For Louis Gentile, beginning college in the early stages of a global pandemic didn’t exactly make campus involvement easy. Thankfully, the Walsh junior has found ways to make up for lost time. A member of the Honors Program, Louis is Walsh University Student Government (WUSG) President, a Cavs Cor Leader and is involved with the Sigma Zeta honors society, Pre-Healthcare Professionals Association and Science Club.
“These programs have taught me how to be an active student leader,” Louis said. “Being involved on campus is such a great way to meet new people and gain real world experiences that I can use going into my professional career. I have gained essential leadership and communication skills while working with my peers to complete common goals.”
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Louis was drawn to Walsh University in part due to the small class sizes, which lend themselves to increased faculty-student interactions. He appreciates being able to connect with faculty both inside and outside the classroom to ask questions when needed.
“The relationships I have built have allowed me to be a part of amazing research opportunities as early as freshman year,” Louis said. “I would not be able to have these opportunities at another university, and now that I am starting my honors thesis project, these connections have been so beneficial when it comes to conducting my own research.”
After graduation from Walsh, Louis will go on to the University of Dayton to earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering before going on to medical school. During summer 2022, Louis interned as a patient care technician at Aultman Hospital, where he learned to perform essential functions such as observing and charting patient vital signs and assisting the nursing staff and physicians.
“I also gained critical experience in how to care and communicate with patients in a clinical setting. I had some of the most impactful discussions with the patients, and these interactions have taught me how to not only physically help patients but also connect with them on an emotional level, Louis said. “Many people who come into the hospital are scared or nervous for either themselves or a family member, so learning how to support these individuals emotionally is a major aspect of the medical field. This was a skill that I would not be able to learn in a classroom but only by physically interacting with patients.”
Louis credits his classes at Walsh and the relationships he has built with faculty for preparing him not only for graduate school and a profession in the medical field but also for teaching him how to find the resources needed to complete a goal.
“Walsh has given me the opportunity to be a student leader on and off campus which has allowed me to become a well-rounded individual,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my campus in any possible and encourage my peers to get involved as well.”
