Lauren Kent Math and Science Major Travels to Africa See her story on page 4

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Jefferson Insider - Volume 14 • 4
Jefferson mathematics <strong>and</strong> science major <strong>Lauren</strong> <strong>Kent</strong> spent three weeks in South <strong>Africa</strong> learning about the impact of infectious disease as a participant of the study abroad Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Scholar Laureate Program (ISLP). Her drive <strong>and</strong> dedication, combined with <strong>her</strong> passion for medicine, led <strong>her</strong> <strong>to</strong> such an incredible learning experience, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> the realization of the tremendous amount of support available <strong>to</strong> students at JCC. <strong>Lauren</strong> is one of many adult students at JCC. She joined the U.S. Navy right after high school <strong>and</strong> all throughout <strong>her</strong> enlistment she dreamed of a career in medicine. Jefferson has provided <strong>Lauren</strong> with multiple outlets <strong>to</strong> help <strong>her</strong> on <strong>her</strong> journey. While she is drawn <strong>to</strong> the world of anesthesiology, <strong>her</strong> experience studying in <strong>Africa</strong> strengthened <strong>her</strong> desire <strong>to</strong> work with doc<strong>to</strong>rs who specialize in infectious disease. President of JCC’s Tau Xi chapter of PTK, <strong>Lauren</strong> was one of twenty-six students from all over the world <strong>to</strong> participate in the 3-week PTK ISLP. One of the most difficult parts about participating in a study abroad program can be the cost. Determined not <strong>to</strong> let the cost st<strong>and</strong> in the way of <strong>her</strong> dreams, <strong>Lauren</strong> sought advice from the JCC community <strong>and</strong> began <strong>to</strong> seek a sponsor. After approaching one organization on campus, she was referred <strong>to</strong> anot<strong>her</strong> potential sponsor, then anot<strong>her</strong> <strong>and</strong> anot<strong>her</strong>. Before long, she had the support of JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government, Faculty Student Association <strong>and</strong> Jefferson Community College Foundation in addition <strong>to</strong> local rotary clubs. <strong>Lauren</strong> was truly humbled by the response that she received. “I cried when I got all these different sponsorships <strong>and</strong> scholarships,” says <strong>Lauren</strong>, “It was a really humbling moment for me that this school, <strong>and</strong> all the different parts of this school <strong>and</strong> community were so invested in my success.” With the support of multiple groups on campus <strong>and</strong> the community, <strong>Lauren</strong> was able <strong>to</strong> raise enough funds <strong>to</strong> completely cover the cost of <strong>her</strong> trip <strong>to</strong>taling over $8,000. During <strong>her</strong> time in South <strong>Africa</strong>, <strong>Lauren</strong>’s world view exp<strong>and</strong>ed tremendously, particularly <strong>her</strong> views on healthcare outside the U.S. “Looking at it from a multicultural <strong>and</strong> cross cultural perspective, t<strong>her</strong>e were a lot of things that I didn’t even realize that are so commonplace <strong>her</strong>e, are not even a consideration t<strong>her</strong>e,” says <strong>Lauren</strong>. <strong>Lauren</strong> was hit hardest when she learned about the effect the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has on the children left behind after their parents are taken by the disease. Child-headed households are not uncommon, <strong>and</strong> children orphaned by HIV still carry the stigma of the disease. In such a traditional culture <strong>Lauren</strong> feels that the education of children about HIV is paramount. “In order <strong>to</strong> shift the stigma associated with being infected, you have <strong>to</strong> reach out <strong>to</strong> the children <strong>and</strong> educate them, so that a new generation is born with new ways of thinking.” With <strong>Lauren</strong> spearheading the effort, JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of PTK is taking on the initiative of procuring 500 copies of the children’s book titled Brenda Has a Dragon in Her Blood by author Hijltje Vink that explains HIV is a live-able disease <strong>and</strong> with proper education t<strong>her</strong>e are ways <strong>to</strong> keep the dragon asleep. <strong>Lauren</strong> actively encourages <strong>her</strong> fellow students <strong>to</strong> take advantage of the programs available that allow them <strong>to</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> their horizons academically <strong>and</strong> as global citizens. “They want you <strong>to</strong> do well. They want you be successful,” she says, “I think that JCC has been really great, the level of care that I got from all the instruc<strong>to</strong>rs is wonderful <strong>and</strong> they really are invested in your success.” <strong>Lauren</strong> anticipates graduating in May with plans <strong>to</strong> continue pursuing a degree in the medical field. Jefferson Insider - Volume 14 • 5
Page 1 and 2: Lauren Ken
Page 3: A Message from the President “Eve
Page 7 and 8: Luncheon Held to H
Page 9 and 10: JCC Dionysian’s Club Presents Boe
Page 11 and 12: Cedric Baggett, Class of 2015 Billy
Page 13 and 14: Keeping Jefferson a Cool Place Whil
Page 15 and 16: Dr. Carla Overton
Page 17 and 18: Photo courtesy of
Page 19 and 20: Athletes Dream of Playing for Divis
Page 21 and 22: Paver Dedication On Octo</s
Page 23 and 24: Trustee Spotlight Michael W. Crowle
Page 25 and 26: Alumni Notes and N
Page 27 and 28: In the Spotlight 36 Years of Servin

Lauren Kent Math and Science Major Travels to Africa See her story on page 4

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