Name: Luke Hinson
High School Attended: Surry Central High School
Home County: Surry
College(s) Attended/ Years Attended: Appalachian State University (2015-2019); Gallaudet University (2019-Present)
Major(s): Undergraduate – Communication Sciences and Disorders; Graduate – Doctor of Audiology
Minor(s): Undergraduate – Special Education & American Sign Language
County Now Living In: Moving to Surry County for my residency year
Employer: Future resident at Piedmont Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates (Forsyth County)
Title: Resident
What are some of your major accomplishments during college?
As a first-generation college student a huge accomplishment was simply attending university. Now, in a short year, I will hold a doctorate degree. Attending undergraduate at Appalachian State University also provided many impactful challenges that resulted in me discovering more about myself and having a deeper understanding of my passions.
What would you tell someone interested in applying for the Golden LEAF Scholarship about being a recipient?
Do it! The Golden LEAF Scholarship program has made a substantial impact on me as a person. For one, tuition assistance was extremely helpful. I gained so many leadership skills through the Golden LEAF Scholarship Leadership Program. At multiple leadership conferences I was able to network with like-minded and goal-oriented students like myself. Additionally, the leadership programs mentorship program was also beneficial, especially when I was first acclimating to college life.
What helped you decide to live/ work in a rural area?
I have opted to complete my residency while living in a rural area to remain close to family and also provide support to the community that has made me who I am. Additionally, as a result of Golden LEAF, I already had a connection with the practice where I will be a resident. Already having relationships with audiologists in my community resulted in a paid residency position, which is not a common occurrence in my field of study. My goal of going back home for residency is to provide services and education to a community that is deprived of knowing the true impact that hearing loss can have on individuals.
What did you learn during your experience with the Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program?
I learned about ways to effectively lead. Additionally, the leadership program provided me opportunities to learn more about how I would like to be led, which helped me in noting what leadership style I favor most.
What internship experiences did you have with the Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program?
I interned every summer at the same private ENT practice in Mt. Airy (Surry County), which has led to an opportunity to complete my residency at their main location in Forsyth County. The internship provided me with foundational knowledge on the diagnostic side of audiology. Such knowledge allowed me to be ahead of many of my classmates when I started my graduate program.