Incoming Student Profile: Jeff Thomas Brings Impressive Background to Bastyr

Bastyr University students are often already accomplished both academically and professionally by the time they arrive at Bastyr. Many of them are only in their 20s and have been straight-A students, are involved in a variety of volunteer activities, and have found success in careers in the health and wellness professions. Beyond that, many of them have that "X factor" — that special something extra in their character that makes them perfect candidates for helping and healing others.

Jeff Thomas, a 26-year-old incoming ND student from San Antonio, Texas, is a perfect example of this. His accomplishments are many, and he also possesses those exemplary traits that will make him a successful naturopathic physician, including passion, compassion and maturity beyond his years. Part of what has fostered these qualities has been the broad perspective on human nature he gained by spending the last 14 years in various countries overseas.

He explains how all of the traveling changed him. "By relocating every few years, I came to recognize a universal language of sincerity, generosity and kindness. People thrived on that everywhere I went. In my life now, no matter where I am or who I am commiserating with, I try to honor and respect the unique characteristics each culture and person has to offer."

You may have already met Thomas on the "MyBU" website portal for new students, where he has taken the lead to initiate discussion threads with other incoming students. His enthusiasm for the natural medicine field is infectious, and he seems committed to helping others along.

One reason he chose Bastyr University is that he sensed that his level of enthusiasm was matched by others on campus. "I chose this particular discipline due to Bastyr's renowned academic excellence in the field of natural medicine; the students, faculty and staff's exuberant attitude throughout the campus; and Bastyr's beautiful lush surroundings that seem to embrace the philosophy of natural medicine," he says.

His goal in studying at Bastyr is to grow both personally and professionally and to advance his career so that he can make a significant difference in people's lives. He embraces the naturopathic philosophical tenets of nature as healer and doctor as teacher. He explains, "I want to help people to realize the healing powers of nature and the healing resources within themselves. I want to help others believe they have the ability to take their health into their own hands, given the right tools."

Thomas seems to know exactly where he's going, and he has used this inner drive and purposefulness to come as far as he already has. This attitude was evident during Thomas' undergraduate education in Texas, where he kept extremely busy developing himself professionally and personally. He earned an associate of applied science in culinary arts in 2005 and will complete a BS in nutrition in 2008. He has maintained a 3.64 GPA while serving as president of the student group for the American Dietetics Association and working more than 30 hours a week as a personal trainer. Meanwhile, he has volunteered for food banks, churches, for a youth baking competition and many other causes. He has remained on the dean's list, received a presidential scholarship every year and a USDA multicultural scholarship.

He brings this ambition and tenacity to Bastyr University and hopes this new adventure will surpass all of the others. He says, "I hope to bring excitement, experience and a sense of teamwork to this upcoming class. I want to work in whatever way is necessary to allow this class of Bastyr University to shine as brightly as we can and continue to be pioneers in the field of natural medicine."