Class of 2019
Major: Biology
Minor: Health, Medicine, and Society
School: Lehigh University
“I am very passionate about helping others and giving back to communities, which has led me to pursue an education based in the healthcare field. I have a goal of working in pediatrics, more specifically implementing my help globally. I have begun exploring the healthcare field by starting a healthcare society club with a few of my friends at school. In the club, we explore worldwide medical issues and ways we can help in our everyday lives, as well as incorporate ourselves in our school’s community by promoting healthy lifestyles and resources in the neighborhood that can help students maintain their health. I plan on using my degree as a tool to help me find many opportunities in the global healthcare field, whether that be through research, internships, or traveling to third world countries to help their communities. My degree will immerse me in a community of doctors who will also have the same passion for helping those in need.”
Major: English
Minor: Criminology
School: Drexel University
“As a student with an interest in Law and Politics, my career goal is to become a Civil Rights Attorney. To achieve my goal, I am involved in leadership positions, community service, and internships. I am the captain of Central High School’s track and field team. I am also the founder of Joi’s Back to School Donation Drive, an annual donation drive that provides the students of the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Residence with school supplies for the upcoming school year. And during the summer of 2018, I was a judicial intern at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. During undergrad, I will continue to participate in internships and use Drexel University’s co-op program to gain experience in the legal community within Philadelphia, PA. Following undergrad, I plan to enroll in law school and use my Juris Doctor, J.D., to focus on human rights, equality, education, and discrimination. As a Civil Rights Attorney, I will maintain a focus on interactions amongst minorities and the Philadelphia Criminal Justice System, because minorities are most often underrepresented on defense.”
Major: Social Work
School: Kutztown University
“The thought of imperfection and self-doubt fuels my future, I know nothing in life is perfect; but I hope to one day reach near perfection. The more I tell myself I can’t, and the more no’s I hear, fuel me to break all barriers — the thought of being able to make a difference in my community fuels my determination. Today, I am volunteering with several different organizations to impact my community and fulfill my happiness. I would rather work for 16 consecutive hours than to keep taking breaks repeating, “I’ll finish that later.” Change happens every day, and I never want to miss out on the action. Who I am and what I want to become fuels my success. I am not comfortable with the life I am living nor how others around me are living. I would like to become a Speech Pathologist with multiple different business ventures, to inspire and further the growth of my community.”
Major: Music Business/Entrepreneurship
School: Drexel University
“My passion lies in helping my community. This year, I worked with the Creative Resilient Youth (CRY) group to raise awareness about mental health in Philadelphia. We hosted an exhibit in May 2019, where each participant showcased their own connection to mental health. Through this collective, I want to end the stigma tied with the topic by creating more safe spaces to have conversations. Though my majors don’t necessarily correlate with mental health, I want to continue advocating for more resources with my future endeavors. Throughout my college career, I will continue working with CRY to accomplish my goals and hopefully make my impact to pay it forward for the next generation to continue. I’m also passionate about making music; I write and produce my own songs. This is a way of expression for me, so I hope to connect to others and provide a voice for people who don’t have the platform to do so.”
Major: Business
School: Drexel University
“I never really considered majoring in business as a kid because I had always thought that I would become a biologist or a science researcher. What made me realize that I wanted to pursue a degree in business is my passion for a good challenge but also my love for planning and developing creative ideas. I want to be able to build social networks with other people in my field and learn about how our = world operates through the education that I will receive. I hope that I can one day start my own business or co-own a business and lead major projects. I have completed some academic internships at the University of Pennsylvania as well as another internship at the Forensic Science Mentorship Institution to help prepare myself for college. I hope that I can intern at an office over the summer. For now, I still have a long way to go in building my career and future.”
Major: Computer Science
School: Millersville University
“My passion and goals in life have been influenced by my childhood. When I was young, I learned to speak English, Portuguese, Swahili, and French because I lived around people who spoke these languages. As I grew older, I came to the realization that the reason I learned these languages is that I never wanted to make anyone feel left out. That’s why I always try to do everything in my power to help everyone fit in because I know what it feels like to be left out. Most of the things I do in life revolve around my favorite quote, which is, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” by Nelson Mandela.
