A Return to a Calling
Jennifer Thompson’s journey has been anything but linear. After attended college on and off, she earned her associate’s degree in general studies from Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) in 2010. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study,” said Jennifer. “I’ve always loved science because there’s a right and wrong answer. But I also had a passion for the creative arts.”
Her early career included work in phlebotomy, where she discovered surgical technology and began taking prerequisites to begin the program. But life had other plans. Jennifer stepped away from school, launched a mobile coffee truck, and later worked as a legal assistant after a brief move to Pittsburgh.
Then tragedy struck. On April 27, 2024, Jennifer’s brother passed away due to a surgical site infection. “That devastating experience made me determined to return to surg tech and finish what I initially started,” she says. She re-enrolled at SLCC and began the Surgical Technology program in Fall 2025 with support she didn’t have before.
“When I first considered the program, the Metallica Scholars Initiative wasn’t available. Now, thanks to Metallica, going back to school is possible,” Jennifer said. The initiative helped fund SLCC’s simulated operating room lab, giving students hands-on operating room training.
Today, Jennifer works in central processing at Intermountain Health while pursuing her Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology. Through a partnership between Intermountain Health, SLCC, and Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, students receive tuition support and paid experience allowing them to focus on school while supporting themselves and their families. In return, Intermountain Health gains skilled employees committed to at least a year of service after graduation.
“It’s the responsibility of the surgical team to protect each and every patient,” she says. “After I graduate in 2026, I’m looking forward to working with a surgical team and providing a sterile field for the best outcome for each and every patient.”
She calls the simulation lab at SLCC “absolutely priceless.” “It puts SLCC graduates ahead of graduates from other schools,” Jennifer says. “The Surg Tech program teaches beyond the classroom and helps students become professionals. Surg tech is not just a job, it’s a career where you live and breathe principles.”
Jennifer is deeply grateful for the support that made her return possible. “I am so thankful for Metallica. They’ve helped relieve a financial burden and made this dream achievable. It is never too late to follow where you’re called to go.”