Joining the team of organic chemistry tutors at the Qualitative and Science Center (Q&SC) has allowed for significant interpersonal and knowledge development. As a tutor, I attend all lecture sessions of Organic Chemistry I/II to assist in the classroom learning environment. Additionally, I host three to six weekly individual appointments for students in the evenings for additional support with coursework. In the appointments, I emphasize the development of independent thought processes to promote success within the tutees. As head tutor, I also take on the additional responsibility of overseeing a team of six tutors, facilitating weekly meetings, and collaborating with the Q&SC head tutors for other science-based disciplines.

In my position as a Housing Advisor, I assist upperclassmen and underclassmen students in Weis College House with maintaining an ordered and healthy living environment. I collaborate with other Weis College House Housing Advisors in weekly staff meetings to address concerns and organize community events for the dormitory. I serve as a resource for residents to assist in their living, social, and academic experiences.

Upon being selected as a First-Year Advising Mentor (FAM), I had a clear-cut objective: to alleviate the stresses of attending college. As a first-generation college student, I found the new college environment incredibly intimidating, pushing me to become a mentor for others. I was assigned a cohort of 22 and 23 incoming first-year students in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Through consistent reassurance, quick response time, and open communication, I can provide comfort during the transition from high school/ secondary school to college.Before student arrival, I assure mentees have completed all necessary forms and surveys for the fall semester. I provide additional assistance and mentoring for students with course and living concerns. During the academic year, I assist with selecting courses for spring registration during set office hours. This position has allowed me to connect with many brilliant students and develop lasting relationships throughout their years at college.

Chosen for the highly-selective Translational Research Immersion Program (TRIP) through the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, I joined 12 other undergraduate students from nine institutions in the 10-week summer program. As a part of the research program, I was matched with Dr. John Seykora, MD, Ph.D. in the Department of Dermatology. I explored a research project on epithelial wound healing through the mentorship of Dr. Tzvete Dentchev, MD. I assisted in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescent (IF) assays to detect gene involvement in the wound-healing process in mouse epithelial tissue samples. Additionally, alongside Dr. Xiaoping Wang MD, Ph.D., I contributed to systemic and topical administration of potential treatment and prevention options for squamous cell carcinoma in situ on transgenic mouse models.

As a barista, I navigated the busy work atmosphere and collaborated with my co-workers to distribute tasks to enhance the workplace. I memorized all food and drink recipes and developed strong customer-service skills. I learned and followed all COVID-19 cleaning practices and continuously stayed updated with all training requirements released by corporate.

Selected as a Hackman Scholar, I worked under the wing of Dr. Katherine E. Plass and alongside peers in a full-time research lab. During the 8-week program, I researched 40 hours a week synthesizing and characterizing anion/cation-exchanged non-stoichiometric copper sulfide nano'rods' with optoelectronic applications. Additionally, through collaborators at Penn State University, I began developing my knowledge of applying the wet-lab research to a computational space.

During my time as a sales associate at Playa Bowls, I began developing skills in customer service and cooperation to assist in the success of the store. Alongside other employees, I prepared fresh fruit, administered proper bowl presentation, and enforced food preparation safety for both açaí and poke.