I’m currently majoring in computer science, after getting my B.S. in computer science I plan on going to law school to become a patent lawyer. As a kid, I always wanted to become a lawyer and still want to become a lawyer because my life and the lives of many other people that I grew up around have been affected by injustice in many forms. Becoming a lawyer will allow me to speak up for the unheard voices and against injustice, which won’t only benefit me but the people around me as well. I’m currently doing internships that expose me to the general work field because I believe in being open-minded because I could always learn something new.”
Major: Biology
School: Bryn Athyn College
“I’m extremely excited to attend the school of my dreams to pursue my goal of becoming a forensic scientist. I plan to spend the next four years playing field hockey, a sport I love! I hope to accomplish a lot for my field of work in my lifetime, for example creating new technology to solve crimes faster and minimizing the number of innocent people in prison. I’m extremely passionate about helping those in need. I’m extremely blessed, so it’s only fair that I pay it forward.”
Major: International Relations
Minor: Management and Organization
School: Spelman College
“My ultimate goal is to challenge youth all across the world to adjust to a lifestyle that allows them to perform to their full potential no matter what their passions are. I am currently the founder of the International Youth Organization, which is a vision to bring young adults from different countries to their full potential and to implement vital life skills in order to shape their prosperous futures. The mission is to develop, enhance, and equip the entrepreneurial aptitude of the youth and build character that leads to success, in order for a flourishing economy to be upheld in less developed countries.
I will be majoring in International Relations and minoring in Management and Organization. With those concentrations, I plan on changing how the majority view undeveloped countries as poor, violent, and uncivilized. In reality, they are just longing for someone to boost their E.G.O. Education, Growth, and Opportunity. Every day is a blessing knowing that you are one step closer to changing the lives of many.”
Major: Health Sciences
School: Drexel University
“My passion resides in the field of health sciences, where I aim to pursue a career as a nutritionist. I chose Drexel University because I knew that this was where I could gain first-hand experience with this field of work. I hope that one day, I could make a difference in Philadelphia. Hence, with a degree in health sciences, I plan on creating a nonprofit that supports the health and well-being of those in Philadelphia.”
Major: Rehabilitation and Human Services
Minor: Deafness and Hearing Studies
School: Penn State University
“Since I was a young girl, I’ve always found joy in helping others. I think this is mainly because I was constantly helping my hearing-impaired mother by translating for her. As of today, I am working two jobs that are related to my major and minor. I will be working at Pennsylvania School for Deaf assisting a student who has a disability.
I’ll also be working downtown at Independence Blue Cross doing office work. When I graduate from college, I intend on furthering my education by going for my master’s degree. Once I’m finished that, I should be getting settled into my career. Although I do not know what specifically, I want to do yet, I am taking baby steps in the right direction!”
Major: Business Undecided
School: Saint Joseph’s University
“My passions are service and education. I am uncertain of my future occupation but know I want to help others. I also enjoy traveling and taking pictures. I hope to be able to incorporate my love for people by serving people. I plan on going to graduate school and pursuing my MBA. No matter where my career takes me, I always want to be involved in service organizations. I love spending my time with kids who have special needs who inspire me. I am extremely excited to see where the next four years lead me!”
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Major: Economics, Pre-Med
School: Tufts University
“Throughout middle and high school, I was fortunate to find my passion in biology, medicine, engineering, and research through various experiences, programs, and classes. Using my biomedical and engineering knowledge, I designed transdermal patches that use Naloxone as an antagonist chemical reagent to prevent opioids from binding to receptors as a research project. I intend on studying Biomedical engineering as it encompasses and incorporates all of my interests into a curriculum of engineering so that I can apply my knowledge towards creating real-life tangible medical devices and instruments to better serve the medical community.
In college, I also want to continue becoming involved in the community- both inside and outside of the boundaries of the college because building these relationships and giving back to others have ignited my passion for learning and improvement. I am also looking forward to being involved with outreach programs, volunteering at non-profit organizations geared towards first-generation college students, and initiating more community improvement projects. With an intended major in biomedical engineering, I hope to solve the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania as it has become an increasing epidemic that has affected many families.
