Class of 2021
Major: Computer Science
School: Cornell University
Major: Sports Medicine
School: West Chester University
“Even as a young child, I have always been active in the arts, sports, and community service. My family and I spent most Saturdays at ballet practice, track meets, or feeding families in my community. My love for dance, sports, and service has not changed as I got older. I still find time to work with my church and other community organizations, helping people who are less fortunate by serving meals or handing out clothes and coats. I was fortunate to combine my love of dance and community service by partnering with American Dance Wheels to teach ballroom dance to severely disabled children who are wheelchair users with a standing partner. The experience showed me a new way to use my talents and abilities to help encourage others. Because of my love of sports, I am currently enrolled at West Chester University in a 3+2 Sports Medicine/Athletic Training program, but that will not be the end of my educational journey. My experience with the American Dance Wheels has inspired me to strive for a doctorate in Physical Therapy. This will allow me to continue using my abilities and talents to help empower and encourage others in ways they could have never imagined. My passion in life is to continue to serve and help people in a way that will leave a positive impression on their life.”
Major: Chemistry
School: Community College of Philadelphia
“Political education and scientific research have always resonated with me. Ever since I came to terms with my queer identity, I started exploring other categories of oppressed groups. Through my exploration, I quickly realized how interconnected my interests were to one another. I became interested in chemistry because of my desire to tackle environmental issues caused by environmental injustice. My time with Temple’s Health info program taught me about the adversity and cultural incompetence that leads to poor healthcare for POC folks. Currently, I work as an organizer teaching political education and facilitating workshops for a grassroots organization hoping to better the world and free people from the system of oppression. In the future, I intend to take on opportunities to travel the world and provide education and healthcare for folks in vulnerable communities. Although it may be challenging, I intend to adapt and overcome obstacles to make my dream a reality.”
Major: Nursing
School: Drexel University
“I’ve wanted to be a Neonatal Nurse for most of my life, so the fact that I am actually pursuing it is surreal. I’ve always had a love for children and the medical field. I am currently researching CO-OP positions for next year, which will help me make connections within my field and gain experience. After graduating, I plan to go back to school for my master’s and later become a travel nurse.”
Major: Biology
School: Penn State University
Major: Health Sciences
School: Drexel University
“Hello! My passion is to help others in need, hence why my goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant. Currently, I am in a Pre-PA club which is to kind of help you prepare for PA school. I am also expected to start an internship really soon at the VA to start getting patient care hours which is required for PA school.”
Major: Psychology
School: Penn State University
“My name is Cameryn, and I’m currently studying Psychology with an intended minor in Health and Human Development at Penn State University. My passion is helping children in impoverished communities have access to mental health professionals. In order to get more experience in my future profession, I have joined clubs at my university to give me access to mentors and connections for the future. One of my biggest goals within these four years is to study abroad!”
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
School: Temple University
“In the future, a career path I’m planning to pursue is medicine. I want to be a doctor. My interest in being a doctor comes from a very young age; now that I am older, I see it more as something different than just being a doctor. My main reason is to help people when something is wrong, and being a doctor; I can have the ability to help them with their well-being. My main purpose is to be one of those great people who know about caring for human beings to save and improve life. It is a very important job to perform a cure, a treatment, or maintain and restore the health of a person, and this is my goal to become a professional doctor with every skill I need to do a great job and improve my knowledge.
If I could say something that influenced my professional aspiration for my future is to be a better person be able to provide help, that each person that knows me it would be because of all the positive I want to give to the world. If I would like to tell somebody about this, it would be that they follow their dreams that pursue each of their goals so that they can be professional and better every day.”
Major: Accounting
Minor: Public Health
School: Temple University
“I harbored a passion for math at a very young age. My fascination with math originates from its mysterious nature of the unknowns, its apparent complexity of the problems, and its suitable application of critical thinking skills. The more challenging a problem is, the more interested and determined I am to solve it. I also want to contribute to the community through the healthcare field. For a very long time, I didn’t know what to major in; I just knew that I was interested in the math and healthcare field. Ultimately, I decided to major in accounting while minoring in public health, a combination that would combine both of my interests. In college, I plan to join some student professional organizations, continue to volunteer by participating in community service clubs, and take on internships to gain some hands-on experience in both fields. In the future, I’m aiming to merge both the business and healthcare fields in a way that can help others.”
