Through These Doors Campaign (VCU)

I’ve always loved the outdoors. I came into VCU as a psych major, then I took an introductory biology class and after the first day I decided this is exactly what I want to do. A summer fellowship got me into wetlands research and I’ve never looked back. To find this level of nature research facilities and resources in an urban university is really unheard of, and it’s important to have. I’ve seen changes just in the short time I’ve been doing this. I’m working at a microbe level, but ultimately the issues at stake are huge – which has made clear that, ultimately, this isn’t remote theoretical research, it’s about real air and water quality. It’s about what we’re leaving behind.

– JOE MORINA (B.S.’13/H&S), CURRENT VCU LIFE SCIENCES STUDENT

VCU is the institution of possibilities. I’ve not only had the opportunity to pursue two doctorate degrees through the dual-degree program, the Pharm.D./Ph.D. program is providing me with both invaluable clinical and research training I will one day use to make a difference in the health care field. Right now my research is in the area of novel drug development for inhaled delivery. I hope that one day my work will directly result in a cure for emphysema.

– TIEN TRUONG, VCU SCHOOL OF PHARMACY STUDENT

Through my time at VCU, I learned a great deal about the importance of advocacy and systemic change as part of every comprehensive school counseling program. I was given many opportunities to participate in the promotion of equity and access for all students in the hopes of one day closing achievement, opportunity and attainment gaps. During my first week of work as a professional school counselor, I was planning the year ahead, and I realized how well prepared and confident I was to design and lead my own school counseling program as a result of the knowledge, skills and experience that I received through VCU.

– ELIZABETH PARKER (M.Ed.’08/E)

I came to VCU wanting to be a police officer; that’s why I chose criminal justice as my major. But as I began to take different courses, it’s opened so many options – there’s not just one thing I want to be anymore. I got the opportunity to visit a juvenile detention center, talk to the inmates and play basketball. It left me incredibly humbled and motivated. And uplifted. Now I have the honor of serving on the juvenile justice board. That’s the kind of experience you get at VCU.

– MELVIN JOHNSON, VCU WILDER SCHOOL STUDENT

Transitioning from a small liberal arts school, I marveled at all the research, community outreach and professional opportunities available at VCU. That’s important to me, because as a National Health Service Corps Scholar, my first four years out of school are committed to meeting the primary oral health care shortage across the country. I’m especially interested in the unique challenges of older adults and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through VCU and other organizations, I’ve been able to work directly with these patients, adding depth to my experience as a dental student and shaping my career.

– LYUBOV SLASHCHEVA, VCU SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY STUDENT

Being at VCU has transformed my world view and given me such a greater perspective of life. My most rewarding experience was visiting Haiti through the VCU Institute for Women's Health in partnership with Richmond-based Midwives for Haiti. I got to use my studies in social work as part of an interdisciplinary team working in mobile clinics to provide care for pregnant women in rural areas with no hospitals. That whole experience really rounded out my education and gave me the opportunity to learn, grow and share with others.

– HEATHER CREEL (B.S.’12/H&S; M.S.W.’15/SW)

A soccer injury at the age of 5 left me with a severely broken leg. The doctors told me I needed surgery and might never play sports again, but a nurse turned that around for me. She knew of a new type of cast that was an alternative to surgery; she also opened my eyes to a future in nursing. That eventually led me to VCU – the best nursing school in Virginia. Not only have I been provided with the skills to excel and succeed, I’ve been able to really immerse myself in the community. Whenever there is an outreach event through the School of Nursing, VCU Medical Center or VCU, I volunteer and participate. The feeling I get from helping someone is what motivates me. The rewards are more than worth the hard work.

– INDIRA MILLER, VCU SCHOOL OF NURSING STUDENT

I came to VCU with graduate degrees in urban planning and environmental science and a focus on neighborhood preservation and environmental justice. I chose the school because it perfectly balances my desire to explore these social factors of health with my wishes to become a doctor. VCU's International/Inner City/Rural Preceptorship program, in particular, has had an enormous impact on my growth as a physician and as a human being. It’s enabled me to participate in community dialogues about Richmond’s turbulent history of race relations while also serving as a springboard for my research: evaluating VCU's interdisciplinary approach to coordinating care of patients with the most complex health needs.

– ADAM ROBINSON, VCU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE STUDENT