��͹��Ƶ

When Sean Conor Asban first arrived at ��͹��Ƶ, he was a student still finding his way. A local to the Hampton Roads area, he chose ��͹��Ƶ over a community college because of his love for orchestra and a family expectation to pursue higher education. He started as a biochemistry major but eventually shifted his focus to exercise science, drawn to the idea of helping others through physical therapy.

He dove into campus life, spending time at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, studying with friends, and soaking up every part of the college experience. “Yeah, I gotta do classes, but I also want to have fun,” he said, reflecting on his younger self. His first semester ended with a 4.0 GPA, a strong start for a student still charting his path.

Then came August 30, 2022.

During the first day of Exercise Physiology II, Sean felt himself getting lightheaded and raised his hand. Leryn Reynolds, PhD, associate professor in the School of Exercise Science, noticed something was off and helped him safely to the floor. When attempts to stabilize him didn’t work, she called EMTs and stayed by his side as he asked, “Am I going to die?”

“What stood out most to me that day was Sean’s ability to advocate for himself,” Reynolds said. “Even in such a vulnerable state, he calmly and firmly asserted that this was something different and that he needed further care.”

It was the beginning of a two-year medical mystery: 13 ER visits, 20 specialists, dozens of tests, and a relentless pursuit of answers. Sean was eventually diagnosed with Neuropathic Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) in fall 2024 and the diagnosis brought relief, purpose, and clarity.

Finding answers brought more than peace of mind — it rekindled Sean’s purpose.

Even as he navigated a long and uncertain medical journey, Sean returned each semester determined not only to finish his degree but to transform his personal experience into a mission to help others. He dove deeper into research, studying the effects of exercise on cardiac function in POTS patients. He built strong connections with faculty mentors, especially Reynolds, whose guidance fueled his growing interest in cardiology and physician-scientist pathways. “Sean is an exceptionally bright, motivated, and resilient student—truly one of those rare individuals you encounter only a few times in your career,” Reynolds said. “His intellectual curiosity and quiet determination are exactly what the next generation of physician-scientists needs.”

That kind of encouragement, paired with access to research and real mentorship, shaped Sean’s ��͹��Ƶ experience. "The professors know a lot more than what they teach!" Sean said. He credits his success to the mentorship he found at ��͹��Ƶ, as well as the support of professors like Jaison Wynne and Kyle Davis. “Knowing my professors actually care about me helped me so much. They keep me on track.”

Kyle Davis, senior lecturer and undergraduate program director for the School of Exercise Science, described Sean as “the epitome of resilience. Instead of letting his conditions hinder him, he worked relentlessly with professors to stay on top of his coursework, maintaining a great attitude along the way.”

Sean’s achievements are remarkable by any measure. He is graduating in the top 15% of his senior class, with a 3.8 GPA in his major and a 3.6 cumulative GPA. He plans to sit for his exercise physiology certification exam this summer, participate in the summer scholars program at EVMS, then tackle the MCAT in preparation for applying to competitive MD/PhD programs.

His long-term vision is clear - and rooted in home.

He wants to stay in Hampton Roads, where his support system is strong and his heart is invested. “I think it would make the biggest difference in our community and in the POTS community,” he said, referring to the local prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and the need for practitioners who truly understand conditions like his. But with few dual-degree options available locally, he knows he may need to leave to achieve his goal.

Still, his purpose is unwavering: to return and give back - not just in name, but through meaningful impact. With the strength he found in his faith, his church community, and the relationships he built at ��͹��Ƶ, Sean is stepping into the future stronger than ever.