The following is an interview from when Jared was a student in the College of Health Sciences at Midwestern University.

Healthcare is Personal

Paris, Kentucky's Jared Techau is enormously loyal to his home state. But the name of his hometown may define him better than the state's predilection for bluegrass music or the famous Derby.

Paris was originally named "Hopewell," but the city founders changed it to "Paris" as a symbol of their appreciation to the French for their help during the Revolutionary War.

That sense of honor, both of recognizing aid from others and providing help to those in need, runs deep in Jared. "Sure, helping people makes me feel great," he says, "but it is truly something to witness first-hand how your help makes those who need it feel better, whether it be physically or emotionally."

An Inspiring Hometown Example

Jared traces that inspiration back to a family friend who has been practicing medicine since Jared was a small child. The friend's example spurred the young boy to ask probing questions about medicine every time he had to visit the doctor.

His curiosity led him to appreciate not only the fascinating aspects of healthcare, but the personal effects of practicing healthcare on both practitioner and patient. "He loves what he does and it showed every time I stepped into his office," Jared recalls.

The impact of his doctor's commitment to his patients and love of serving them carried over when Jared volunteered at the University of Kentucky hospital in college. "I loved every second of it," confesses Jared. "I loved the patient interaction I was able to witness and partake in."

A Place of Friends and Mentors

The experiences of his youth and his undergraduate volunteerism convinced Jared to pursue a career in medicine. But Jared knew that he needed to add some critical building blocks to his healthcare foundation, and so he applied and was accepted to the Master of Biomedical Science program at Midwestern University's College of Health Sciences on the Glendale Campus.

Jared quickly found that Midwestern offered him all of the resources he needed to forge his path to medical school. "Midwestern offers me everything I need to help further my studies," he explains. "The classes are exceptionally well-taught, and just from the first quarter I have already learned so much.

"The faculty are amazing, both in and out of the classroom. They will go out of their way to ensure that you obtain the help you are seeking, from studying for tests to answering questions about the application process and environment of medical school."

Although Jared is far from his "old Kentucky home," he feels like he has found a second family at Midwestern's Glendale Campus. "I moved out here not knowing anyone and in just a short amount of time I have already made friends and friendships that will last the rest of my life."

Building a Foundation for a Healthcare Career

Jared plans to complete his two-year Master of Biomedical Science degree and then apply to medical school. He knows that, regardless of the challenges that fall in his path, Midwestern University has given him the tools to overcome them and achieve his goals.

"When you apply here, they realize that it is your ultimate dream to attend a future professional school. With a lot of dedication on your part, the faculty and staff do everything they possibly can to help you reach your goal. You are prepared for success not only in the programs here at Midwestern but also for whatever awaits you in the future that you pursue."