By applying the knowledge I obtained in school and research, I will be able to design and create medical devices aimed to solve prevalent medical issues. With a higher level of education and a passion to give back to the community, I hope to work for either a biotechnology or pharmaceutical company in the future to advance technology in the field of biology, medicine, engineering, and research.”
Major: Environmental Studies
School: Albright College
“I’ve loved volunteering and community service since I ran a weekly food donation drive at my school in 8th grade. I have volunteered with environmental advocacy groups like PennEnvironment and completed science enrichment programs to get a better understanding of the world around me. I hope to one day become an environmental consultant, advising company leaders on sustainable work practices that will protect the environment for generations to come.”
Major: Physical Therapy
School: The University of the Sciences
“Growing up, I was inspired to be a hard-working young woman in school, dance, and the community. As a dual-enrolled high school student at The Keystone National High School and Community College of Philadelphia, my motivation led me to take the challenge of adding networking and shadowing to the list of priorities after school. I strived to be involved with helping the community by participating in the Women’s Empowerment Club, RockReach program, and volunteer services at Atlantic Physical Therapy. When I began volunteering at Dr. Friedman and Dr. Hannegan’s office at Atlantic Physical Therapy, I was able to deepen my understanding of the career path and the importance of physical therapy in a society with an aging population.
As Philadelphia is growing larger and the demand for physical therapists is growing higher, I am determined to help patients improve their physical and overall health. Physical therapy is an important contribution in healthcare because it can reduce some of the most pressing health problems, like obesity and diabetes, which can ultimately result in neurologic and other life-threatening issues. My perseverance, determination, persistence, and work ethic have pushed me to great achievements in the past, and there is no doubt that these qualities will carry throughout my journey at The University of the Sciences as a physical therapy major.”
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Business
School: Community College of Philadelphia
“My passion is computer engineering. I’ve always thought about inventing new things and technology seems interesting and has a huge impact on our lives. After two years of community college, I plan to attend Louisiana State University or Temple University. As a career, I would love to work with one of three companies; Google, Apple, or Microsoft. I’ve also thought about creating my own business. One day I know I will have a huge name in sports. Track and field is something I am very good at, and I am aiming for the Olympics one day. Also to be the best at whatever I do, that’s my dream. I know I will be one of the best in my sport and beat records. I believe that I am an athlete and an activist. I know that I can be the next Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, LeBron James.”
Major: Engineering
School: University of Pittsburgh
“My mother is a single parent with no income. My grandparents lend a hand when they can, but they can only do so much. However, I do not let my situation define me. Rather than sitting back and watching my future disappear, I have worked hard to make sure I can have everything I want in life. I plan to receive a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and then return to school to obtain my MBA. From there, I hope to provide a financially stable life for my family. My dream is to travel the world and negotiate deals with other top managers. I currently work two jobs and use my spare time to volunteer with Athletes Helping Athletes.”
Major: Psychology on Pre-med Track
School: Xavier University of Louisiana
“I am very passionate about black women’s health. I currently work in a pediatric office in order to get acquainted with the medical world and learn what it takes to run a practice. In June, I will be attending the summer session for the PARS program, also known as Penn Academy for Reproductive Science, where I will explore current research topics in reproductive health.
I want to help make the mortality crisis for black women and infant mortality rate for the children of black women no longer a crisis. I will do this by going to Xavier University of Louisiana this upcoming fall, an HBCU that produces the most African-American doctors. Xavier will set me up for success with going to medical school. By majoring in psychology on the pre-medical track, I’ll have the ability to critically and analytically think about a black woman’s identity. I’ll develop the ability to influence and change the psycho-socio-cultural environment in positive and meaningful ways.
After medical school, I will do my residency, become licensed to practice, then start up a practice of my own that will serve as a safe place for black women where they know their concerns will be listened to. By making sure their pregnancies have a good outcome, I will be helping to eliminate two problems in the world that will make it a better place for black women and their children.”
