03/21/2023
“Fifth-year senior Cliff Jones initially thought that he would begin his academic career at Bryan College. After all, he was born and raised in Dayton, his three older siblings went there, his father taught there, and it was a small, Christian school. Instead, Cliff heard from his friends about Lee University and felt that it “sounded exciting.” After attending a LeeU Preview event he solidified his decision despite it being “a little scary.”
Cliff was a “Medlin Man” his freshman year and reveled in his new community while also enjoying the familiar faces that came with him to Lee. Proximity to Dunkin’ with plenty of donuts didn’t hurt either. He started as a business major but said, “I think I mentally switched majors like twelve times or something.” Cliff wondered what sort of career God was calling him to. He started taking business courses and signed up for an internship but was not sure if that was truly what he was meant to do. He took into consideration his interests too, “I always loved animals and the outdoors, so biology was attractive to me, but I also wanted something that was practical and service-oriented. . .The people I admired in my life had a strong connection between their vocation and their work with their faith.” Considering this, along with the guidance of his professors, he decided to add a biology major his junior year, before later narrowing down his path to pursue medical school.
Out of a passion for community, Cliff invested in his life on campus by joining the Kairos Honors Program and the rock-climbing club. Connection has been a driving point during Cliff’s time at Lee, with peers and professors alike. He said, “One of the wonderful things about being in Kairos, business, and biology is that I have gotten to know and gotten to have meaningful relationships with professors.” When asked if he had any professors who were particularly influential for him, he responded, “I don’t have one, I have like five.” He noted that business professor Dr. Guy Deloach, “has been really supportive” and Dr. Pamela Hobbs of the Department of Natural Sciences has “played a big role in helping me to explore my gifts and passions in a way that I really needed and that I am really grateful for.”
“The coolest part about Lee,” remarked Cliff, “is that you get to be acquainted with and then become actual friends with [professors].” Even those outside of either of Cliff’s majors, like Dr. Mark Scully, Dr. Jared Wielfaert, and Dr. Aaron Johnson are people from whom he sought “advice and counsel.”
As far as favorite classes, Cliff claimed he is “biased towards the Kairos classes because I got to take them with all my friends… it’s hard for that to go wrong…” Environmental Science with Dr. Michael Freake and Foundations of Western Culture taught by Dr. Johnson were favorites of his.
Soon after deciding to pursue a career in the medical field, he began work at CHI Memorial Hospital and a nearby assisted living facility. “I came to those experiences with a lot of passion and a lot of excitement about this new direction,” he said. Beyond his professional work there, Cliff seeks out every opportunity to maintain relationships there by taking part in the “Adopt a Grandparent” club, as he feels “a lot of joy at being able to be a part of people’s lives in a meaningful way.” When not on campus or at home, Cliff enjoys going to Cleveland Coffee Market, as he says it has “the best atmosphere to study in.”
People like Cliff with his passion, drive, and consideration of others are what make Lee into a community that we know and love. Cliff is excited for his future, saying, “I am currently studying for the MCAT and graduating in May,” after which he will take a gap year and “be an adult for a bit.” While we will miss Cliff’s involvement in Lee’s community, we are delighted by the sort of person he has become and look forward with him to the future ahead.”
Interview by Emily Gietzen, a double major in English and Classics at Lee University.
