Clark High School Connects Future Cardinals to Healthcare Pathways
On Monday, October 5, the University of the Incarnate Word welcomed 40 students from Tom C. Clark High School for an immersive campus visit designed to highlight academic pathways and career opportunities across the health professions. Geared toward aspiring healthcare leaders, the event offered students direct access to UIW’s professional schools, college guidance and peer mentorship.
Students engaged directly with representatives and educators from across UIW’s health disciplines, including the School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM), the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO), the Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) and the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP). Through discussions and program overviews, representatives shared insights on prerequisite pathways, clinical learning environments and the importance of compassionate patient-centered care. These conversations helped students understand how health professionals work together and the educational routes available at UIW.
The day ended with an interactive panel featuring current UIW undergraduate students. The panelists offered honest, relatable perspectives on navigating the transition from high school to college, balancing demanding STEM coursework, gaining hands-on shadowing, volunteer hours and preparing competitive applications for professional programs. For the visiting high schoolers, many of whom were exploring healthcare careers for the first time, the panel offered a look at everyday undergraduate life and demonstrated that their own healthcare ambitions are within reach.
The UIW students also enjoyed mentoring the students and saw value in the experience. Austin M. said, "I thought it was a great experience for the high school students to see what options are out there for professional school. I really wish I had this opportunity when I was in high school."
Jaden D. reflected on the experience by saying, “One of the coolest parts about being in college is getting to help and inspire the next generation. Being able to have the opportunity to show Clark High School students around UIW, introducing them to our facilities, showing them our health profession programs and answering questions about what college is like was a full-circle moment. I got to be a small part of helping them envision their future career.”
Shandra Esparza, EdD, ATC, LAT, the associate dean for the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, was also part of the day, providing a welcome and facilitating the student panel. About the experience, she said, “Welcoming high school students to UIW gives us the opportunity to help them imagine their future in healthcare. By exploring different health professions, they can discover how their interests and talents can become a meaningful career serving others. We hope they leave knowing there is a place for them in healthcare and that their journey can begin here.”
The visit highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines UIW, uniting academic units, pre-health advising and student leaders to support the next generation of caregivers. By engaging local high school students early, UIW continues to build an accessible, inspiring pathway for future Cardinals dedicated to improving community health across San Antonio and South Texas.
Special thanks to the student volunteers, health professions school representatives, Esparza, and Maryssa Farias for helping make the day a success. The event was coordinated through Health Professions Initiatives, headed by Roxanna Aguilar, PhD.