Major: Psychology
School: Temple University
“I am currently pursuing a career in psychology and plan to specialize in social and clinical psychology. My ultimate goal is to gain a Ph. D in the field. I have been interested in the field for several years now, and I have been taking courses and writing essays on topics related to the field to prepare for the many years of study I have left to complete. I feel that a better understanding of our mental health, and of how the world affects it, is the first step to a more productive society. I hope that one day my contributions to the field will ensure a better world for us all.”
Major: Nursing
Minor: Health Services Management
School: University of Pennsylvania
“My main passions lie in healthcare and community service. Through discussions with healthcare professionals, community engagement through the Palumbo Medical Society, and experiential programs, such as Nursing STEPUP, I have decided to pursue a nursing career. In addition to my interest in chemistry and human anatomy, I want to care and advocate for patients during their most vulnerable times.
Next fall, I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania’s undergraduate nursing program to train to become a registered nurse and explore my interests in various areas, such as management, policymaking, and surgery. During college, I plan to be involved in the Asian Pacific American Nursing Student Association to bring awareness and attempt to solve healthcare problems in Asian communities. I plan to be involved in Student Nurses at Penn to make changes in healthcare legislation.
After graduating and working as a registered nurse for a few years, I will attend graduate school to specialize and become an advanced nurse practitioner. Afterward, I plan to obtain an MBA in Healthcare Management so I can manage hospital staff. Not only do I want to care for patients, but I want to shape healthcare policies and contribute to society in my extraordinary way.”
Major: Nursing
School: La Salle University
“My passion is in public service. My number one goal is to help people because I feel as though many people have reached this point in my life where I am on my path towards success. Therefore, it is only right for me to reciprocate this and continue giving back and helping people along the way.
Right now, one of the main things that I continue doing is volunteering within my school community and outside my school community. Whenever there’s an opportunity to volunteer, I ensure that I am part of it. Recently, I volunteered at a health fair, where, alongside a teacher, we talked about the importance of your well-being through mindfulness and meditation.
I intend to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, where I will continue to strive and enforce health within my community and beyond.
Major: Statistics
Minor: Biology
School: Lehigh University
“My main passions are in mathematics, specifically statistics, and healthcare. I currently intend to pursue a B.S. in statistics and ultimately become a biostatistician. I want to help further advancements in the medical research field through my interest in mathematical analysis. I currently work as a math tutor at my school, and I am looking for internships in research labs and finance corporations. I intend to pursue a graduate degree in biostatistics after college as well as a career working within a university research team.”
Major: Environmental Engineering
School: Bucknell University
“I aspire to be an Environmental Engineer because I want to contribute to society by taking initiative and helping to sustain the Earth. Growing up on a tropical fruit farm, I spent most of my time following my grandfather around the farm and asking questions that my little mind could not seem to understand. “What would happen if all the trees disappear?”, “Would the earth ever run out of water?”, “What if we can’t breathe the air anymore?” My grandfather tried his best to explain the answers but, coming from his lack of schooling, it did not save my curiosity.
Not until I migrated to the United States, that I found someone who could answer my questions, science. My 5th-grade self did not speak a word in English, but I was understanding everything that was going on in Ms. Milone’s science class. Since then, I knew that I was destined to pursue my career in a science field. I am utterly thrilled at the prospect of spending the next four years at Bucknell University in their College of Engineering, majoring in Environmental Science.
I want to create a culture of sustainability and ecological awareness. I am inspired to design and construct systems that preserve the Earth and human health. I know that Bucknell’s science program can provide answers and explanations to the little girl in me who still questions “why”, as well as helping me to develop as an individual and as a leader for the common good.”
Major: Marketing
School: Hampton University
“‘Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.’ I will continue to be a bird WITH wings. Hello! My name is Nykierah; I am a rising sophomore in the marketing major at the illustrious, Hampton University. With my degree in marketing, I want to open Childcare centers in the Philadelphia area, in addition to clothing boutiques. Over the years, I have grown many passions; children, fashion, and giving back to my community are important to me.
