Campus News
UPIKE students become part of global history After a lengthy screening and training process, UPIKE students from the Elliott School of Nursing, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) and Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) volunteered time from their rigorous schedules to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by administering vaccinations at Pikeville Medical Center’s drive-thru location.
KYCO Student Government President Jessica Johnson feels blessed by the chance to give back to the region and help others stay healthy.
“As future healthcare workers, many of us had been waiting for the opportunity to help more directly with the pandemic. It has impacted so many people we know in devastating ways; we wanted to jump right in,” said Lin. “As medical students, we are thankful to be able to continue our medical education throughout the pandemic. I think we are all very excited to have been able to contribute in a positive way.”
First-year nursing student and Pikeville native Eli Rowe is proud to be making a difference at such a significant point in time.
According to KYCOM Student Government President Cindy Lin, students were eager for a shot at putting their skills to good use for the greater good.
4
UPIKE MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2021
“All of us at KYCO consider the opportunity to help administer COVID-19 vaccines as a gift. This community has become our home and where we found our second families. The only thing we could hope for is that our loved ones stay strong, healthy and protected,” said Johnson. “Administering this vaccine enables us to ensure that comforting reality.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with my classmates, impacting the community in such a historic way,” said Rowe. “I know looking back, I will be able to say we were part of global history.”
