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Charting Her Own Path: Jayda Sandridge in Pursuit of Her Goals

Don’t be fooled by Jayda Sandridge’s calm and measured demeanor – she knows exactly what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to pursue it.

“I’ve always wanted to be a physician,” Jayda said. “I knew I could finish my undergraduate degree faster by attending the Middle College.”

And that’s exactly what she did. With her own steadfast determination and unwavering support from her family, Jayda earned both her high school diploma from North Hagerstown High School and an associate degree from HCC in 2021 – at the same time.

Despite warnings from friends and advisors about potentially missing out on the full high school and college experience, Jayda remained undeterred.

“I don’t feel like I missed out on anything,” she said. “I had the same experiences as my friends. I was able to play softball, and it helped me transition to Pitt. I knew what to expect.”

From HCC, Jayda seamlessly transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2023 – two years earlier than she would have if she’d followed a traditional college path. She credits the supportive advising staff at HCC, who were always available to help her and other students prepare for their futures. In contrast, she found that the support at Pitt was not as readily available, as she set her sights on medical school. Nevertheless, she was able to build toward her future in other meaningful ways.

Outside the classroom, Jayda worked as a manager on Pitt’s softball team, an experience she describes as one of the best of her college years. It allowed her to meet new people, travel, and broaden her horizons. As an athlete from an athletic family, Jayda’s interests in sports and medicine began to merge. A neuroscience class called Brain and Behavior sparked her interest in brain injuries, particularly those caused by sports.

After graduation, she returned to Hagerstown and began working as an assistant in the operating room at Meritus Medical Center, gaining valuable clinical experience before applying to medical school. It has given her the chance to observe a variety of procedures and meet physicians from different specialties.

Jayda had initially wanted to become a pediatrician, but exposure to neuroscience and orthopedic procedures deepened her interest in those fields. Personal experiences also played a role in shaping her path.

“When I learned about brain injuries and heard my dad talk about sports injuries, I became more interested in neuroscience,” Jayda said. “Additionally, my grandmother had been experiencing mini-strokes, and her doctors weren’t providing much information. She passed away from a stroke right after I finished a neuroscience exam, and that motivated me to learn more.”

In all of Jayda’s pursuits, it’s clear that she is driven by a desire to help others live better lives. She’s been inspired by the physicians she’s observed in the operating room and the difference they make every day. 

“Seeing patients who can’t walk and then hearing that they’re walking the next day is so satisfying. That’s something I hope to do,” Jayda shared.

She extends her passion for helping others through coaching youth volleyball in Hagerstown. What started as a way to fulfill her community service hours in high school turned into a love for being a positive influence in young people’s lives.

“I’m currently coaching three little girls who remind me so much of myself at that age,” she said. “I also coach 16-year-old girls who are in their sophomore year. Some of them want to go to medical school, and I encourage them to start at HCC. I really enjoy the mentoring aspect.”

Now, with a year of clinical experience under her belt, Jayda has taken the MCAT and is beginning the process of applying to medical schools. As a Hagerstown native, she hopes to remain in the area and has her sights set on the new Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. If she’s not accepted for the fall, she plans to attend a postbaccalaureate program and reapply for the next class.

“Some people are skeptical about me applying to Meritus because it’s new, but I feel like I’m making the same decision I did with Middle College. I’m excited about the possibility of being in one of the first classes,” Jayda explained.

When asked if she would recommend early college to others, Jayda responded enthusiastically, “Absolutely! I saved a ton of time and money. I tell everyone to start at HCC. Start now!”