I am the CEO of the brand Risk2Be. It aims towards building the confidence of women through taking Risks and showing society it is okay to be different. The famous Karl Lagerfeld stated, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky,” and I want more women around the world to embrace that. I have organized clothing drives, which consisted of collecting slightly worn clothing and donating them to Goodwill. I have organized a Styling 101 workshop on campus and participated in the 2019 Freshman Fashion show. In the fall of 2019, I plan on taking on a minor in Childcare development. For the past three years, I have worked at The Smart Center of Childcare and Development, located in Lansdowne, PA, which has allowed me to get the feel of the childcare experience. In the remaining months of 2019, I am striving to build a diverse following for my brand Risk2Be. Having more individuals partake in the clothing drives, while also teaching them the importance of giving back to our communities is my goal.”
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Marketing and Communications
School: Guilford College
“I am unsatisfied, I practice self-reflection and mindfulness, I take ownership over my mistakes, and I believe that everyone should have the freedom to practice what they want. I am a free American spirit who aspires to help the youth in my community to achieve success via urban renewal by writing, designing, and operating a non-profit in the inner city. My passions are to inspire cultural tolerance, think outside of the box, and be innovative with limited resources in a complicated world. Starting a blog in my junior year of high school was a way for me to express my struggles and recruit youth to be a part of the solution to injustices.
My blog is a brave space of truth and empowerment. It’s a platform that showcases the successes and frustrations of my peers and my community. I currently attend Mighty Writers and ACEL Moore writing program at the Philadelphia Inquirer. These experiences and my exposure to starting my own clothing business in a program I was enrolled in at Bryn Mawr College and Junior Achievement helped shape my career aspirations. Writing has taught me to value my voice as well as the voices of the marginalized, ignored, and disabled. There’s power in our collective stories. My life is a constant research project. I will continue to work on me as a project until I accomplish my goals. As my journey of who I am continues, I will evolve as a better, wiser person.”
Major: Photography
Minor: Writing
School: Pratt Institute
“I aim to become a photojournalist specializing in the effects of climate change on developing countries. I have a deep sense of empathy, especially for the marginalized. Since I learned, as a child, of climate change’s existence, I have been passionate about the topic. As our environmental situation worsens, it seems people (especially those from first-world countries), are still vastly uneducated about the immediacy of this issue. Along with educating the public through photographs and articles on regions devastated by storms, I hope to inspire compassion and support for the struggling citizens. Journalism is the act of spreading truth to the public.
My form of journalism surrounding the environment would transcend above politics, race, gender, ethnicity, and any other label which seems to divide the world. Compassion is human, and our planet is our home. I simply want to help people learn that they aren’t alone in their struggle and to spread hope for improvement, while also building an expansive list of examples and indisputable evidence of climate change on our Earth. This issue can be aided and controlled if we all come together and save ourselves. This is a huge subject, and I am one person. But every change to come to the world has begun with one person. No matter how far I go in promoting change, touching the life of even one person is extraordinary. And with this career path, the relationships I will build and places I can go, physically and philosophically, are innumerable.”
Major: Biology
School: Morgan State University
“In the past two years, I have been closely working with kids in my community to expose them to healthy eating, living a healthier lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. I am most passionate about helping underserved youth have a voice and greater opportunities. I also am passionate about promoting diversity in the medical field. I intend on majoring in Biology with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.
I want to accomplish these goals not only by becoming a P.A. but also by opening a non-profit science program for young individuals who aspire to study STEM. This program will help students gain hands-on medical training and impactful mentoring. I believe it is important to provide young minority students opportunities to gain meaningful experiences so they can better navigate their futures. By providing this mentorship and training program, I believe that I can better my community and provide a meaningful experience to youth in my community.”
Major: Health Sciences
School: Drexel University
“The two things that I am passionate about is playing music for people and helping people. I play both the guitar and piano, and I am trying to make time for myself to take the time and record so I can share my music while also seeing my progress. I love to help people, which is what inspired me to major in health science, but I am still debating on what exactly I should do with that major.”
