White Plains Youth Bureau Students Explore Medical Careers at �Թϱ��� University

On Tuesday, July 22, high school students from the White Plains Youth Bureau spent an afternoon immersed in hands-on health care education at �Թϱ��� University’s School of Nursing. The visit was part of “Discovering Your Future in Medicine: An Exploration of Medical Career Pathways and Access to College Enrollment,” a half-day event filled with inspiration, information and real-world experience.

The program opened with a welcome from Dr. Jade Felder, assistant vice president of university advisement strategy and innovation, and Dr. Kenya Beard, dean of the School of Nursing. Together, they encouraged students to think about how education can expand not just career options but life opportunities.

“To be successful, you have to make successful choices,” Dr. Beard said. “The professions that we choose allow us to make other choices like where we live, shop and work. The ability to choose is a privilege — but it comes with a lot of work.”

Students explored a wide range of health care careers through interactive sessions like a “Medical Match-Up” icebreaker, a “What is Health Care?” mini talk, and a Career Pathway Wheel activity covering nursing, pharmacy, public health and more. Breakout sessions included CPR basics, vital signs practice and a demonstration of �Թϱ���’s Anatomage table — a high-tech, 3D anatomy and simulation tool.

“I really like that we got to do a lot of hands-on activities,” said Jayden Gonzalez. “And learning about all the different opportunities there are in health care. I didn’t really know that much about �Թϱ��� until I came here — and now it’s one of the universities I’m going to apply to.”

Throughout the day, �Թϱ��� staff emphasized the importance of planning, persistence and self-care, particularly for future health professionals. Students were also introduced to the university’s new advising model and financial aid resources designed to support their success.

One of the most memorable takeaways came from student Miriam Perez, who reflected on the impact of learning about college affordability: “Cost was one of the biggest challenges I had in mind when thinking about going to college or medical school. Seeing all the financial aid here at �Թϱ��� — it just inspired me that I could do it.”

The visit concluded with a vision board activity where students reflected on what their own futures in health care might look like.

“We want students to know that these careers are within reach,” said Dr. Felder. “This is about access — about being seen and heard, and about showing students that they belong in these spaces.”