From U.S. Marines to Arizona Online, SBS Outstanding Senior Focuses on Helping Others: Jason O'Day, '21

Jason lives in Pennsylvania as a full-time student and primary care provider for his 6-year-old son, AJ. The University of Arizona was Jason’s dream school growing up, with both his late grandparents living in Tucson, his father growing up attending Santa Rita High School, and his birth at Tucson Medical Center.

Brian Mayer, professor in the School of Sociology, said that Jason truly embodies the Care, Health & Society program. “Jason found our online degree as a veteran of the Marine Corps, having seen many horrors in Afghanistan but seeing the potential in humanity for caring,” he wrote.

Jason served as a non-commissioned officer in key leadership roles in the U.S. Marines from 2001 to 2005. During this time, he interacted with children living in various orphanages in Kabul, Afghanistan, and learned about their resilience. This experience solidified his desire to help others.

“I've always had a strong drive to help those in need. Helping others gives me purpose and drives me to never settle for anything less than my best,” Jason said. “The Marine Corps was where I was able to find my niche in serving others, leading others, and advocating for those who did not have a voice.”

When Jason left the Marines, he worked in various jobs, including as a store manager, security officer, processing operator, and kennel tech.

Jason decided to acquire more knowledge and skills to truly help others. In 2019, he graduated from Durham Technical Community College's occupational therapy assistant program and became nationally certified. He majored in Care, Health, and Society to further his education and broaden his skills as a helping professional.

Mayer says fellow instructors remarked that Jason’s leadership skills became apparent during his courses.

“Jason was an outstanding student in CHS 334, but what set him apart was how he led his team through some very difficult and challenging medical simulations involving homeless patients,” said instructor Thomas Hill. “His big heart coupled with a great mind truly showed the way for the other students in his group.”

"His big heart coupled with a great mind truly showed the way for the other students in the group."

-Thomas Hill

Jason wants to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to help his fellow veterans and/or children who have experienced traumas. His favorite quote comes from actor Will Smith, “If you're not making someone else's life better, then you're wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other lives better.”

“I am truly humbled by this award and all of the kind things the instructors and Dr. Mayer said about me,” Jason said. “My time at the University of Arizona has been amazing. The faculty, staff, and students at the U of A are the reason I was able to fulfill a dream I had since I was a kid. I will finally be a Wildcat for life.”

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