Meet Ashley Shields '24
Meet Ashley Shields, a sophomore in the Physician Assistant program at Seton Hill. The Physician Assistant program is one of the first things that drew Ashley to Seton Hill. She had only applied to a few other schools, and after participating in an overnight visit on campus, she realized that Seton Hill seemed like the best fit for her. “I was drawn to the Physician Assistant program, but I also liked that at Seton Hill I could continue to pursue my other passions - playing the piano and dancing,” says Ashley. “The Griffin Guide on my tour was also in the PA program and he made me feel great about the program and wanting to come to Seton Hill.”
Ashley’s first year at Seton Hill was challenging for her because the coursework was very demanding. “I came from a small private high school that didn’t have a well rounded palate of science programs so I knew I might have to work harder than others," says Ashley. "I remember asking myself multiple times if I was going to make it through the week, but I was determined that if I worked hard enough and studied, I would be fine."
Ashley says that the smaller class sizes had a great impact on her being able to finish her first year at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA. “My professors were top-notch when it came to supporting me and providing a one-on-one learning experience. I felt that they respected me and didn’t treat me like just another number,” says Ashley.
Ashley says that her biggest goal right now is to graduate from the Physician Assistant program without too many other bumps in the road. Like all students across the country, the pandemic was challenging for her. “I’m doing my best to get through it and my professors have been really supportive with that too,” says Ashley, who decided to take online courses this semester. “I really love the online classes. I think they are so organized and everything I need is right there. All of my professors have been able to adapt the classes, so I think it will be a great semester.”
The word caring comes to mind when Ashley thinks of Seton Hill. “I think it's a word that describes the professors and community so well. I hope that I can one day carry this over into my profession.”
Ashley is looking forward to continuing to push herself toward becoming the best Physician Assistant she can be.