InTouch with Southern Kentucky June 2020 | Page 10

BROWN FELLOWS
SCHOLARSHIP AND PRE-MED
In the midst of this pandemic
I received some good news. I
was awarded the Brown Fellows
Scholarship at the University of
Louisville. Only ten people who
apply for this scholarship at U of
L are selected for this prestigious
award. It’s an enrichment program
that covers full tuition, room, board,
and an allowance for books. In
addition, I will receive funding from
the Brown Foundation to support
an individual enrichment plan I will
develop with my professors and
advisors. This fall I will be attending
the University of Louisville and
majoring in Biochemistry: Pre-Med.
I first entertained the notion of
becoming a doctor when I was
young. My great-grandfather had
to undergo open heart surgery.
I vividly recall showering my
mom with questions about the
procedure. I remember the warmth
and gratitude my mom conveyed
when speaking of the care my greatgrandfather
was receiving from his
doctor. I didn’t know it at the time,
but it was then that I first learned
to appreciate how physicians can
impact not only patients, but also
their families.
This sense of calling was later
reinforced when my grandfather
had to undergo open heart surgery.
It was at that time I became aware
of the challenging health care
situations in the Appalachian region
along with the striking prevalence of
hypertension in my own family. These
factors motivated me to pursue a
career in cardiology, and after I earn
my degree, I plan to practice in the
Appalachian area so the people in
these communities can access quality
healthcare close to home.
Through my Governor’s Scholar
Program at Morehead State
University last summer, I was
given the opportunity to study
environmental and biological issues.
This gave me a unique opportunity
to see how these issues relate to not
only the world, but also the medical
field in general. It is ultimately my
desire to improve the health and
well-being of those in the Appalachian
communities by examining how their
culture and environment affects
managed health care and assisting in
reducing barriers they face.
As you can see, I have been shaped
by my experiences, as well as my
desire to help better the lives of those
around me. Randy Lewis, the author
of No Greatness without Goodness
stated, “All people have a responsibility
to make the world a better place.”
It is my desire to serve and make a
positive impact on others.
Josh is an exceptional student and role
model. He received the Brown Fellows
Scholarship. Very few receive that. He has
maintained his high academic standard in
spite of illness. He truly is an inspiration
to all. I am so proud of this young man.
Danita Ellis
Southwestern High School Principal
Josh Thomas Resume
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted GPA: 4.3239
ACT: 34
Advanced Placement Courses
Chemistry: Scored a 4 on the AP Exam
Biology: Scored a 4 on the AP Exam
Environmental Science: Scored a 4 on the AP
Exam
Psychology: Scored a 4 on the AP Exam
United States Government and Politics:
Scored a 3 on the AP Exam
Dual Credit Courses
Western Kentucky University
Chemistry 105
Chemistry 106
Campbellsville University
Chemistry 111
Chemistry 113
Eastern Kentucky University
English 102
Music 171
Dual Credit College Level Course
Math, 2 Terms
Dual Credit College Level Course
Medical Terminology 115
Intro to Interpersonal Communication 252
Introduction to Computers 105
Web Site Design and Production 157
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Southwestern Academic Team
Southwestern Future Problem Solving Team
Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Math Club
Youth Career Connect (YCC)
Students Leading Through Arts and Music
(SLAM)
Southwestern Archery Team
Southwestern Tennis Team
Southwestern Cross-Country
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
National Honors Society (NHS) — Treasurer
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)— Leader
Lab Assistant
HONORS & AWARDS
UK Medical Summer Enrichment Program
EKU Whitlock Scholarship
Governor’s Scholars Program
UL Brown Fellows Scholarship
Perfect Attendance Award - Jr. and Sr.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
LCRH Health Explorers
Geriatric Sitting
Fields of Faith
Missions
Beacon Hill Baptist Electronics Team
Nursing Home Ministry
Operation Christmas Child
10 • In Touch with Southern Kentucky June 2020