Class of 2017
Click on any HIFF Scholar’s photo to learn more.
Major: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
School: Drexel University
“My goal is to become a medical entrepreneur specializing in mental health innovations. Currently, I am performing neuroscience through the STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholar program at Drexel University. My research involves prefrontal cognitive functioning in neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression. Through research, I hope to create alternative solutions to treating mental health disorders. Besides research, I enjoy playing volleyball, watching cinema, and creating art. Additionally, I work for a startup-nonprofit called Sharing Excess. Our goal is to establish donation programs that allow universities, corporations, and everyday people to share their excess food with community members in need. I am also part of the Dragons First marketing and communication committee. Dragons First is an organization that helps low-income, first-generation college students achieve their academic and career aspirations through a network of students and professionals.”
Major: Aerospace Engineering
School: Penn State University
Major: Occupational Therapy
Minor: Counseling and Human Services
School: Scranton University
“Two things I am passionate about, service and the medical field, came together in my chosen career path of occupational therapy. I have always enjoyed helping others, by volunteering at my church, tutoring my peers, and ushering at my local theater. I became interested in the medical field after spending most of my high school years in hospitals due to chronic illnesses, so occupational therapy gives me a chance to continue helping others in a field where I hope to use my experiences to make a small impact. I currently choose to follow these passions, in college, through my position as Community Service Representative of Beading Hope, a Card Writer for FightLikeAWarrior.org, a Campus Ambassador for the Buddy Project, along with participating in the Show Your Stripes Club and the Student Occupational Therapy Association. These clubs and organizations allow me to serve my school’s community while developing and pushing myself further to hopefully become the best occupational therapist I can be. I will receive my Master’s of Occupational Therapy with only one year of graduate school in my university’s program, so I will eagerly enter the career and begin hopefully impacting the medical field and my clients’ lives in a few years.”
Major: Biology
School: Rutgers University
Major: Sociology & Anthropology
School: Franklin and Marshall
“As I grow older, I have become active in youth development. I strive to be a change agent within the youth, bridging the gap between underrepresented students and college. Because of organizations, such as the ones I take part in, I recognize the power of mentorship, ultimately encouraging my decision to pay it forward. As of today, I work for Franklin & Marshall’s Admissions Office, welcoming future students, as well as assisting with the organization and execution of Franklin and Marshalls Collegiate Leadership Summit (CLS) and Multicultural Overnight Diplomat Experience (M.O.D.E). Also, I work with Franklin & Marshall’s Office of Student Success, as a mentor to a cohort of ten Cooperman Scholars, assisting them through their first year of college and providing them the tools to strive at a rigorous institution. I am currently the Vice President, interim President this upcoming Fall, at Franklin & Marshall’s only non-greek brotherhood, IMPACT (Intelligent Men Purposefully Accomplishing College Together). Although we are all in college, my position allows me to mentor young men, engage in intellectual conversations, provide insight on how to balance college, and overall be a positive role model to other men. Although my future has not yet been written, I know that wherever my life takes me, it would be to better my community, my city, and the world.”
Major: Business
School: Community College of Philadelphia
Major: Public Health
School: West Chester University
Major: Criminal Justice
School: Temple University
“Our world today is in need of strong, determined, and resilient leaders and role models. Our world needs men and women who are willing to stand up and fight for the oppressed, for the silenced, and for the outcast, and I am one of those individuals willing to fight for justice, for equality, and for all. Being a Latina Immigrant I know firsthand the struggles that immigrants face when coming to America. As a criminal justice major, I am able to witness firsthand the injustices that plague our system and oppress minorities. As a current student at Temple University, I am involved in clubs and organizations that help minorities find resources and opportunities to excel in school and in their personal lives. After graduating from Temple in the Spring of 2019, I plan on attending Law School in where I will pursue a career in the legal field, and where I will be able to be a role model, a voice, and a vessel for my community. I plan on using the gifts God has given me to help be a light in this dark world and to help pave the way for those who will come after me.”
Major: Applied Mathematics
School: Loyola University Chicago
“Improving endocrinology care of pediatrics and young adults through adjuration, encouragement, solace, awareness, and education. Through my experience with Type I Diabetes, I will establish a personal connection with my patients as I remedy their medical and mental ailments. As an endocrinologist, I plan to fill the void of diabetes transition care by creating programs that encourage, create and enhance Type I Diabetes teen transition programs. Through this pursuit, I hope to ensure the education, empowerment, and inspiration for teens as they not only battle their diabetes but also young adult adversities and pressures.”
Major: Forensic Science
School: California University of Pennsylvania
“My passion in life is to serve and to be that helping hand for others. I want to set good examples in this world and help it make it a better place. I am heavily involved in many community service opportunities which allows me to put my daily routines to the side and sacrifice my time to give to others. Now since I’m a sophomore, I’ve been given the opportunity to become a mentor to some of the upcoming freshman class. Being a mentor means a lot to me because I want to be that person someone can freely come to with questions and any advice they might have. With my forensics degree, I plan to become a forensic psychologist to help those families get a better understanding of how their loved ones may have died.”