Major: Business
School: Mount St. Mary’s University
“I’m interested in a career in business, specifically entrepreneurship. This piqued my interest when I became interested in real estate. When I graduate from college, I want to be my own boss. I’m interested in having my own business and creating jobs for others. When I accomplish this, the goal would be to create generational wealth for my family. Since I was a kid and able to understand what we had as a family or didn’t have, I felt we were always just getting by. I knew then, I wanted to be the one to change the dynamic within my family, so we wouldn’t have to just get by.”
Major: Computer Science & Business
Minor: Data Science
School: Lehigh University
“I started programming when the pandemic first started. Currently, I am studying Computer Science at Lehigh University. I am interning for a club position at the Society Of Scientists And Engineers. I am taking on leadership roles in order to better understand how to lead. I am looking for research and internship opportunities for the Summer of 2021. As for the future, I intend to manage a group of software engineers to build innovative software for business.”
Major: Communications
Major: Specialization in Public Relations
School: Villanova University
“Advocacy is a passion of mine that reflects in everything I would love to achieve over time. As I continue my education at Villanova, I plan to major in communications with a specialization in public relations. With advocacy comes the power to speak up for people that do not or can not use their voices. By majoring in communications, I will be able to learn how to use my voice professionally. I will be able to communicate with others in hopes of bettering their situations. Similarly, public relations will educate me in effectively speaking for others and providing fruitful resources for communities. I think this combination helps me socially strengthen my connections with others and communicate properly. Through it all, my passion must represent the creative and committed person I am. My passion must be influential in helping me make a genuine impact that will last throughout generations.”
Major: Human-Centered Design and Development
School: Penn State University
“My imagination and creativity have played a huge role in past and current life endeavors. In high school, I spent three years focusing on the art of graphic design/photography. My love for it motivated me to incorporate certain parts into my future career. I now attend Penn State University Park, striving for my B.S in Human-Centered Design and Development. This field maximizes my passion for creativity and design tools so that I can employ them for the betterment of my community.”
Major: Biology
School: Widener University
“During the summer leading up to my senior year of high school, I decided to participate in a career exploration program held at the University of Pennsylvania. Each week we were introduced to different career pathways, and we were each given the opportunity to speak to people within those careers. One week was solely constructed around dentistry, and I absolutely fell in love with the career. There are so many pathways you can go into, and in particular, I hope to become a pediatric dentist. I have always been very passionate about helping others, and as a dentist, I can have a huge impact on the people I serve, whether it’s through making healthcare more affordable or putting a smile on their faces. This year, I am participating in the Maguire Scholars program in the Center of Civic Engagement at Widener University as the Freshman Coordinator. This correlates to my goal to become a dentist because I am able to volunteer weekly in under-served communities in Chester city. In addition, I am an Apogee Scholar in which I receive leadership training and plan events to make life on campus a little bit more fun! I am able to learn about the needs in the community so that in the future, I am able to use my experiences to help others.”
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
School: Temple University
“From the moment I was able to walk, I had always been immensely curious about the workings of the world around me. Coming from a low-income background and as the first person in my family to attend college, I felt a kindred connection to those who brought me up in spite of their own difficulties. In college, I am pursuing a biology major along with a public health minor in hopes of utilizing my passion for science to improve the conditions of my communities and to approach public health with an interdisciplinary mindset. As an avid volunteer, I believe in contributing to my community, and in gaining a college education, I will be able to address the systemic issues affecting many Americans across the nation. As of now, I am involved in several clubs on campus that allow me to continue to volunteer my time while furthering my network of peers and professionals. And in the spring, I am looking forward to getting involved in research through the College of Science and Technology and gaining that critical experience. In the future, I hope to work in the field of public health as an environmental health scientist/researcher. But regardless of what career I pursue in the future, I know I will always have the support I need within Herb It Forward.”
