The recipient of the 2018 University of Washington Bothell Chancellor’s Medal is Clinton Foriska, of Monroe. The medal is presented to inspirational students who overcome significant obstacles.
Foriska served two stints in the Army over 10 years, including a 2009 deployment to Iraq for nearly a year. He suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and injuries that left him disabled. Then, college was delayed for cancer treatment, which he continues to undergo.
“I guess I do what I can to overcome whatever circumstances,” Foriska said. “Like with cancer — change my lifestyle, change my diet — and in the meantime, try to not let it get the best of me. I keep a good attitude, I guess.”
After graduating with his biology degree, Foriska, 31, will start medical school in the fall at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, a private four-year school for osteopathic medicine in Yakima. He hopes to help veterans in rural areas.
Read more of his story from UW Bothell at tinyurl.com/ClintonForiska.
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