1. Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University?
Talking to a Syracuse University representative, at my schools college fair, Syracuse University sounded like my dream school. Picturing myself amongst the other oranges, taking advantage of the great offers Syracuse has to offer, getting into Syracuse became my new goal. Growing up in New Rochelle, a diverse city, only a train ride away from endless opportunities I was looking for a college with similar aspects. After doing further research on the university, I found out it was an institution of strong academics, opportunities and personal growth through its diversity. My main interests include biology and with Syracuse University's state of the art labs I can fulfill my dreams of studying genetics. It all started with a handshake and a quick info session, and I decided that Syracuse University will be one of my stepping stones to become the first male college graduate of my family and the first doctor in my family.
2. Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this?
The person I dream of becoming is a pediatrician. It has been my dream to be a doctor since I was about the age of ten. I was always one to help people, and seeing how doctors helped people on a day-to-day basis, I knew from the start that had to be my profession. After participating in the Sound Shore Medical Center Hospital Program in eighth grade, where I worked close with a doctor, my love for the medical field was confirmed. In addition, being what my nieces and nephews consider the "favorite uncle," I am always taking care of them and their friends, and seeing all kids happy in healthy makes me happy. Once becoming a doctor, I hope to become an inspiration for young kids who grew up in a single parent home, where their parents did not make a lot of money. I can share my story with kids and show that no matter what background you come from once you have your mind set on a goal you can achieve it, and if you work hard your dreams do come true. Many of times, I felt like giving up, but I see how my mom emigrated from the island of Barbados to give all of her children a better life, and becoming a doctor will make her proud of me. Syracuse University can help me achieve this by allowing me to get my undergraduate degree in Biology, so I can have a better platform in the sciences when I get to medical school, causing me to excel.
3. If you have had work experience, what skills and/or knowledge did you gain?
My first job was at the New Rochelle Library, as an assistant, to Ms. Kathy Cronin. From this job I learned how to master the art of multi-tasking. My job entailed dealing with people who did not speak English, putting kids on the computer, organizing books, and creating a mass list for the summer reading event. Living in New Rochelle, a very diverse town, I encountered a lot of non-English speaking parents and children. Just my luck, I took Spanish 3 Honors, and knew a great deal of Spanish. I was able to communicate with these people, making their day a bit easier, because there was someone who understands them. If I was not making parents and children feel comfortable, because they did not know English, I was putting kids on the computer, planning, and organizing one of the biggest summer event s of the New Rochelle Public Library. I had to organize a list of at least 400 kids and the amount of books they read and constantly update it. Within learning the art of multitasking, I learned the key skills of responsibility and priority. The key skills I learned in that summer will help my during my college career, and help me succeed.
4. Our mission of Scholarship in Action, education for the world in the world, extends beyond the classroom to include engagement opportunities with our campus community, the City of Syracuse, and locations across the globe. Based on your interests, tell us what real-world experiences you might pursue during your education at Syracuse as part of this mission.
I can remember interning as an eighth grader in Dr. Frank Watkins office and admiring the help he gave people. Getting to know him, I found out that he studied abroad at a university in Germany, and he told me it is important you study abroad while you are in college. One real world experience I plan to pursue at Syracuse University is the chance to study abroad. As a Syracuse student, I would like to study spend a semester studying Biology and Spanish in Madrid, Spain. I believe spending time learning here would help me to merge my two favorite subjects together by making new connections and acquiring a new perspective of life. Living on my own and not being supported by my family I will develop a better sense of responsibility and increase my confidence level. This is what I would like to accomplish before taking my next step, which is medical school. Lastly, I would like to participate in SUF Academic Internship Program to experience professional work environment and understand different perspectives from another culture.