Major: Finance
School: Seton Hall University
“To reach specific goals of mine, I chose activities that would be helpful for me with the skills needed to make me a better person. I am going to school for finance, so I like to be involved in service opportunities that would not only increase my knowledge in financial factors, but to increase my knowledge in social practices, and learn more on social justice, but also gain information on social consciousness, one I believe which is most important.
I also learn from my community service experiences, time management, leadership, communication skills, professionalism, problem-solving skills, creativity, and organization skills. These are skills anyone can use, in any field of interest, and they are skills that I have practiced well, preparing me for the field of business.
With my finance degree, I wish to become a financial advisor. I want to be able to help not only wealthy families, but low-income families invest their money. Even when one has hit their lowest, I want to be able to emphasize there are still ways to make your future brighter than things are now. Being able to introduce the world of stocks and bonds and other investment strategies to people would bring more joy to me than them. Then, to finally increase their wealth, what better icing is there to top off the cake?”
Major: Education
School: West Chester University
“My number one passion in life is to connect with as many people as possible, to engage in conversation with various people, and to gain knowledge from the interactions. Becoming a teacher will allow me to help many children prosper and ultimately find their passions. Currently, in school and in my community, I am doing lots of mentoring and volunteering to gain as much experience as possible.
Furthermore, I plan on attending and graduating college. I will then use my degree in education to become either a literature teacher or special education teacher. After allowing time for me to get adjusted to the career field, I plan to return to school for my master’s degree and become a principal. As a principal, I will be able to set the foundation for how the school should be run and then set a community feel to the school environment. My long-term goal is opening up my own promise academy for inner-city youth.”
Major: Biology
School: Cabrini University
“I am most passionate about being a light to the people and for the people. All my life, I have always had my hands in the community trying to see what exactly I can make better. I have realized that to work towards my goals, I need to become invested in the field I wish to pursue. Any opportunity I have to be around others and contributing, I am sure to be there and ready to help. When I achieve my goal of getting my nursing degree or possibly taking it a step further to become a neonatologist, I think that I can begin my change in the world. I want to start by mentoring and getting to know the families so that I am allowed to better care for their children without overstepping my professional boundaries. A voice. All I want to be is a voice for these tiny lives who cannot speak up or fight for themselves just yet.”
Major: Business Undeclared
School: Drexel University
“Currently, I’m majoring in Undeclared Business, but I am also interested in International Relations and Entrepreneurship. I aspire to go into the business field because I am fascinated by its seemingly endless opportunities in developing a diverse range of skills and experiences. It’s amazing to see how a business idea can become reality and impact people on a local, national, and global scale. To work towards my aspirations of becoming a business owner, I plan on obtaining my undergraduate degree in addition to an MBA degree. Through my venture into college, I want to explore as many of my interests as possible and develop my cultural awareness be it through taking on leadership positions in local Asian American coalitions or studying abroad. Furthermore, I want to become involved in the immigrant community locally or internationally and help relieve their struggles as migrants and asylum seekers.
I aspire to successfully establish my own nonprofit business to assist low-income students in addition to immigrant families. I understand that my success is defined by my community, and I strive to give back not only as a future businesswoman but as an individual who wants the best for the people around me.”
Major: Biochemistry
School: Swarthmore College
“For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about people and their health. Growing up in and out of hospitals because of my severe asthma, I have experienced some of the scary sides of the medical field. The wonderful pediatricians and nurses that helped me get better really made that better for me. I hope to further my understanding of science and medicine to do the exact same thing for other children.
To get there, I’m currently involved in a program called Doctors for Education, which helps young students learn about the body and different medical fields. They also provide hands-on learning in labs and working with patients. I intend on using my degree, education, and experience to become a pediatrician. I also plan on shadowing my former pediatrician and learning about the profession on a deeper level. My goal in life is to spread advanced pediatric medicine to third-world countries.”
Major: Biology
School: Indiana University Of Pennsylvania
“I’m passionate about health education. I want to become a nurse when I graduate college, but I’m already working in a hospital now so I can get a head start. I plan to become a Registered Nurse with a bachelor’s degree and eventually go back for my master’s degree. I plan on helping lots of people out. Maybe even opening my own hospital if I put my mind to it.”