Josephine Barnhart '21 came to Westminster College looking for a place where she could focus on her studies while continuing to play the sport she loves—soccer. Today, Josephine is a podiatry student in Miami, Florida, pursuing her goal of becoming a podiatric surgeon. Since graduating, she earned her Master of Biomedical Science from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and gained valuable work experience during a gap year before beginning medical school. For Josephine, Westminster provided the academic foundation, supportive professors, and close-knit community that helped prepare her for the next steps in her journey.

Read on to see how her Westminster experience taught her the importance of prioritizing her goals, surrounding herself with people who push her to succeed, and trusting that all the hard work will pay off! 
 

Current Occupation/Employer 
Podiatry Student | Future Podiatric Surgeon 

Why did you choose Westminster College? 
I went to Westminster College so I could focus on my studies while still being able to play the sport I love—soccer. 

What have you been up to since graduation? 
Since graduating from Westminster, I earned my Master of Biomedical Science from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2023. I took a 1.5-year gap period to work and save money and have now started my journey as a medical student in podiatry school where I look forward to becoming a podiatric surgeon! 

How well did Westminster prepare you for your career? 
Westminster gave me the foundation I needed to achieve my post-graduate studies. Some courses or routes might seem silly to some people, but it all pays off in the end. 

How would you describe the level of academics you experienced during your time at Westminster College? 
The level of academics I experienced held me at a high standard. I was definitely not a top/stand-out student, but I made sure to hold myself to a high standard and work with professors to get the help that I needed. 

What internships or student research projects did you conduct during your time at Westminster? 
Starting at the end of my sophomore year, I began my senior capstone project with Dr. Corrette-Bennett. I had the opportunity to see how steroids affect limb regeneration in axolotl. This project  lasted all the way through my final semester as a senior where I had the pleasure of presenting it to the rest of campus. Also, despite us not being able to go due to COVID-19, myself and four other students were selected by Dr. Postema in the language department to conduct research on citizens of the Dominican Republic and act as translators for medical doctors. 

What Westminster professor influenced you the most and why? 
Dr. Balczon and Dr. Postema were my greatest supporters. They were always available when I needed to talk to them about a class and always provided amazing school and life advice. 

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs or athletic teams while you were on campus? 
I was part of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), Westminster Tour Guides, Women's Soccer, Tri-Beta Biology Honors Club, and Pre-Med Society. 

What makes the Westminster College experience unique? 
The strong sense of connection and interpersonal relationships among everyone on campus. 

What significant life lesson did you learn at Westminster? 
I learned very quickly at Westminster that academics have to come first. College is a new experience for everyone, and there are plenty of opportunities to have fun and make memories along the way. But I learned that those experiences will always be there—your time as a student is limited. Staying focused on your studies and prioritizing your goals can make all the difference. 

Why should a prospective student consider coming to Westminster College? 
Sports are such a huge part of the Westminster experience. It makes campus a community as we are all going through strenuous coursework while also trying to be athletes.

Knowing what you know now, what piece of advice would you give to yourself on that first day on campus? 
I would tell myself to stick with the people who are going to push you to do well in school. Classmates who share a commitment to academics serve as extra motivators. 

Has Westminster's alumni network benefited you in your job search or career? If so, how? 
As a member of the SAA, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how Westminster’s alumni network benefited several students through connections, mentorship, and career opportunities. While I personally did not utilize the alumni network directly in pursuing my own career path, I saw the positive impact those relationships could have on other students.

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