Finding Balance and Purpose: Jayden Foster’s Honors Journey

Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

 Balancing roles in several student advocacy groups and SFU's track team, Honors student Jayden Foster is making the most of his Saint Francis experience—embracing wellness, leadership, and learning as he prepares for a future in Public Health.

Jayden Foster, a second-year student majoring in Public Health with a Pre-med concentration, didn’t initially plan to join the Honors program when he first arrived at Saint Francis. “I wasn’t initially looking into it,” he explained. “But once I was recommended and did some research, it seemed like a no brainer. There weren’t really any downsides—only upsides.” That open-minded attitude has shaped much of his experience in the program.

For Jayden, the highlight so far has been Professor Jim Donovan’s Music and Wellness class. The mix of drumming exercises, mindfulness techniques, and outdoor sessions offered a refreshing change of pace during his busy schedule. “Being able to go outside sometimes and de-stress was huge,” he said, noting that the class gave him lasting habits — like creating therapeutic playlists and healthier study routines — that he still uses today. While he expected long papers and heavy reading, the untraditional style of the class was a surprise that made the Honors Program stand out in a positive way.

Outside the classroom, Jayden keeps himself busy. He serves as treasurer of the Black Student Union, participates in the Public Health Club—where he helped organize activities for National Public Health Week—and is active in the Social Work Club. He also runs track, balancing athletics with academics, and maintains a 3.4 GPA. Jayden credits Honors Program with providing the resources and support to successfully balance his many commitments.

Though still early in his college journey, Jayden is already considering potential directions for his honors thesis. A high school research project on racial disparities in prenatal care left a lasting impression on him, especially the differences in infant and maternal outcomes among Black women compared to other groups. “That’s something I’d like to look into more,” he noted, envisioning future work that combines public health and research to address real-world issues. He hopes the Honors Program will help him take that next step by providing opportunities in a lab or clinical research setting.

Looking ahead, Jayden plans to shadow doctors and work toward certifications such as EMT or CNA training, experiences that will help him prepare for medical school. His long-term interests include hematology or pulmonology—fields where hands-on medical experience will prove invaluable.

When asked what advice he would give to future honors students, Jayden was clear: “Go into it with an open mind.” He admitted that he once thought honors classes would be overwhelming, but he has since found them to be some of the most engaging — and beneficial — courses he’s taken. “They’re not only helpful academically, but personally too,” he reflected. That balance of challenge and support is what makes being in the Honors Program truly worthwhile.