Major: Nursing
School: Temple University
“As someone who is passionate about public health, addressing healthcare disparities, and caring for the sick and vulnerable, I have decided to become a nurse because it encompasses all of these values. During my undergraduate years, I hope to gain as much healthcare experience as possible so that I am able to become a skillful nurse. I currently volunteer with a local food shelter and provide nutritious meals to members of underserved communities, and I am looking for more opportunities to help those in need. After I earn my degree in nursing, I intend to enroll in graduate school to become a nurse practitioner so that I can care, educate and treat patients in communities that lack access to healthcare.”
Major: Architecture
School: Marywood University
“My passion for architecture is more than buildings, designing, and collaboration. Architecture is a practice that builds a better community and improves the lives of many people by providing safe and substantial homes. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always loved and had a passion for helping as many people as I can. Pursuing my dream of becoming an architect will help me accomplish my ultimate dream of helping people. That’s why I am wasting no time and starting now. During college, I attend architecture conferences, travel to cities, and participate in many upperclassmen presentations. Everything in college is optional, so it is only in my power whether or not I want to improve my education. I have promised myself to take every opportunity that comes my way. Taking all the opportunities helped me have project inspirations and get satisfactory grades I work hard for. Having adequate grades and being a successful student helps me have confidence, happiness, and show leadership skills which encourage me to push and continue with my dream. With God’s help, I will build a glowing society!”
Major: Criminology
School: Penn State University
“The biggest takeaway from my experiences in life so far is that my happiness and security are of the utmost importance. I am in charge of my future, and I alone have control over my life. My self-assurance, which has developed only through my struggles, is what drives me to achieve things every day and lift others up. I have always been a high-drive, high-stress person that tries my hardest to achieve the goals I set out for. This characteristic drives my passions and goals. I am particularly passionate about physical activity, being outdoors, and serving the community. These passions play into my goal to become an Army Officer. As a college student in Army ROTC, I am striving to become a Commissioned Officer in the Military Police branch of the Army. I have always been interested in law enforcement, law, police, and related fields. I am currently striving towards this by participating in ROTC, as well as involving myself in Army-related clubs at school (drill team and tactics). I also focus a great deal on achieving high grades and improving physical fitness. Internships, either for criminology or the Army, are definitely in the cards for the future as well. I am excited for my path and all I have learned and will learn along the way.”
Major: Pharmacy
School: University of the Sciences
“Having a role in public health has always been an end goal of mine, which has led me to pursue a pharmacy degree at USciences. Although I am an introvert and a rather independent thinker, I really do enjoy interacting with patients and having time to be behind the counter, making sure prescriptions go where they should. My other passion is service. Because USciences is the first pharmacy school in the nation, it has so many wonderful pharmacy organizations on campus that allow us to serve, such as making cards for hospitalized children and women with breast cancer and writing letters to legislators to support pharmacists. I am also on the PCP student council’s research committee and strive to address concerns and contribute ideas as a pharmacy student.”
Major: Operations and Supply Chain Management
School: Drexel University
“I aspire to build a meaningful career where I can connect with others and talk to others. I always knew I wanted to work in a non-STEM field and something that interacts with people. This led me onto the path of Supply Chain Management, where I further developed my communication skills. Stepping foot into college was a prerequisite to meeting new people and understanding others better. To begin, I am a work-study employee at the College of Engineering’s Dean Office as a receptionist, where I answer calls and assist students and faculty in speaking with the staff in the office. As for extracurricular activities, I am on the board of the Global Chinese Connection organization to build relationships amongst the members, college, and most importantly, a cultural relation on an international level as the Finance Chair. I want to be able to contribute something back to my Chinese background and my community through this organization. Each day, I try to do something that will help me connect with others more, from joining new organizations, exploring campus, or even fist-bumping my professors; they are all experiences to build my communication with the world around me.”
Major: Biology
School: University of Pennsylvania
“Growing up, I was taught by my parents to be grateful when opportunities come. Once I am able to, I should do the same for others in return. In high school, I have participated in many STEM programs offered by my community, from gaining basic lab experiences with mice and fruit flies to learning valuable skills from healthcare programs and college courses. So far, I plan to pursue a medical degree. At college, I hope to create memorable experiences and opportunities for youths in the same way that my community did for me.”
