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Lauren Staba (Wellsville, NY) wants to become a physician assistant and she found that the health sciences program at ��Ӱֱ�� State gave her the right path to make that a reality.  

Connected to ��Ӱֱ�� State by multiple family members, Lauren was hesitant about attending until she came on a visit. “The program seemed like a good fit for me. When I toured and got to know the community and the aspect that students really having each other’s back it really felt like a second home. I just love it here.” 

A variety of classes has continued to peak Lauren’s passion for the field. “You get a taste of everything; we have a virology class that was wonderful to learn about and we get a really good background with microbiology here.” 

Lauren has enjoyed the connection she has had with her professors and fellow classmates. “You have smaller classes, and the professors are knowledgeable. They make it easy for you to go to them and they encourage us to ask questions. I know if I had not gone to some of my professors I would not have done as well in the class. They are wonderful and approachable.” 

“I have bonded with classmates. We work through problems together and your lab partners become your closest friends. At the end of the day, we are going through the same thing. These are the people that I am going to want around me the rest of my life.” 

Lauren has been able to give back to other students by serving as a tutor for multiple science classes. “I was in their shoes once and it is nice to see my fellow classmates overcome boundaries. To explain concepts in ways they might understand and make it more digestible for them.” 

As her education grew, an opportunity to take a class at a local hospital led her to employment as a phlebotomist when she was not in the in classroom or lab. The job helped her meet the needed hours to follow her dreams and get accepted into physician assistant school. 

“The best part of ��Ӱֱ�� State is the people. I was so shocked how nice everyone was. It is such a good community here.” 

��Ӱֱ�� State has helped Lauren put her career under a microscope and she is going to see success.