A lifelong interest in science has helped to pave the educational path of Anji Elnakady ’22. A double major in biology and chemistry at Saint Peter’s University, she hopes to someday become a doctor. As a college student, Anji has learned much about herself: “I’ve discovered what I am passionate about and what I am capable of. While the transition from in-person to virtual learning was very challenging, it also allowed me to build independence and learn at my own pace.”
Megan Enright ’21 has always wanted a healthcare career, but wasn’t sure if she should enter the administrative or clinical side of the field. Shadowing a midwife as a Rider University health sciences major was pivotal. Now, Megan has decided to attend nursing school and work as a labor and delivery nurse: “It was the most incredible experience of my life. I assisted in two natural births and a cesarean section and observed multiple ob/gyn procedures and surgeries. It was definitely a life-changing opportunity.”
Princeton University graduate Matthew Marquardt ’21 is bound for the Ohio State College of Medicine with a renewed appreciation for his own resilience. “I’ve learned that I have incredible perseverance and grit to push through challenges and accomplish my goals,” explains Matthew, a future orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon. “I’ve also learned that there are often significant factors outside of my control that influence my life’s trajectory. As a result, I now focus on incorporating reflection and gratitude into my life to ensure that I’m moving in the right direction.”
Lauren Bines ’22 was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 9. A few years laters, her grandfather lost his battle with cancer. She recalls, “What solidified my passion for nursing was caring for my Pop Pop for the last year of his life. I wanted to provide the same level of care to others struggling from illnesses or injuries.” After graduating from Monmouth University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lauren hopes to work in critical care, and someday, be certified as a nurse anesthetist.
During the pandemic, Zyeira Mallory ’21 juggled virtual classes at Georgian Court University and a part-time job – all while caring for her newborn child. Now, she plans on following in her father’s footsteps to become a social working to assist others. Zyeira says, “My university has helped me to understand that I do well overcoming adverse situations. I have been through many hardships throughout my college experience, and I overcame it all. I wanted a career in which I would be helping others.”
Nature fascinates Geisha Tiburcio ’21: “In high school, nothing challenged me like my biology courses. I wanted to understand why and how nature did things.” After earning a degree in biology from Felician University, she plans to work in a lab. Geisha is thankful for the opportunities her ICFNJ scholarship has made possible. She explains, “The scholarship has made the increasing costs that come with higher education more feasible. As a student, the biggest obstacle should be your classes – not whether you are able to afford the upcoming semester.”
Drew Luan ’23 has parlayed his love of fencing into a pathway he hopes will lead to a spot on Germany’s national fencing team. “Fencing is something I’m passionate about,” explains Drew, a sociology major with a minor in environmental studies. Once in Germany, he plans to teach English. “At Drew University, I found an environment where I could grow as an individual. There is a lot of support. If you put your best foot forward, there are people willing to help you.”
For Sarah Carty ’22, nursing is a family affair. Yet, the pandemic threatened to derail the career goals of this forth-generation nurse. Sarah overcame the challenges of studying virtually and temporarily losing her job, while dealing with the grief of losing her beloved mother-in-law. The future ICU nurse says, “Nursing school is difficult regardless of any extraordinary circumstance. Then, the pandemic hit and I felt the weight of the world. But nursing school has taught me that I’m more resilient than I ever thought.”
While attending Caldwell University to earn his undergraduate degree in nursing, Peter Toscak ’21 has worked full time as an overnight clinical technician in a busy hospital emergency department. Tending to patients alongside experienced healthcare providers, he was inspired by nurses who display outstanding clinical knowledge and a commitment to excellence. Peter, explains, “Nurses are the patients’ advocate, resources for learning and true facilitators of positive change. The scholarship will allow me to use my expertise to affect people in a positive manner.”
Sustainable design and giving back have always been big interests for Yanqing Liang ’22. That’s why she chose to major in civil engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology: “Civil engineering is a field that can directly impact how a community operates. I wanted to have the opportunity to be part of major projects for community improvements.” Her career direction will incorporate sustainable design and resiliency into the field of water resources. Yanqing says, “College has made me realize how much I enjoy contributing to a community.”
Future doctor Lana Hannineh ’23 has always loved to study living organisms. A biology major at Seton Hall University, she is thankful for the scholarship she received through ICFNJ, which has sharpened her focus on research. Lana says, “The ICFNJ scholarship has helped me immensely and enabled me to pay off some of my tuition. My biology major pushes me to want to research and learn more every day. This scholarship has motivated me to continue excelling in research and can be used to further my research.”
A high school accounting course sparked an interest in accounting for Richard Guerriero ’21/’22. After earning his undergraduate degree in accounting at Fairleigh Dickinson University, he is pursuing a master’s in the field. His goal: to become a CPA. Richard says of his scholarship, “I am grateful to have been chosen for this prestigious award. It has motivated me further in wanting to achieve my goals and ambitions of becoming a CPA. This recognition has proven to me that hard work and conviction are my greatest assets.”
Undergraduate research has been a central part of the college experience for Jefferson Jean-Paul ’21. The biology major traveled to Florida’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to study cancer cells in sea turtles, and later placed in the top 10 in an International research competition in Texas. A future cardiologist, Jefferson says, “I never envisioned opportunities like doing research in Florida or traveling to Texas to present my own independent research. I just never thought things like that were possible. Centenary is a very supportive and motivating university.”