Dejah Hill Speaks on Her Early Experiences in Healthcare, Higher Education and Looking Ahead to the Future
GETTYSBURG, PA -- Dejah Hill is an American college student, who currently attends Gettysburg College and is originally from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She's a double major in Health Science and Biology (Concentration in Biomedical Sciences) with a minor in Neuroscience. Throughout her time in Gettysburg, Hill was the president and founder of Minorities in STEM, the senate representative for Gettysburg African Student Association (GASA), research opportunities and involved herself in many leadership positions across campus. Hill additionally served as a brand representative for RPN Factory from 2021 to 2022.
Director Tyreese Smith caught up with Hill in an interview on her early experiences in healthcare, higher education and looking ahead to the future.
Hi Dejah. Welcome back to the show as it’s been a few years. For those who are unfamiliar with your brand, who is Dejah Hill?
“I am Dejah Hill. I would describe myself as a highly motivated and dedicated individual. I have a passion for medicine, social change, and athletics. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others by volunteering, or helping my peers learn about resources whether that be behind the scenes or directly to them. I strive to create a better life for myself through my academic endeavors and commitment to my goals and aspirations.”
How was life growing up in Mechanicsburg, PA?
“Growing up in Mechanicsburg, PA was a relatively normal experience. I went to a PWI for high school at Cumberland Valley, and later went to another PWI for college. I think growing up in a small town greatly prepared me on how to make connections and friendships that last a lifetime.”
To my knowledge, you’re in your senior year at Gettysburg College. How’s your experience been so far?
“Yes, I am in my senior year of college right now. I chose Gettysburg College mainly due to its smaller class sizes. I always knew I wanted to pursue a STEM degree, and wanted to ensure that I was able to receive the academic one-on-one help if needed. I am currently a double major in Health Science and Biology (with a concentration in biomedical sciences) and a neuroscience minor. Being a student at Gettysburg has provided me with the opportunities to intern at a physical therapy office, an orthodontist office, as well as complete research on campus in a behavioral neuroscience lab most recently.”
“Currently, I hold leadership positions on campus as the president and founder of Minorities in STEM.” Hill continued. “It is a club designated to provide academic and career driven resources to students in the STEM field who are often overlooked by their peers or who are first generation college students. I have been the senate representative for Gettysburg African Student Association (GASA) for the past two semesters, and I also help aid the philanthropy chair for GASA. I previously served as the Cultural Affinity Group Leader on the Student Senate, and I currently serve as the Chair of Inclusion on the Student Senate. I also previously worked with Community GIGs (Give Ideas to Gettysburg) to construct a plan that enabled the college to repurpose the motel style living to be redeveloped as low income housing for families in Adams County. I have worked in the Equipment Room all four years of college where I have developed communication and problem solving skills. This has allowed me to stay connected to athletics by working the games and helping the teams despite not being able to play basketball anymore. Lastly, I am a Peer Learning Associate for a biology course this semester, so I am able to help my peers learn concepts and topics about biology that I find fascinating.”
Let’s discuss research. Navigating through STEM, Neuroscience, to even playing a hand in therapy and medicine, how has your research studies mold you in the early part of your career?
“As a research assistant, I was able to conduct my capstone research project about the effects of exercise on anxiety by using rats as a behavioral model on a rat treadmill. I also was able to receive certifications in ‘Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats’. As well as, ‘Working with Rats in Research Settings.’ Working with live animals, especially rats, was an amazing opportunity that I never thought I would be able to experience. My lab instructor was extremely insightful and patient with me as she discussed each and every technique multiple times to ensure that I was learning rather than just doing. Through this research in combination with my peers' research regarding rats, I was able to deduce information regarding the effects of exercise on anxiety through techniques, such as elevated plus mazes and open field tests. Even slicing, mounting, and analyzing rat brain tissue allowed me to make educated hypotheses related to the role of dopamine antagonists on the brain and its influence on anxiety. My research experience made me want to continue looking at problems of interest to try to find connections between behavioral models and humans. I have always been interested in the brain and mental health. I think research in the neuroscience field can benefit society.”
As someone with aspirations in the health science field, why is it important for us as people to take care of ourselves?
“Health is essential not just physically but mentally as well. As a health science major, I have had the opportunity to take classes regarding health disparities and how mental health or oppression may lead to the presentation of physical symptoms. Thus, it is imperative to maintain the health of not just your body but also your mind.”
