learn also give a great foundation for your future college course work. Keep up with the work load and participate as much as possible. You must also go in with an open mind because you never know what you will take away from the class.
I am glad I participated in New Visions and I firmly believe it has changed my education for the better.