For Jay Jay, pursuing higher education was never a question, it was a necessity. As a junior neuroscience major at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), she knew early on that a career in healthcare would require years of schooling, but the path to college wasn’t always clear or straightforward.
“I always knew I wanted to go to college,” Jay Jay says. “I was very close with one of my middle school teachers, and when I told her more about my interests and what I wanted to do, she encouraged me to go for it and not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone.”
Her fascination with neuroscience began in middle school during a psychology class that introduced her to the complexities of the brain. She was intrigued by how different people’s brains functioned and how injuries could affect individuals in unique ways. That curiosity led her to pursue a degree in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a physician assistant specializing in neurology.
Jay Jay’s ambitions extend beyond earning her degree. She plans to continue her education in a physician assistant program and is particularly interested in international medicine. “Medicine is different throughout the world, and I want to increase my knowledge as best as I can,” she says.
The impact of College Possible
Navigating the college application process was daunting for Jay Jay, especially as a first-generation student. She found support through College Possible, which was recommended to her by a friend. Struggling with the FAFSA and college applications, she turned to her coach for guidance, which made the college journey less overwhelming.
The support I received from my coaches has been so impactful,” she says. “College Possible made everything less scary.”
The most valuable part of the program, she notes, is the strong sense of connection with her coaches. “It’s like talking to a friend,” Jay Jay says. “There’s this bond that forms, and that constant communication and reassurance has really helped me.”
During her freshman year at Wayne State College, Jay Jay at first felt overwhelmed without in-person access to her coach. Eventually she grew more comfortable with the new virtual support, and was relieved to have constant support. “Just having someone in my corner, checking in, even just to remind me to take a break and that things will be okay, has been incredibly helpful,” Jay Jay shares.
Overcoming challenges and achieving milestones
Jay Jay has also taken steps to gain hands-on experience in her field. She previously worked as a certified nursing assistant, specializing in brain injuries where she saw firsthand how similar accidents could result in vastly different outcomes for patients. “It was eye-opening,” she reflects.
She has also been awarded a scholarship from Partnership 4 Kids, another program she was involved in throughout her schooling, and the Susan T. Buffett Scholarship, which have been instrumental in easing her financial burden. With guidance from both her school counselors and College Possible coaches, Jay Jay successfully navigated the scholarship application process.
Jay Jay’s academic journey took a turn after her first year when she made the decision to transfer from Wayne State College to UNO. She missed being close to her friends and family and wanted more in-person access to her College Possible coach, which influenced her decision to make the change. While it was difficult to leave behind some of the friendships she had formed at Wayne, she quickly found a sense of belonging in UNO’s Thompson Learning Community. “Everyone is so willing to help, and my advisor is very understanding,” she shares.
A global perspective: Studying abroad in South Korea
This semester, Jay Jay is taking her education abroad to South Korea, where she is studying psychology. Inspired by her friends who had visited, and after doing extensive research on the country’s academic programs, she is particularly excited to join a research program that evaluates psychological differences across cultures.
“Academically, I want to enhance my knowledge and explore how medicine intersects with neuroscience,” she says. “This is an opportunity to expand my horizons, make connections, and see the world from a new perspective.”
While she is thrilled about the experience, preparing to study abroad wasn’t without its challenges. “The language barrier is intimidating,” she admits. “Throughout the fall semester I was using Duolingo to learn Korean and worked closely with my academic and study abroad advisors to ensure I’m ready.”
Beyond academics, she’s eager to immerse herself in South Korea’s culture. “I’m most excited about the food, the cultural dress wear, and the breathtaking nature,” she says.
Looking to the future
Jay Jay’s aspirations don’t end with earning a degree. Her long-term goal is to return to Thailand, where she was born, and provide medical aid to those fleeing war or lacking access to healthcare. “I was privileged to come to the U.S. to pursue an education, and I want to use that privilege to give back,” she shares.
