Failed class sparks York College student’s path to accomplishments once unthinkable

Jourdan Hamme ’21 envisions walking into a hospital lab filled with glass pipettes, vials of blood, and the latest technology to help her determine what’s ailing patients. When she leaves at the end of the day, people who went into the hospital sick might now feel relief because she was able to help them.

That day will soon be a reality for Hamme. The York College of Pennsylvania senior is completing her clinicals as a Medical Laboratory Science student at WellSpan York Hospital. Here, she can make an impact in the world of medicine by working behind the scenes to help physicians diagnose and treat patients.

Wanting to help

Hamme grew up in the hospital. Her mother, who has worked as an administrator and scheduler in a variety of hospital departments, often took Hamme to York Hospital to volunteer. From helping patients find their rooms to stocking shelves in the lab, Hamme fell in love with the science and passion of the medical world.

When she learned that she could pursue a career in Medical Laboratory Science, she quickly imagined herself as a character in a TV medical mystery show. “I think that would be a lot of fun, but, in reality, I really just want to help people,” she says.

During her sophomore year, though, she ran into an obstacle. She struggled in and ultimately withdrew from her Anatomy and Physiology class because of failing grades. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so disappointed in myself,” she says. “I knew I could do better.”

Back on her feet

With the sting of that class behind her, Hamme decided to take Anatomy and Physiology I and II back to back the summer before her junior year. This time, she wasn’t doing it on her own.

Through a friend, Hamme found a Nursing major who had done exceptionally well in the class and was happy to help Hamme study. She visited the Academic Support Center, where she found tutors to guide her. She also met with faculty to get one-on-one guidance when needed. It was the support of her peers combined with faculty who encouraged her that led Hamme to not only pass both classes, but be proud of her grades.

“It was like I’d just climbed my own personal Everest,” she says. “This thing seemed very daunting, but YCP had everything I needed to be successful.”

Personal achievements

That success and determination has followed Hamme ever since. She now tutors other students in Anatomy and Physiology. “That’s not something I ever thought would happen,” she says, laughing.

When she applied for her clinical, she was selected in the top 10 out of 30 applicants for the program. “I wouldn’t have achieved that,” she says, “without the support of the faculty and my classmates at York College.”