Tecumseh senior to attend John Hopkins University

Choosing a college that’s a good fit sometimes leads Tecumseh High School students away from the state of Michigan. Senior Jordan Kreger always dreamed of going to the University of Michigan, but her interest in biomedical engineering instead will lead her east to Baltimore, Md., and Johns Hopkins University.Her parents encouraged Kreger to look outside Michigan for good programs in biomedical engineering. It was during a visit to MIT that she learned Johns Hopkins has the number one biomedical program in the world. Only 100 students are accepted into the program each year, and Kreger’s strength in math and science lead Johns Hopkins to select her as one of the 100 students entering the program in the fall.Her studies in her major at Johns Hopkins will begin right away, not requiring the completion of general classes first, the way most universities do. The chance to dig right into what interests her most is a big plus.Kreger would like to be a surgeon, but wanted a biomedical engineering background first. Her thought is if she can’t heal someone with medicine, she might be able to engineer a device that can do what medicine can’t.“That would be amazing to me,” Kreger said. “If I could save just one life that would be worth it.”The application to the university required a great commitment, with Kreger having to sign a contract that guaranteed she would attend Johns Hopkins if selected for the biomedical engineering program. Beyond signing a contract, the rest of the application process was nothing out of the ordinary.Kreger’s interest in the biomedical field began with an article in National Geographic. The article grabbed her attention, and complemented her strengths at school.“Math and science have always been my forte,” she said. “It’s just the way both subjects are technical. I’m more of a logical thinker.”Kreger is not sure why she connects so well with math and science. It may be a gift inherited from her father, an engineer. All Kreger knows is the love for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes has always been with her.Kreger is excited to move beyond the borders of Tecumseh, and anxious for senior year to end and life in Baltimore to begin. At first she was concerned about living in such a large city, but a visit to campus was very reassuring.The private research university has a closed campus, with no cars. Kreger felt comfortable at Johns Hopkins, and isn’t feeling as nervous about life in a big city even though she doesn’t know anyone at the university.“Now I have the opportunity to meet new people,” said Kreger.For younger students considering the educational possibilities outside Tecumseh, Kreger encourages taking the opportunity to expand. She believes it’s just important to be prepared with good grades and school involvement to get to where one wants to go.Kreger has played in the orchestra, and been on the varsity soccer team for four years. She has also played on the volleyball team, and been part of the National Honor Society.As important as her school and community involvement, it’s been Kreger’s personal drive that propelled her to Baltimore.“Jordan has big goals for herself,” said THS guidance counselor Deb Followell. “She’s a go-getter and a fighter.”Kreger hopes for the opportunity to explore the United States and then to return to the area. The idea of someday working for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor is an appealing one.“It would be cool,” Kreger said.