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