Jonathan Sellas ’23
Jonathan Sellas ’23 has not decided which medical school he wants to attend, but he has made one big decision ahead of resuming his studies.
“Everyone I talked to has pretty much told me to not do anything this summer, and that I need to relax mentally,” Sellas said.
Since choosing Florida Southern over the University of South Florida four years ago because of the sense of community Sellas discovered during Scholar’s Weekend, he has devoted his time to academics and acquiring his major degrees in Biology and Spanish.
Not only has Sellas completed his Pre-med track, he has also been heavily involved with Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-med Honor Society) as is its current president and past vice president and treasurer.
Sellas has also been the Academic Fuel team leader, a Scholars Strengthening Scholars (S3) Tutor, has provided free tutoring to students in his free time, has been a Biology Peer Mentor helping freshmen adjust to the rigorous academic regimen, has represented student-life concerns at the FSC Board of Trustees meetings, and has spoken on behalf of FSC President Dr. Anne B. Kerr as an Ease Grant lobbyist for the ICUF (Independent College and Universities of Florida).
Also, Sellas has been a key research participant for Florida Southern professors Dr. Shameka Shelby and Dr. Brittany Gasper, as well as with Lakeland Pediatrics. Sellas has done more than 100 hours of pre-health shadowing at Lakeland Regional Health Center and with Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.
Sellas has definitely earned some downtime.
That will begin a few days after graduation when Sellas goes on the Junior Journey summer trip to Germany. It was a trip that Sellas did not get to take because of his academic schedule and because of the COVID-19 Pandemic causing a deferment of the trip.
“This is one of the pillars that this school offers, so I might as well do it,” Sellas said. “It’s an experience I wanted to have. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery. I’ve enjoyed my years here, but burnout does catch up with you with all the academics and extracurricular activities. I’m looking forward to being able to disconnect and relax before taking on the next chapter.”
As for that next chapter, Sellas said that he is deciding between med school at the University of Central Florida or the University of South Florida. Sellas said he has been accepted to UCF, but he is on the wait list at USF.
Sellas also is unsure of what area of medicine he wants to practice, but he is leaning toward one area thanks to a popular television show.
“I told myself I didn’t want to decide prematurely,” Sellas said. “Ever since I had the desire to become a doctor the specialty has changed. I want to wait to see what my clinical rotations bring me, but I am a big “House” (also “House M.D.”) fan, so internal medicine seems really appealing to me.”
Sellas is thankful for all of the things he has been able to experience at Florida Southern and noted that this year has been especially crucial in his career pursuit.
“The biggest help to me by far has been from [Associate Director of Heath Professions in the Office of Career Services] M.C. Mendoza, my pre-health advisor,” Sellas said. “She helped me to take things in stride when it came to applications and told me not to treat myself harshly when it came to wait lists. It’s been nice to take challenging courses, because they have prepared me for what I have to do next. The faculty, staff, and the employees at student solutions have all helped me prepare for the next step.”
