As his time as an undergraduate student comes to an end, Justin Locher has some advice for his classmates: enjoy the ride.
“Take advantage of the opportunities that Northern Kentucky University provides you,” he says. “Spend the time to take in and digest the last few years. Walk around the university and chat with your previous professors, visit areas you spent time studying and hanging out. Life moves fast, and this chapter at NKU sets the foundation for our futures. Before you know it, you will be on the other side.”
Before beginning his chapter at NKU, Locher spent seven years on active duty with the U.S. Navy.
He knew he wanted to go to college after leaving the service, and the decision to attend NKU was pretty simple.
“While in the Navy, my parents had moved to the northern Kentucky area. After spending a considerable amount of time frequently changing duty stations and deploying around the world, I saw an opportunity to attend a reputable university and be close to family,” he says.
Locher enrolled at NKU as an exercise science major with a minor in chemistry. During his time in the exercise science program, he experienced small class sizes and professors who made a difference.
“It was quickly made apparent that I was surrounded by intelligent, passionate and hard-working faculty,” he says. “My professors made it evident that they cared about our success as students. NKU’s drive and commitment to their students kept me here without question!”
Locher also had the chance to gain real-world experience through an internship opportunity with a local hospital.
“I was able to complete [an internship] with St. Elizabeth and have been so fortunate as I believe it will greatly benefit in my future education and career path,” he says.
When he was balancing a full-time course load and studying for the MCAT, Locher spent time studying at his favorite spot on campus: the fourth floor of the Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Science Center.
As he reflects on his time at NKU, Locher is grateful for the experience.
“Attaining this degree is very special. It is a culmination of hard work, persistence and the start of a next chapter,” he says. “I am excited to be finishing, but I am so grateful to have been able to complete this phase of my education at NKU.”
The next chapter of Locher’s education starts in August, when he will begin medical school at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-NKU campus. His greatest passion is serving others, and he hopes to become a board-certified physician one day.
“I believe dedicating my life to the service of others answers my ‘why’ and personally fulfills me,” he says.
