4 minute read
New Beginnings
New Beginnings
A life in perspective and ‘keeping the promise’
When he was preparing for medical school, Andrew French remembers hearing how allconsuming the experience would be, with no time for family and friends and barely time to eat. It has been a challenge French acknowledged, but he’s also learned that life doesn’t stop for medical school.
“My wife and I were involved in our church,” he said. “We have two kids, both born during school. I think those things helped me keep perspective on what’s important, even when school stresses were piling up.”
Following graduation from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), French will move to Virginia for his residency in family medicine.
“I chose this program because their strength is in training physicians to practice the full spectrum of rural primary care, from childbirth to end-of-life,” said French, who was also an osteopathic manipulative medicine fellow at KYCOM. “Manual medicine was a big part of what drew me to an osteopathic medical school in the first place. Once I started, I knew I wanted to take advantage of the stellar faculty here.”
A calling to serve
Anna Kowalok always knew she wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure what career path to pursue. Soon, the mathematics major will pursue a master’s degree in higher education management at the University of Pittsburgh.
“Once I became a resident assistant at UPIKE that is when it clicked! After being a part of the resident life department, I knew that God put me here for a reason,” she said.
The daughter of a college professor, Kowalok has grown up surrounded by her UPIKE campus family. Her mother, Pat Kowalok, is a longtime professor of art and currently chair of the division of humanities.
“My mother is without a doubt the best thing that has ever happened to me,” said Kowalok. “If I had not been adopted by her, I would not be where I am today, with all the opportunities and blessings that have been given to me.”
A caregiver’s path
Amber Mills is keeping her options open after graduation, but the Barbourville, Ky., native is certain of one thing – she wants to be a nurse.
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve always had a servant’s heart and a desire to help others through eyes not covered with judgment, but open to see the good in people, even when they don’t see it themselves,” said Mills. “Nursing is a profession where you see people at their worst and their best, those moments when a baby takes its first breath and you see the joy in a new mom’s eyes. The elderly man who tells you about his life, all the experiences he had and the love he shared … until he takes his last breath, peacefully.”
For certain, Mills is leaving UPIKE with fond memories and a full heart.
“If you ask anyone why they came to UPIKE they’ll likely tell you it feels like home. I have traveled to places I never thought I’d go, learned things and grown as a person in ways I never imagined and built relationships with people here that I couldn’t live without,” Mills said. “None of that would have been possible without this university.”
The magic of Disney
One look at the career opportunities on Disney.com and it’s easy to understand why someone wants to work at the happiest place on earth.
Business major Taylor Edwards has been selected for internships at both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida, hoping to earn his way to a management position. Edwards’ career aspirations aren’t based solely on the global entertainment company’s position as one of the world’s most valuable brands. Nor is it the success of Pixar, MARVEL and Star Wars, which is an incredible draw.
His love for the house that Walt built is more personal.
“No one brings families together like Disney,” said Edwards. “I love places where families can visit and enjoy time together.”
Family is important to Edwards, a UPIKE bowler from Baltimore City, Md.
“It means a lot to be a part of such an established and strong team,” said Edwards. “It feels even better to become a captain and mentor to the bowlers I have competed with while gaining lifelong memories.”
From scholarship to medicine
Teddy Woods’ UPIKE story started long before his freshman year. This fall he will attend the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, one step closer to a career in medicine.
While still in high school, Woods participated in a two-week summer residential Professional Education Preparation Program, or PEPP, which set the course for future goals. His first year in college, he was selected as one of UPIKE’s Osteopathic Medical Scholars, a competitive eight-year program leading to both bachelor and medical degrees (B.S. and D.O.).
A native of Clay County, Ky., Woods said he is grateful for the generosity of others through scholarship opportunities. A desire to pay it forward led Woods to serve on mission trips, including Haiti, an experience that gave him a “more compassionate understanding of the challenges that others face.”
When it came to fun, Woods said the creation of an esports team at UPIKE was absolutely amazing. “We were only the second school in the nation to give scholarships. Seeing that field grow and being a part of those first steps was really exciting.”
