You could say that he was destined to be a Hoya. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Seon Wilburg is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BALS) Program at Georgetown University. Although he says he feels very lucky, it isn’t luck that led him to where he is today—Seon’s road to Georgetown has been paved with hard work, dedication, and continual focus on his ultimate goal of becoming a medical doctor.

Seon came to the United States at age 17, joined the military, and enrolled at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), where he succeeded academically. He was awarded the inaugural John Lafarge Scholarship and transferred to Georgetown’s BALS program. As the first recipient of the scholarship, Seon admits that he feels a great responsibility. “I want to serve as an example of Prince George’s Community College,” he says, “and to reflect the caliber of education it provides.” Seon also hopes that his performance at Georgetown will show his appreciation to his PGCC advisor, who recommended him for the scholarship.  

Seon plans to go to medical school after he graduates in December of this year. He appreciates the flexibility of the BALS program, which has allowed him to design a program of independent study that will prepare him to meet the challenges of the medical field. “I have a firm foundation in ethics and philosophy, as well as an understanding of other cultures and how to work with them—all things that are important to patient care,” he says. Seon knows that his liberal studies education will make him a better doctor than if he had a strictly scientific background. “This program relates my scientific and medical education to the bigger picture,” he says.

Seon credits the BALS program with giving him a better understanding of the world and its people, including how best to communicate and resolve differences with other cultures. “In my courses, there are students from all walks of life who bring diverse experience to our discussions,” he says. “Even if we do not agree, we learn to appreciate other views and ideas.” Seon knows this experience will be invaluable to him as a doctor, and he has been inspired to use his medical career to help those both inside and outside of the United States. He would love to join the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders and give back to the global community.

Still an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, Seon fulfills his military obligations by day and attends classes in the evening, all while managing to make time for his wife. A prime example of the rewards of dedication and hard work, Seon carries a 3.85 GPA and will be inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society for Undergraduate Students in Continuing Education on April 28.