CHS Celebrates Transfer Students – Meet Jessica Jones
Published October 21, 2022
UTEP College of Health Sciences
The week of October 17th is National Transfer Student Week. Join us as we celebrate the stories and successes of our transfer students. Today we are featuring Jessica Jones, a senior Clinical Laboratory Science major who will graduate this coming spring.
Are you a first-generation college student? If so, what inspired you to attend college?
I am a first-generation college student. While I have always understood the importance of earning a degree, I was never certain of the field to pursue. Regardless of how long it took me, I wanted to finish what I started more than 20 years ago.
Prior to coming to UTEP, where did you start college?
I have attended multiple colleges over the past two decades. I began at the University of Alaska. I've also attended Central Texas College, and the American Military University. I began the rigorous change from a BA to a BS here at UTEP the summer of 2020. Because I always put my Soldiers and my children before my own education, I was originally denied admission due to GPA. I pleaded my case to the board and was granted a conditional acceptance, allowing me an opportunity to prove myself. I took 13 hours that summer, 17 the following fall and 20 the spring of 2021. I pushed and worked very hard to complete the prerequisites to apply to the CLS program beginning summer of 2021. I have made the Dean's list a few times and have a GPA that I can be proud of. I am on par to graduate with honors at this time.
Where did you begin your academic journey?
My interest in Clinic Laboratory Science began after high school when I became a certified phlebotomist. I later joined the Army as a medic (EMT) and retired. Following retirement, I began to pursue a BA in Emergency Management with a concentration in Public Health. I realized that my priorities in life had changed and was forced to do a lot of introspection. I circled back to my time working at the Blood Bank of Alaska and realized that I loved the lab. This allows me to continue patient care in the best way, after all, doctors cannot accurately diagnose patients without the lab results that we provide. It is patient care without direct patient contact.
What were your greatest academic challenges during your time at UTEP, and how did you overcome them?
Since I began so long ago, I have endured many challenges along the way. I raised two children as a single mother, deployments, and military life. Since I began this journey at UTEP in 2020, I lost both of my parents. My father in fall 2020 and my mother spring 2022. They lived with me and that was extremely difficult. I got through it with the help of my 19-year-old daughter. I wanted her to be proud of me and know that no matter what life throws at you, you can get through it and accomplish your goals. It's not about how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you fight to get back up.
Were you involved in student organizations or volunteer activities?
I was not involved in any organizations, but regularly volunteer with the CLS program. We have done project MOVE, and many HOPE health fairs in the community.
What are your future academic and career goals?
My future career goals include getting certified as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and getting into a travel MLS position. I am currently deciding where to take my education from here, but a master's program is likely.
I hope that my long road inspires someone. It's definitely never too late to start over and follow your dreams.
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