Major: Nursing
School: University of North Florida
Major: Engineering
School: University of Colorado
Major: Christian Ministry
Minor: Business Administration
School: Gordon University
“A third-year student at Gordon College seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Global Christianity. It is my hope to inspire people to live fully for God by enhancing and promoting Christian-led education and welfare for children and youth in third-world countries such as Sierra Leone. I am currently working as a Children’s and Youth Ministries intern at Back Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This internship is serving as a platform where I am strengthening and utilizing my interests, academic knowledge, community experiences, and leadership skills.”
Major: Public Health Science/Pre-med
School: University of Maryland College Park
“I am very passionate about a career in medicine. I would like to be an Obstetrician because the most beautiful thing in life is delivering a new human being and being there for women through their pregnancies. I would like to share in the patient’s joy because I strongly believe children are a blessing to humanity.”
Major: Nursing
School: Community College of Philadelphia
Major: Biobehavioral Health
School: Penn State University
“I aspire to work in the medical field. My interest in medicine stems from my passion to help low-income families with children. As the percentage of access to affordable healthcare decreases in low-income families, children in these families lack the nutritional health and care they need. I believe that it is my responsibility to address this issue. I also would like to use my educational experience as a gateway to inspire youth on the importance of education. I want to aid the people that I encounter to embody the grit that my parents have instilled in me, to understand the importance of your actions and the need to pay it forward. I hope that my obstacles and my determination serve as a living testimony to my peers, those behind me, and those to come.”
Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management
School: University of San Francisco
Major: Business
School: Shippensburg University
Major: Criminal Justice
School: Shippensburg University
“My goal is to help individuals see the importance of giving back to make a difference in the lives of others. I truly value giving back to the community and appreciate everything that has been given to me that has truly helped me become the person I am today. This fall, I’ll be working as a Peer Leader for incoming Freshman at my University, while also taking on the role of a Resident Assistant. In the near future, I plan on working in the criminal justice field and becoming an advocate for those who are unable to represent themselves.”
Major: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Minor: Human Development and Family Studies, Gerontology
School: Penn State University
“Ever since moving to Philadelphia, I have been advocating for low-socioeconomic communities in my neighborhood and was interested in public health. I am a member of Best Buddies, a club at Penn State that works to foster the relationship between people with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities. I am currently in the process of obtaining my Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), to go to graduate school and acquire a Doctorates Degree in Audiology (AU.D).”
Major: Engineering
School: Syracuse University
Major: Biology
School: University of Sciences
Major: Finance
School: Temple University
“I intend to help others in any field I may have any prior knowledge in. I learn from my experiences and impart as much as I can to anyone else who may benefit from whatever information I may have to offer; this includes but is not limited to: the fundamental benefits of investing early, the college application process, tutoring in various subjects, learning to take care of one’s well-being, balancing day-to-day spending, etc. As someone who had to start supporting myself from 17, many of these simple tasks became overwhelming at times but I was fortunate enough to have people help me navigate through these challenges – I would like to do this for others to the best of my ability. I intend to go into the field of finance with a concentration in international business. I grew up in Bangladesh and was fortunate enough to pick up various languages over the years including Hindi, Urdu, English, and Spanish. I want to use this skill as an asset and combine it with my passion for traveling to help to expand companies navigate relationships abroad and increase their confidence in their financial security.”
Major: Computer Science
School: Lincoln University
Major: Undeclared
School: Community College of Philadelphia
Major: Public Health
School: Temple University
“My name is Monsurat Otolorin and I was born to Nigerian parents who migrated to America for a better future for my siblings and I. I’ve always wanted to make an impact that causes an improvement in people’s lives, whether it’d be big or small. I enjoy reading, writing, calligraphy, and visiting new places. I think when you visit a new place, you get to know yourself a little better in a different way. I am currently involved in three clubs. I am a member of the Society of African Leaders and also, Dominion Christian conquerors. I am currently the vice president of the Christian Students at Temple Club starting August 2017. I recruit members for the club and collect all materials and written experiences of those who attended STARS workshops. With the help of the other leaders in the club, I plan club-related meetings and events for every school year. My current major is Public Health. I am very interested in the improvement of people’s health and surroundings. I aim to provide health information and programs that low-income and disadvantaged people can have access to. I plan to help with the decline of health disparities and make sure health care is available to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Through whatever career I choose in the future, I hope I’ll be able to change that through my work. I believe that with the right information and vision, one can help bring about change.”
