Studying Healthcare at Furman Is About More Than Medicine

Amiya Young always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Her goal was clear long before she arrived at Furman University: become a physical therapist and help people heal.

What she did not expect was how college would expand that goal.

At Furman, Amiya discovered that healthcare is not just about science and movement. It is about people, communities, and the systems that shape their lives. And that realization changed everything.

Health Science Major Opens Doors for Amiya

Health Sciences felt like the right place to start. The major offered a clear pathway toward physical therapy while still giving Amiya room to explore questions that mattered to her.

“I’ve always been drawn to the health field,” she shared. “Health Sciences gave me a direct path to my career goals, but also the flexibility to explore other interests.”

That flexibility led her to add a minor in Poverty Studies, allowing her to study healthcare alongside social and economic realities.

Instead of asking her to narrow her focus, Furman encouraged her to connect it.

Amiya Learns Not to Limit Her Passions

One of the most influential moments in Amiya’s journey came through mentorship.

A Health Sciences professor who also serves on the Travelers Rest City Council showed her that science and service can exist side by side.

“Seeing her balance a demanding science career while actively serving the community was incredibly inspiring,” Amiya said. “She showed me that I don’t have to choose between my passions.”

For a student preparing for a future in healthcare, that message mattered. It showed her that purpose does not have to be postponed and that impact can start now.

When Class Projects Leave the Classroom

That idea became real during a summer research internship.

Amiya researched the effects of gentrification on a historically Black neighborhood in Greenville, studying how changes in housing and development affect real people and real access to resources. Then she did something many students never get the chance to do.

She presented her findings to a local nonprofit.

“It was powerful to see my academic work have a direct, positive impact,” she shared.

For Amiya, that moment changed how she viewed college. Learning was no longer just preparation for the future. It was already making a difference.

Getting Ready for the Real World Early

Amiya’s internships have taken her into sports medicine, community research, and fast paced professional environments. Each one pushed her to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and work as part of a team.

“They threw me into dynamic environments,” she said. “I had to learn project management, clear communication, and teamwork on the fly.”

Those experiences gave her confidence not just in her career path, but in herself.

Why This Matters for Future Students

Amiya’s story is not about having everything figured out. It is about discovering that college can help you connect what you care about with what you want to do.

Furman challenged her academically, supported her personally, and surrounded her with people who encouraged growth.

“Furman was the first place that truly pushed me to my full potential,” she shared. “That challenge gave me a new level of confidence.”