Major: Biomedical Engineering
School: Pennsylvania College of Technology
“The career that I am most interested in would have to be bioengineering because it fuses both technology and medicine. This field is perfect for me because it allows me to help people and work with the thing I love most, technology. With bioengineering, I plan to make prosthetics and maybe even more.”
Major: Undeclared
School: Drexel University
Major: Architectural Engineering
School: Penn State University
“Growing up, I played with legos and drew pictures for hours. I found a passion for both art and mathematics, so I wanted to find a profession that combines both. I learned that architectural engineering offered both of my interests which is why I chose it. As an engineering student, I want to focus on a more sustainable future. I want to give back to the community in the form of constructing environmentally friendly structures.”
Major: Computer Science
School: North Carolina A&T University
“I’m going to be a computer software engineer. I have been considered ”tech-savvy” since a young boy. My family counted on me to fix technical issues around the household. When I was born, I was put inside an incubator, and when my mom told me this story, it sparked my interest in technology.”
Major: Architecture
School: University of Pennsylvania
“Starting with origami as a ten-year-old, I have always been infatuated with art. As I grew older, I realized the triviality of a paper crane in the grand scheme of the world and feigned for a sense of purpose with my art. Architecture has fulfilled this, and I now plan to use design to impact communities in a fashion that leads to an equitable society.
With a Bachelor of Architecture degree, I can accomplish exactly this as the lessons I learn will directly correlate to my future goal of redesigning infrastructures that address water pollution. Water pollution is a growing issue in villages throughout my parents’ homeland of Ethiopia. The lack of irrigation systems results in runoff becoming a prominent pollutant in local bodies of water, rendering it unsuitable for consumption. Spending my summer in one of these villages and speaking with my younger cousins who claim this to be “normal” opened my eyes to the need for innovation and an opening to make a significant impact. Through architecture, I intend to utilize river and delta urbanism to reduce pollution in river pathways, mitigate runoff, and provide safer drinking water for all.”
Major: Nursing
School: Cabrini University
“It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do, although I always knew it was going to be something in the medical field. Not too long ago, I came upon nursing, and it seemed to be a perfect fit for me. I have always loved to help people, and I want to help alleviate any struggles people deal with medically. While I still have a long journey ahead, I will do everything I can to accomplish my goal to become the best healthcare worker I can be! I also want to continue my music and share my talents with others. It will always be a passion of mine, and I will work hard at it while also continuing my education. Later, I plan to go on to graduate school. I still need some time to figure out what I exactly plan to go into as a future nurse, but I am sure I will make the right choice.”
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
School: University of Pennsylvania
“I want to be a doctor, not only to cure the sick but to remedy the deficiencies in our healthcare system. Our youth is the future; I want to create a future that delivers affordable and adequate healthcare to all people. I want to work within the public sector, working for and with marginalized communities. I also hope to research the public health crises created by large corporations that impact marginalized communities. I want to reform the American healthcare system. Through my passion for people, my undergraduate, and medical education, I will move forward to do the necessary work to fix a broken system.”
Major: Political Science
School: Howard University
“I am interested in becoming a political scientist and analyst. As a political scientist and analyst, I would study global problems and problems within communities in the U.S to help national, state, and local leaders understand the frustration and troubles people face daily. The more understanding we have, the better solutions we can create.
Working with government officials will allow me to illustrate and define my ideas that would benefit citizens, especially those in most need. My role as a political scientist would allow me to be a part of creating programs, laws, rights, and funding that would be distributed to ALL citizens. This includes educational programming that would provide school districts proper funding in order to equip their public school systems with adequate and efficient resources, as well as sufficient and liable income and benefits for teachers and staff. I would also work with government officials to develop more sustainable ways of protecting the human rights of POC, the LGTBQ community, and Immigrant families. My goals as a Political Scientist will allow me to advocate for those who suffer because of inequity, racism, and discrimination by educating those in positions to make equitable laws and policies and continue to contest for equality, peace, and protection for all.”
Major: Finance
School: Emory University
“During my time in high school, I took a personal finance class which showed me that the wealth gap could be decreased through financial education. As a current college student, I want to major in finance to help educate people on achieving financial independence so they can retire with ease. To achieve my goal, I will join my university’s financial education group that helps our local students understand how to manage their money for retirement.”
