Health sciences graduate likes to learn from the experiences of others

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2022 graduates.

Scottie Jimmy likes to learn from the experiences of others.

That’s why Jimmy, who is graduating from Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions with a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences, participated in the Connected Foundation. The organization’s mission is to develop a professional mentorship program pairing students pursuing careers in medicine with senior mentors at Mirabella at ASU.

“I’m the type of person who enjoys hearing the experiences of others, especially elders who have seen and experienced things that could help me become wiser in this career field,” Jimmy said. “Since I’m just barely scratching the surface of the medical field, I’ll gladly hear the words of anyone who can help me out with that, good or bad. Some of those guys really drop gems at those meetings.”

Jimmy, who served in the Marine Corps for six years, is planning to become a physician assistant.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: My “aha” moment happened when I would watch TV shows like "Untold Stories of the ER" as a kid and was fascinated with the medical field ever since. I had entertained other career fields, but they could never keep me interested like medicine.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One thing I learned while at ASU, if you’re looking to join a particular field (like medicine) you better be doing it for the right reasons. This is too long of a road to find out that deep down, studying medicine isn’t in your heart.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: Being that I’m born and raised here in Arizona, I didn’t even think about going to any other school.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Dr. Jason Houtchens has been my favorite professor so far, even though I still have no idea how organic chemistry works. I’ve had to retake his courses a few times, but his words of encouragement gave me hope that I can still pursue my goals if I can just stick it out.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Don’t be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people that have similar goals or character traits that you want to embody. This journey is much harder going at it alone, even though that’s how it feels like most of the time.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: My favorite spot on the Downtown (Phoenix) campus used to be the W. P. Carey Foundation Armstrong Great Hall (at the law school). I would study and do homework here before they shut it off to the public after the pandemic. Once we returned to in-person, I would go to the student center at the Post Office. It’s really hard to find a warm and comfortable study spot that isn’t crowded with people.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I’m going to enroll in a (phlebotomy certificate course) to start gaining work experience and then focus on building a stronger graduate program application. Getting back into the gym is also on the ticket, and trying to pick up a new hobby, if time will allow me.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I don’t know what I could change in the world with $40 million, but at ASU, I would develop student kitchen centers where people could have refrigerated lockers, microwave stations, hydration bars and even a working kitchen so people could bring their own lunches or cook their own food instead of having to eat out.