Major: Natural Sciences
School: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“My name is Nailah Hill and I am a girl of many passions. The first being my education. In my household, and most of my community, receiving higher education is expensive, therefore takes a backseat to work and providing for the family. With that said, I am a first-generation college attendee, and as such I am extremely devoted to my education, to better myself and to also be to able to assist others in attending college. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With this degree, I plan on attending professional school to train to become a Cardio-Pulmonary Perfusion Technician. In addition to becoming a medical professional, I have a passion for the sport of cheerleading. Presently, I volunteer at the Blackhawks’ Athletic Club, where I coach Philadelphia’s youth in learning the basics of cheerleading, while also serving as a mentor and role model. Being in a position that impacts children has been a very rewarding experience. Watching them absorb what you do and aspire to someday be like you is an incredible feeling that makes me want to better myself for them. These girls are very talented but are not reaching their full potential due to a lack of finances to provide a proper practicing facility. I hope to open a gym for not just my team, but cheerleaders across the city that need a practice space. I love interacting with/helping others and I value having positive, genuine people in one’s life.”
Major: Health Science
School: Gettysburg College
“Going to college made me realize my passion for medicine and the Health Sciences. Before then I had no idea what field of study I wanted to devote my life to. I’ve always thought that science wasn’t for me. After my freshman year, I came to terms that science is meant for me and that my grades prove that I’m pretty good at it. Learning about the human body and how it works excites me. I found myself never falling asleep in my biology classes no matter how tired I was, compared to other classes. I enjoyed the topics we learned about and made sure I was always engaged in the class. Shortly after my second semester of taking biology, I declared my major as Health Science focusing on medicine. Helping the misfortunate like my family drives me to be in this field of study. Health is so important to an individual and a family. Without a healthy body and mind, one cannot reach their goals as efficiently as one could if one were healthy. Saving lives and promoting prevention is what I want to do in the future, especially for those from low-income backgrounds like me. I plan on working as an EMT after my undergraduate studies then attending graduate school to become a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner. Learning medicine never stops, it’s always changing and improving and it’s a dynamic field I want to be in.”
Major: Computer Science and Business Management
School: University of Pennsylvania
Major: Psychology and Neuroscience
School: University of Connecticut
Major: Computer Science
School: Drexel University
Major: English Literature
School: West Chester University
“I’m passionate about helping people. Whether it be giving a homeless man on the train a granola bar and a bottle of water, or sending my friends links to scholarships they can apply for; I want to pay it forward by helping people in any facet possible. I’m always ready to stand up and protect anyone who is being mistreated. I want to pay it forward by working for organizations that make a lasting impact on the community by providing assistance and funding for students and families. My hope is to use my analytical and writing skills to secure funding for organizations that help students go to college and assist socially and economically disadvantaged families.”
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Human Development and Childhood Engagement
School: Temple University
“Amongst all of my siblings growing up I have always been the one “in love with school” I would never miss a day. My teachers were like mentors for me and they made learning fun, their energy and the way they taught made me eager to get up in the morning to go to school. I plan on going to Graduate school after I graduate so I can receive my Master’s before working full-time in an Elementary School. My short-term goal as a future teacher is to provide the same support for future children that I will be teaching. My long-term goal is to provide and participate in afterschool and summer programs. Summer and afterschool programs played a huge role in my childhood and it is a good outlet for students to expand their horizons and learn more about which art or craft they are good at. Overall, I would love to start a non-profit in the future. I would like it to be for children in the community that are interested in furthering their education beyond High School but may not have the mentors or role models they need to get there, just an outlet that provides guidance for academic and real-life situations. In the meantime, I am currently volunteering for my Aunt at her Day Care. Being able to work with children after school and in the summer is really allowing me to grasp how similar it will be to maintain and keep up with the amount of work I have planned for the future.”
Major: Health Sciences
School: University of Central Florida
“Everyone has a special purpose in life, and I believe my purpose is to serve others. I aspire to study and help alleviate problems concerning people in underserved communities in order to improve their health status. Currently a student at the University of Central Florida, I am studying health sciences in hopes of becoming a primary physician. To work towards my goal, I volunteer at clinics and community health centers that serve low-income families. Furthermore, I volunteer with my club, the Multi-cultural Association of Pre-Health Students. My desire to serve, however, will not end in the health field. I also dream of creating a program that will provide financial literacy classes for low-income families as well as night English classes for immigrants who recently moved to the U.S. The program will also cultivate and encourage high scholastics among first-generation college students. I am dedicated to serving others and I look forward to being able to serve my community in a greater aspect.”
Major: Clinical Psychology
School: Kutztown University
Major: Psychology
School: Millersville
Major: Nursing
School: Bay Path Regional
Major: Business Management
School: Delaware Valley University
Major: Public Health
School: West Chester University
Major: Biology
School: Mansfield University
“Naturopathic medicine is commonly unheard of in modern American society’s medicine, I plan to change that as I will become a naturopathic doctor and provide others with the necessary resources for optimal health. Currently, I am in the community health club and dietetics club at Mansfield University; back in Philadelphia, I volunteer with the Red Cross as a donor ambassador. After completing my bachelor’s degrees at Mansfield University, I plan to further my schooling then open a wellness facility to teach and care for others. In this facility, there will be workouts, kids’ space, physicians care, and a small farm. Overall, I plan on providing the community with health and prevention.”