Major: Excercise Science
School: Cabrini University
“I am interested in Exercise Science and Business. Exercise Science will help me pursue my career in sports therapy, and sports have always been my thing. This will allow me to help those pursue their sports dreams and not let an injury become a setback. Additionally, with business, I am interested in learning how to run my own nonprofit, focusing on the needs of the less fortunate.”
Major: Computer Science and Game Development
School: Northeastern University
“My primary educational objective is to earn a degree in Computer Science and game development. I aspire to develop games that help teens – especially people of color – familiarize themselves with psychological topics. In college, I’ll participate in research projects to find ways to combat mental health issues through more accessible means. With this, I can work towards understanding how I can apply technology, entertainment, and education to ultimately save someone’s life. In doing so, I hope to help people of color move forward in eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. By creating this targeted resource, not only will I help the new generation navigate through mental health issues, but the games that I design will suggest healthier alternatives to eliminate self-destructive behaviors in our communities.”
Major: Criminology and Political Science
School: Villanova University
“My name is Taj Walter, and I currently attend Villanova University with a double major in criminology and political science. My passion has always been to be a criminal lawyer, and I am working toward that goal. At Villanova, I am taking courses that assist me in my pursuit of a law degree. I have also joined clubs like the black student law association to guide me through the process of attending law school.”
Major: Communications
School: East Stroudsburg University
“My name is Taylor, and I recently made some modifications to my college plan as well as how I envision myself in my career. I decided to major in communications with a concentration in broadcasting because it’s something I’ve been passionate about since high school. I was introduced to the world of technology when partnering up with Philly Cam for my senior project. Philly Cam is a community organization that teaches content creators how to produce media on television, radio, and online. During the Fall ’21 semester on campus, I’ve been taking an Introduction to Mass Media class that I have really enjoyed.
My goal after graduation is to participate in the Communications accelerated program to receive my Master’s in ONE YEAR! However, I’m getting very ahead of myself. For now, over the summer breaks, I hope to secure a continual Internship with the Emma Bowen Foundation. This allows college students of color to network with some professionals in the media industry, receive on-the-job training, as well as many other benefits for my career. One of my main goals in my profession is to change the way the media presents single stories. In this industry, broadcasting stories on the news, in the newspaper, or on the radio is very one-sided. I think everyone deserves to have a voice, and if I have the ability to change that, I will. The people in my community will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and have their story be heard.”
Major: Political Science
Minor: Spanish
School: Temple University
“When I was little, I wanted to be a superhero, but not like the ones in comic books or movies. Growing up with immigrant parents, I witnessed how mistreated immigrants are and what they have to endure in a country where they feel alienated. Because of that, I grew a passion for law; I wanted to be like a superhero in court. My passion for law really sparked when I attended a summer program at the University of Pennsylvania Law School in the summer of 2019. I met so many lawyers and was introduced to different types of law. In college, I decided to major in Political Science because I wanted to broaden my knowledge about politics and policymaking. Currently, I am working at an adoption law office in the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia and plan to introduce myself to new sections of law that I haven’t been exposed to yet in the future. After undergraduate college, I plan on attending law school and pursuing a career in immigration law. I strive to run my own law firm one day and hopefully help thousands of immigrants who are struggling in this country.”
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Global Engineering
School: Drexel University
“The many different languages of the world have long been a source of fascination to me. Ever since beginning to learn American Sign Language in Kindergarten, I have loved to study the different branches of communication from around the world. Since then, I have come studied Latin, French, and Japanese to varying degrees of fluency. In addition to languages, the science of physics is of great interest to me. Looking around at the various buildings in Philadelphia, I am often struck with awe at how every building must follow the same basic laws of physics. Yet, there is such a vast variety in style and architecture. I look forward to studying the fields of Civil and Architectural Engineering to better understand the science behind construction and leave my mark on the field. My hope is that I will be able to use my love of language in conjunction with my study of the sciences to travel around the world as a Global Engineer, exploring the different building and architecture styles of various cultures and adding my own identity.”