Q&A with Mark Julius Gearhart
Originally from the Philippines, Mark Julius Gearhart faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture and educational system when he began his journey at PHSC. Through hard work, he earned his Associate of Arts degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA and scored in the 99th percentile nationally on the ATI TEAS exam. Now continuing his education in the PHSC Nursing program, Gearhart remains committed to academic excellence and service. As a tutor at the Porter Campus Academic Success Center, he helps fellow students succeed in subjects ranging from algebra and chemistry to anatomy and physiology and microbiology. We recently spoke with Gearhart about his experiences at PHSC, his passion for nursing and the lessons he has learned along the way:
Q: Why did you decide to enroll at PHSC?
Gearhart: Honestly, I decided to enroll at PHSC out of convenience. PHSC is close to where I live, and it is more affordable than other institutions. As a first-generation immigrant who is still trying to establish a stable footing, these factors are not just important to me, but also to my family. That is why the PHSC Foundation scholarship is such a big help, because it lightens the financial burden my family and I carry.
Q: What made you interested in Nursing?
Gearhart: I have always been torn between going into education and health care. I have always known that I wanted to help others; it didn't really matter whether it was through teaching or health care. I am grateful that the somewhat innocent and childlike dream of "I want to be X or Y to help other people" never dwindled in me. I knew that my calling was to submerge myself in the masses and serve them. I like to think that I could achieve this dream regardless of which path I took, and it just so happened that the doors PHSC opened led me to health care. I had a great biology professor who was really hands-on in teaching us how to think critically, whom I still talk to today, exchanging science and technology articles. I had a wonderful anatomy and physiology professor who took the time and effort to make learning enjoyable by weaving humor into such a rigorous course. Of course, there are great professors outside STEM courses, too. I will never forget my literature professor who reminded me that "teachers are our second parents" by showing me unconditional support.
Q: What has been your favorite experience in the program?
Gearhart: My favorite experience in the nursing program is meeting new people every week. Meeting people from different walks of life offers me perspectives that I can use to grow as a person. I get to submerge myself in the masses and see real issues and struggles that classes can't properly capture and explain through text and simulations. This is not limited to patients. I also get to interact with the staff and see the inner workings of a facility. The program humanizes health care. It turns a seemingly cold and dim facility into something that is full of life. Now when I drive by a hospital, I don't just immediately associate it with sickness, bills or death. Now I ask myself, "Do they also have a nurse who gifts fresh eggs to other staff?" or I say to myself, "I'm curious what kind of energy drinks the staff prefer." And I wonder about all of this because of the perspective the program offered.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about tutoring in the ASC?
Gearhart: Tutoring at PHSC is such a unique experience, as it has enriched me in ways that I did not really expect. I came into the tutoring center with the goal of helping students with their studies and allowing them to bloom and become better students. However, I soon realized that the ASC is helping me grow and flourish, too. I learn new things every time I visit the tutoring center, from validating trigonometric identities to picking the best grape. All these seemingly minuscule things helped me grow both as a student and as a person. I also learn about other people's lives, from a quick, wholesome conversation about a recent trip abroad to a more serious, deeper talk about future goals. Within that small room, I get to experience tidbits of the human experience.
Q: When do you expect to graduate?
Gearhart: My expected graduation from the Generic Nursing Program is May 2027.
Q: What advice would you give to a student thinking of enrolling?
Gearhart: My advice to students thinking of enrolling at PHSC is to go ahead and find your place. PHSC welcomes people from all walks of life, so for us students, it is just a matter of stepping in and seeking out the community that has been waiting for us.
Gearhart’s journey reflects the values that define the PHSC community. Whether he is excelling in the classroom, supporting fellow students as a tutor or preparing for a future in health care, he approaches every opportunity with a desire to learn and help others grow. As he works toward his expected graduation in May 2027, Gearhart continues to make a lasting impact on those around him, demonstrating that success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the positive difference we make in the lives of others.