From High School Student to Surgical Technician
Parker Bobo knew he wanted to work in healthcare since he was a child. He loved helping people and had a strong interest in learning about the human body. This interest was also fueled by watching his dad, a paramedic for the West Jordan Fire Department, help those in immediate need.
“Seeing my dad work as a paramedic was always fascinating to me,” said Parker. “I have really enjoyed my medical terminology and anatomy classes in high school. And I feel with a career in healthcare, there are so many different directions I can explore!”
A close friend told Parker about the surgical technology program at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). “My friend first told me about what surgical techs did at hospitals and clinics, and it sounded like the perfect fit for me – so I enrolled,” he said.
Parker is one of 13 high school students awarded the Metallica Scholars Initiative Scholarship at SLCC. The high school senior is also enrolled at the College in the surgical technical program. After he graduates from high school in Spring 2023, he will go on to graduate from college at the end of Fall 2023 semester with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Surgical Technology. This advanced enrollment program allows Parker to graduate both high school and college within six months of each other.
Federal financial aid doesn’t apply to concurrent enrollment classes, leaving many students having to rely on other ways of paying for college. The All Within My Hands Foundation’s Metallica Scholars Initiative Scholarship helps those in early enrollment at SLCC, as well as students taking the traditional college path, pay for tuition, school fees and tools required to complete the surgical technology degree program.
“When I found out I had been awarded the scholarship, I instantly felt a sense of relief of no longer having to stress about how I was going to pay for school,” said Parker. “I couldn’t believe that the band, Metallica, was giving students this amazing opportunity!”
Established by the members and management of Metallica in 2017 as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band, the All Within My Hands Foundation is focused on supporting sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger and other critical local services.
“It’s so cool that Metallica cares about giving kids a chance to go to college,” said Parker. “I don’t know of many other bands or musicians who care as much for the workforce as Metallica. Thank you so much for this opportunity – your support doesn’t go unnoticed.”
The surgical technical program consists of a small cohort of students who work as part of a surgical team under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. Because of the small class size, students participate in individualized workshops to give students like Parker the education and clinical skills needed for an in-demand career in healthcare while making long-term friendships.
“In my class, we all have become tight friends,” he said. “School can be challenging at times, and each one of us are there to help support one another. We also have caring teachers who are invested in us personally and in our success.”
Parker is looking forward to graduation and beginning his career as a surgical technician. “I’m excited to help patients and hope to work in a hospital setting,” he said. “I want to personally thank the Metallica Foundation for giving me this amazing opportunity that gives me the chance to enter the surgical tech field after completing school. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!”