Dr. James (Jim) Hasken
I knew that I wanted to be engaged with people in a meaningful way. I think this goes back to my small-town roots growing up in Galena, Illinois. At that time people knew each other and took the time to look out after each other. I have jokingly made the comment that everybody knew you and your parents so you couldn’t get away with anything. I worked in a local grocery store, clothing store and pharmacy where I had a lot of interaction with customers which I thoroughly enjoyed. One of the people who had the greatest influence on me was my personal dentist. As a high school student at the time, he became one of my first mentors aside from my parents. I worked at his office doing odd jobs unrelated to direct patient care but was able see his interaction with patients and staff. We spent time away from the office and had many conversations around careers and colleges, as I was nearing that time in my life when I had some decisions to make. Reflecting on what I saw in him, were many of the things that I hoped to accomplish for myself. I started college with the intention of becoming a dentist and never looked back. Learn More
