May 15, 2026

With commencement season comes the excitement of new beginnings, endless possibilities, and the celebration of years of dedication and perseverance.

But long before pomp and circumstance arrive, senior health sciences student Jessica Poovathinkal has taken time to reflect on her journey at Drexel.

Poovathinkal, named the 2026 graduation student speaker for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, will take the stage on Wednesday, June 10, to address her fellow graduates.

As an undergraduate student, she built a well-rounded foundation in healthcare, majoring in health sciences and minoring in both health service administration and health data analytics. For Poovathinkal, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences was a natural step for her long-term goal of becoming a physician assistant (PA).

“I chose health sciences because I believed that it would give me the most comprehensive foundation in preparation for PA school. I was drawn to the program’s focus on healthcare as a whole rather than concentrating strictly on [one area of expertise] since my interests have always been a little more centered on patient care and the healthcare system itself,” Poovathinkal said.

Advocacy soon became a central focus for Poovathinkal. Growing up in the Philadelphia public school system, she witnessed the disparities that exist within the city’s educational infrastructure. Her interest in advocacy deepened following the presidential election in 2016.

“I just remember asking myself, like, what can I do? And that question really led me to get involved in different local and national organizations focused on awareness and civic engagement,” she said. “In high school, I became especially passionate about voter registration. I spent a lot of my weekends and the summers volunteering and going door-to-door and helping with voter registration in my community. Because I lived in Philadelphia, I understood how significant barriers like voter suppression could be.”

Once she began working as a certified medical assistant, she realized that she could turn her passion for civic engagement and advocacy into a career in healthcare. As a first-generation student, her experiences navigating the healthcare system alongside her parents shaped her understanding of these systems. She has seen firsthand the gaps in communication, resources, and barriers to care that affect marginalized communities.

“A lot of people’s healthcare issues are overlooked because they can't communicate them well, or they don't have the resources to seek medical help. I think that's a really big part of why I want to go into healthcare because I want to ensure that everyone is getting [access to adequate] healthcare. I believe healthcare is a human right. Everyone deserves to receive efficient healthcare.”

When reflecting on her time at Drexel, Poovathinkal said that the memories and relationships she’s built along the way through classes, co-op experiences, and student organizations were some of the most meaningful aspects of her collegiate career.

“I feel like those connections and experiences are what stood out the most to me. Being able to grow alongside [my classmates], take on leadership roles, and witness my own progress over time has just made my experience here at Drexel even more meaningful,” she said.

Poovathinkal served two years as a member of CNHP’s Board of Culture, Climate, and Belonging and as vice president of Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Incorporated.

Looking back, she said one lesson stands out above the rest: take risks and enjoy the journey.

“I would say the most important thing that I've learned is to embrace discomfort. College has really taught me to step out of my comfort zone and take risks, try new things, and be open to failure. I think my experiences have pushed me to become more confident and capable,” Poovathinkal said.

She leaves her fellow graduates with a final piece of advice: “Be proud of what you’re doing, be proud of the journey you’ve taken.”

Watch the 2026 Ceremony for The College of Nursing and Health Professions

Written by Myleah Herbert '25

Photography by Izidor Peterson '27