Select Page

Jacob SifersMembers of the ALC Marketing Team recently had the opportunity to sit down with sophomore Jacob Sifers. Jacob reigns from Pike County, Kentucky, and has been very successful during his time at Alice Lloyd College. He has earned enough credit hours to place him as a sophomore and has received a position of leadership among the students. 

ALC: Let’s start with the basics. Where and when did you graduate from high school?

Jacob: I graduated from East Ridge High School in the spring of 2014. I was able to take dual-credit classes in high school so I graduated with 23 hours of credit.

ALC: That’s awesome! How did you end up hearing about ALC and what made you decide to become an Eagle?

Jacob: Many of the teachers that positively impacted me throughout my high school career were graduates of ALC. Hearing about their experiences at Alice Lloyd influenced my decision a lot. They all have fond memories of their time here. ALC also holds a high prestige throughout the mountains. To be part of this prestigious college and carry the badge of honor as a student at Alice Lloyd College played a major role in my decision. I’m very grateful to be here.

ALC: What is your major and why did you choose to study this?

Jacob: I am Biology/Pre-Med. Since my freshman year in high school I have been interested in the medical field. I want to gain more knowledge of the field and potentially improve it in the years to come. The appeal of helping people that cannot help themselves is something that has always caught my attention. I think it’s a great way to serve your friends, family, and community. 

ALC: What about your work study assignment? How has it helped to prepare you for your future?

Jacob: My work study for the first three semesters I have been enrolled at ALC is on the grounds crew, where I am currently a student supervisor. I have learned to work with others and overcome any obstacles we may face, no matter how difficult or easy the situation may be. My work study has also taught me to be thankful for the blessings I’ve been given. While everyone else was complaining about the cold weather, I was enjoying it. Not because I like subzero wind chills and well below freezing temperatures, but because I was able to walk to class in this weather. I am so appreciative and thankful for the opportunity that I have been given. Currently, only 7% of the world population has earned a bachelor’s degree. I have the opportunity at hand to have much more than that, providing I am accepted into and graduate from medical school. I don’t mind working outside in the cold during my work study if it means garnering an opportunity that so many others are only able to dream about. During this semester, I also picked up extra hours as a teacher’s assistant for Dr. Smith. I enjoy having the ability to help students in their studies as well as in their work experiences.

ALC: Do you participate in any sports or clubs or volunteer outside of the College?

Jacob: I’m a member of the Allied Health Club and I volunteer at church and within my youth group as a teacher for the fifth to eighth grade boys during the Wednesday night services. During this semester, I also joined Phi Beta Lambda.

ALC: Have you received any awards or scholarships?

Jacob: As an incoming freshman I was chosen as an ALC Geddes Scholar. During high school I was chosen as a 2013 Governor’s Scholar and a 2014 UK PEPP Scholar. Following my first year at ALC, I applied to the KBRIN (Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network) internship that is founded through the University of Louisville. Over the ten weeks that I spent at my internship, I worked with Drosophila melanogaster and currently have a research paper that I collaborated with others on that has been approved pending revisions.

ALC: So what is your favorite part about ALC and what has been your favorite memory?

Jacob: My favorite part of ALC would have to be the people. The students and faculty is what makes Pippa Passes feel like home. My favorite memories from ALC so far would be the time I have spent making new connections and new friendships that will last a lifetime.

ALC: What do you plan on doing after you graduate from ALC?

Jacob: I’m set to graduate in May of 2018 and I plan to apply to medical school after that. I want to become an oncologist because cancer has touched so many families, including mine, throughout my community.

ALC: Do you plan on returning to the area?

Jacob: At this time, I do not know where the road that I am travelling on will take me. All I can be for sure of is that I would like to practice medicine in an underserved community. There are many areas within the U.S that needs more access to medical professionals. I have always believed that the best way to live my life is to help people that can’t help themselves and personal health is typically something that people cannot control.

ALC: What would you say to others about ALC?

Jacob: I would tell them about the opportunities and advancement available at ALC. The Caney Scholars Program which is a very unique service that the College offers. The number of graduates and the success of those graduates speaks for itself. Alice Lloyd College instills qualities in its students that money simply cannot buy and some of the lessons taught here are priceless. I’m excited to draw a closer relationship to God through friends and the ministries available on campus, too.

ALC: Do you have anything to add?

Jacob: As a personal belief, I feel like each individual has a purpose for their life. When I began my college search, I felt an attraction to ALC that I still cannot explain. I do know that God works in mysterious ways, and that He always leads us in the right direction. Although I was interested in other schools as well, I decided to follow the path that I felt God had laid out for me to travel. I am thankful that ALC has allowed for me to pursue this path. I’m very thankful for all of the opportunities that have been presented to me in the past as well as in the future.