Jessi Rodriguez: Making meaningful contributions

From a young age, I possessed a clear aspiration to make meaningful contributions to the improvement of healthcare. However, the specific path through which I envisioned my involvement remained unclear. I found myself exploring endless possibilities - envisioning myself in roles such as a surgeon, nurse, dentist, as well as roles within the administrative side of healthcare.

My freshman year at Michigan State Univeristy (MSU), I dedicated myself to the task of narrowing down my career options. Through resources provided by MSU, I engaged in volunteering, employment in my field, undergraduate research, and job shadowing across a diverse spectrum of healthcare-related positions. I had the privilege of volunteering in various health care settings, including the cardiovascular unit at Sparrow Hospital, the MSU Health Care Physical & Occupational Therapy office, the pharmacy at Mclaren Hospital, and the hospice facility at Elara Caring. Further, I had the opportunity to work as an office assistant for the MSU College of Nursing. This role granted me insight into what goes into developing a nursing programs curriculum. I was able to job shadow surgeons of various specialties at Sparrow Hospital. Thanks to these opportunities, I was able to gain exposure to a plethora of careers within the industry. 

I also participated in laboratory research through the MSU Precision Health Program. I am truly appreciative of the invaluable knowledge and experience that this program provided me. I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors to guide me through our research projects and help me to discover my love for science. My enthusiasm for research stems from the chance to explore the undiscovered and challenge the limits of the currently understood.

All of these experiences allowed me to discover my passion for research and shaped my aspirations for the future.

My junior year I was accepted into the College of Natural Science Dean’s Research Scholar Program, which has benefited me as a student in more ways than one. This program has provided me with financial assistance, which has played a part in relieving some of the stress associated with life as a college student. With this relief, more time could be focused on my education and my research. Lastly, I have had the privilege of engaging with MSU alumni and fellow students, gaining insights into their experiences and love for this university.

MSU’s abundant resources played a pivotal role in steering me towards the ideal career path. My future plans involve attending pharmacy school and pursuing a career as a pharmacologist, where I will be able to contribute to the discovery and development of pharmaceuticals. With the help from MSU, I can move onto graduate school confident in my future.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunities MSU has provided me; I am, and forever will be, a proud advocate of this school.