Navigating college life, you have seen it all so far. Balancing school and social life, rediscovering yourself as a young adult and the many lessons that you’ve learned along the way. In comparison to a few years ago, what are the similarities and differences between high school and college?
“College was a transformational time for me. I was able to grow up and mature into a real adult. High school felt like I was growing up, but still able to fall back on my family. However, throughout college, I have learned to make informed decisions, communicate with my professors and peers, and even how to communicate with myself, which I think is really important. Throughout college, you learn how to navigate life on your own, which is a really scary but special feeling.”
For as long as I have known you, you have made the best out of situations. It’s insane to think how life has dealt us hurdles at times, but you have always seemed to navigate problems in a unique way. What are several lessons you have learned to this point in life?
“Within leadership, I have learned that it is okay to assume a role of leadership when you are passionate about a certain topic. When being a leader, you must effectively engage your team and establish a sense of trust and commitment to the project. I used to be a lot less outgoing and afraid of giving myself a position of leadership. However, college has made me open up and now I even founded my own club, Minorities in STEM.”
“For communication and self advocacy. The concept of communication has become a vital part of my life throughout young adulthood. I have had to stick up for myself, and communicate effectively on my own behalf in certain situations. This style of communication takes confidence and self respect, which can be intimidating when done towards people in positions of power. However, the power dynamic should not be intimidating. Instead, I have learned that communication places myself in a position of power when I choose my words wisely and intentionally.”
“To Navigate adversity. I think the most important lesson that I have learned is that challenges are going to come no matter how much you plan, and prepare against them. Adversity is a part of life that shapes you into the person you want to become based on how you respond to it. It is good to feel your emotions and let things happen. However, thinking critically and rationally after regrouping is essential to navigate through the tough times.”
“Staying Positive even when it’s difficult. Maintaining a positive mindset can create a positive physical response. I have learned that embracing positivity leaves me feeling much happier, and less stressed in times of struggle. Keeping a smile on my face will in turn make me happier, even if I am going through a tough time.”
“To stay focused and determined. Staying driven and determined on the goals you have set for yourself is essential. Do not give up because you do not think you can do something. Anything is achievable if you are focused enough to sit down and put the time into it. I have realized that others project their own insecurities onto my own dreams, placing doubt into my mind. However, I know that I can do anything when I am determined enough and try my best. Your best truly is enough.”
Who has been the biggest influences in helping Dejah Hill get to where she is?
“My two biggest role models have been my mother and my best friend, Emmanuel Dzuazah. Throughout my childhood, I have watched my mother struggle in silence to make ends meet without ever asking me to compromise my schedule. She has always worked incredibly hard to give me the best life despite working long hours and being a single mother. She encompasses all of the qualities of a self-driven, determined, empathetic, intelligent, and independent woman that I aspire to be. My best friend, Emmanuel, has always been a positive light in my life. He is incredibly academically driven, and inspires me to reach my goals, even when I feel they are unobtainable. He embodies the honesty and commitment to his goals that I am hopeful to obtain. His ambition in combination with his genuineness exemplify what it means to be a true friend and a dedicated student.”
What has been the driving force leading to your success?
“I think that a lot of what motivates me are related to my struggles. I have the mindset that once I have reached rock bottom, it is only up from here, which inspires me to keep going. Especially when pursuing a career such as medicine, it can be very intimidating when I do not receive all A’s or have a 4.0 GPA. However, it is failure that drives me to do better and pursue more.”
It’s no secret that post-grad life is not for the faint of heart. Networking, meritocracy and professionalism. The current job market has been a challenge as you have to be sharp through different elements to be noticed, into the door and to keep afloat for any company. In your career field, how will you navigate life after Gettysburg?
“I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Research after my undergraduate term. From there, I plan to apply for dental/medical school in the future. I really enjoyed my time as a research assistant and would like to refine my skills in research before committing to the next stage of my life, medicine.”
Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? How do you visualize yourself?
“In the next five years, I plan to still be pursuing my doctorate degree of dental medicine/medicine. Possibly looking into a specialty at that point, such as orthodontics or neurology.”
Thank you Dejah for taking the time to talk to me once again. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?
“Thank you for this. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes do not define you. It is how you get up and pursue life after learning from the failure that defines you. Continue to stay educated because education is a blessing.”
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