Paducah Tilghman High School

“Since a young age, I’ve always been interested in going into the medical field, and recently I’ve been able to get close relationships with local physicians,” Swenson said. “Recently, I job shadowed for radiology, and I just thought it was really cool, and I could make a difference helping people.”

While he waits to attend Murray State in the fall, Swenson has been working and developing life skills. Swenson said he has been supported by his family, who have encouraged him to reach his current level.

“My mother, when she was growing up, wanted to go into law, and she didn’t think she had what it takes to go into school,” Swenson said. “She would always tell me, just try my best in whatever I do, and I’ll be able to do it, and now I’m here, about to go into college, and I think I’ve got it. I think she’s really proud of me.”

Swenson said his family taught him the value of hard work from a young age, and he works at different businesses even during summer break.

“My father works in blue-collar work, and so did my grandpa,” he said. “They come home with blistered hands, and I just want to persevere and try my hardest to use my time wisely.”

Swenson explained that frequent sicknesses during his childhood inspired him to pursue a career in medicine so he could help others facing similar challenges.

“I want to be able to help others who have struggled,” he said. “I have really bad asthma, and I want a chance to help others like me.”

Swenson will be attending Murray State as a pre-med student in the fall.