NOW: Jason Levitt ’26 sees The Furman Advantage in Action

As a junior public health major at Furman, I’ve experienced firsthand how The Furman Advantage combines academic excellence, mentorship and hands-on learning. This unique blend has sparked my passion for community health and leadership, driving me to pursue medical school and work toward addressing health disparities and inequities within my community.

One of the most meaningful parts of my Furman journey has been creating and leading a career exploration summer camp for youth in Spartanburg, South Carolina, public housing. Thanks to Furman’s emphasis on engaged learning, I was able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. I designed a program to introduce underprivileged youth to a wide range of career paths with support from Furman’s Summer Internship Fellowship Funding. This experience allowed me to collaborate with professionals from different fields, including medical school deans, nonprofit CEOs and judicial leaders. It was a perfect example of how Furman combines academic rigor with civic engagement, helping me build the leadership, networking and organizational skills that will shape my future in public health.

Furman’s commitment to personalized academic exploration also has been crucial to my development. Courses like Navajo: Body, Medicine and Health and Social Determinants of Health have expanded my understanding of health disparities and the cultural factors that influence wellness. These classes have given me invaluable insights, preparing me to be a culturally competent leader.

In addition, as vice president of the Native American and Indigenous Peoples Association, I’ve had the chance to organize events that highlight the intersection of culture and health care. One of the most impactful was Bridging Cultures: Indigenous Insights in Modern Medicine, where I had the opportunity to bring in Native American scholars from Yale and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill to discuss health care disparities in Native communities. Through this event, I was able to share Native culture, highlight the challenges faced by many Native communities and connect with other Native Americans who became mentors, instilling confidence in me and inspiring me to pursue my goals.

While I’ve had incredible opportunities to discover myself and create meaningful events, it’s the bonds I’ve formed with professors and friends that have truly defined my college experience.

The support, guidance and kindness found at every corner of campus is the true Furman Advantage, and it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world.

About the Author

Jason Levitt ’26 is a public health major at Furman and serves as the vice president of the Native American and Indigenous Peoples Association on campus.