Preparing for a career in healthcare requires both a great deal of technical knowledge and personal strength. That’s why when Javier Rodriguez Cifuentes chose to study biology with a focus on pre-physician assistant studies, he knew what he learned outside of the classroom would be as important as what he learned within it. Saint Mary’s was the perfect environment for him to grow academically and personally. He felt comfortable trying new things, making mistakes, and building relationships — experiences he believes have prepared him for a career as a physician assistant.
“I was able to experience the rigorous work required to succeed in my field while also balancing leadership roles and finding time to take care of myself. It reminded me of the importance of asking for help when I don’t know the answer, and it gave me a safe space to fall short sometimes without feeling like it was the end of the world,” he said. “This chance to experience what it is like to succeed, fail, learn, and grow has given me the confidence to take on any challenge the future might present.”
While he acknowledges that his academic experience was challenging, he finds that it is exactly what made it so rewarding. His professors created an environment where he felt comfortable asking questions. They wanted to see him succeed and, in the end, helped him not only gain a better understanding of what he was learning, but to grow in confidence.
“My classes pushed me to think more critically and understand things at a deeper level than I ever expected,” he said.
His thinking was also challenged by his peers, many of whom had backgrounds and interests different from his. Cifuentes was a resident assistant, played intramural sports, volunteered at the Makerspace and abroad, and served on the Student Senate for two years — first as a hall representative and then as vice president for campus affairs. He was also named Outstanding Senior this spring during Saint Mary’s annual Founders’ Day celebration. Throughout his involvement in a wide variety of campus activities, he has built many relationships across campus, making his experience especially meaningful.
“I would describe my time at Saint Mary’s as very fun as well as transformative. I was able to meet people with perspectives different from my own who challenged my thinking, helping me become a better person than when I started at Saint Mary’s,” he explained.
It is thanks to this growth that Cifuentes feels ready for a future in healthcare. After graduating in May, he will attend Northwestern College to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) before beginning a career as a physician assistant.
