Why did you choose Daemen University?
I chose Daemen for the warm, family atmosphere. This has truly been my home away from home.
Why did you choose your present major?
I would like to help people in the field of cancer research. Originally I was a Pre-Med major and after exploring, I realized that I could make a more impactful and direct difference going into my current field. I’ve been happier ever since I’ve changed my major.
Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.
I was considered a “quarantine baby”, meaning that I started my first year of college at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. My scholarship interview took place online while I was still back home in Philadelphia. The interviewers were very sweet and welcoming. They allowed me to tell my story and we still keep in contact til this day.
Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.
I struggled my freshman year at Daemen as the New York school system differs greatly from Philadelphia, social awareness was a challenge for me, and I still was working to find my balance. As a Biochemistry in the Pre-Med program, I struggled my first semester with Chemistry and despite the C- I received, I questioned if I was adjusting appropriately. However, my second semester dawned on me that something needed to change as I received a failing grade for the first time in my life. I immediately slipped into the fears and doubts that I was not good enough for college and that I needed to change my major or I would lose my scholarship. I spoke with a lovely advisor at Daemen who gave me direction, an option to a major that seemed attainable, and gave me the courage to try again solely because of her support and belief that I could. Starting my sophomore year, I got an academic coach, began going to office hours, utilized my faculty and departments resources, and saw a significant change. My sophomore I took challenging classes like Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Biostatistics, etc. By the end of my first semester Sophomore year, I received a 4.0 GPA and a newfound belief in myself again. While I struggled that first year, due to the support and resources daemen provides, I have since continued my field in STEM and have never looked back.
What do you like best about Daemen?
The family atmosphere and feeling that I can do anything I’ve ever wanted to try here. I’ve been an Orientation Leader, Tour guide, Diversity Ambassador, apart of the Daemen College Rescue Squad, and just this year I joined the D2 bowling team. I never feel like I can’t broaden my horizon here or experience new things.
What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen University?
Orientation Leader, Tour guide, Pre-Med club President, Daemen College Rescue Squad, D2 Bowling, intramural badminton, intramural archery, Academic Coach, Diversity Ambassador, and Minority Mentorship Mentor(this was a new program I helped pilot that is a mentorship program for minority students in STEM to be paired with upper level STEM students to help increase retention in the field of STEM for our minority students. I recommend to come out if you’re a freshman and to help have someone guide you in the process of this new transition).
Do you have a job or jobs on campus?
Yes, I currently am an academic coach which is similar to what many know as a tutor. I coach students through Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Physics, Composition/general writing, and Sociology. I also am a Diversity Ambassador.
What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?
I’m a shopper so I love to go to a store named Gabes. I have one back in Philly and it’s small reminder of home to me. I love perusing the aisle for the heavily marked down prices
What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?
Take the time to go volunteer in some fields that you think may interest you. Keep your mind open to the possibility of trying something you’ve never heard of before. Also, if you are interested in becoming a doctor or going into Pre-Med, I recommend choosing a 5 year program first(like Physician Assistance or Cytotechnology) because it is easier to transfer out of things like the PA program and into a regular Biochemistry major focused on going to medical school, as opposed to the other way around. Daemen does not let you directly transfer into the PA program which is a piece of knowledge I wish I knew before coming to Daemen.