Name: Jonathan Wertz
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
Expected Grad Year: May 2022
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Extracurricular activities: Ignite, Bible Study, Cross Country, Track
Interests: Hiking, Running, Traveling, Biblical Theology
- Why did you choose MU?
I chose to go to MU in the spring of my senior year of high school. I had been considering coming here since I visited the cross-country team in the fall, but I made my decision after I was accepted into Methodist’s Early Assurance PA Program. - What made you interested in pursuing health care/biology?
I got interested in healthcare thanks to my grandfather. He was a pediatrician for 40 years in Radford, Va., after attending medical school at the University of Virginia. Every time my family visited him and my grandmother, he would take us to his office, and I got the opportunity to see how compassionate he was towards the kids he was taking care of. Not only was he a model of compassion, but he is also very knowledgeable about the field. I want to have that same kind of knowledge because I already know I have the passion to help people the way he has. - When you’re not studying, what are you doing?
I am typically at the Berns Student Center playing pool with friends or hanging out with other students in the lobby of Weaver Hall, where I currently live. I also enjoy going on runs around Fayetteville. - If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I could have one meal for the rest of my life, it would be pizza. I hardly ever get tired of it, and when I do, it doesn’t take very long before I am craving another slice. - What is your favorite animal and why?
My favorite animal is the wolf because I love how they interact with each other and are organized into family units of packs. They live, hunt, eat, and raise young within their packs, and I really value and enjoy the layout of long-term families that work together. - Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself living the calling I have felt on my life since midway through high school. I believe I will use my medical training as a PA to provide medical service to those in need in less advanced parts of the world, such as Haiti. - What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is late fall because the temperature is starting to get cool again, but it’s not too cold yet either. That is the best time to work outside and to run cross country races. - What do you plan to do with your degree?
After I get my bachelor’s degree in Biology, I am planning to go to physician assistant school. - What’s your favorite activity to do on campus?
My favorite activity on campus is to go to Ignite on Tuesday nights. The opportunity to fellowship with other Christians and students on campus, as well as the chance to hear the word of God preached and sing praise to God brings the most exciting part of my week.