Why did you initially decide to become a Peacock?
I initially decided to become a Peacock because I searched for a university where every part of me—my dreams, background and values—would be embraced. The moment that I set foot on èßäÉçÇø Peter’s campus, I truly felt the commitment to community, scholarship and purpose radiating from everyone I was fortunate enough to meet. I knew I wasn’t just committing to a college, I was joining a real family to challenge, uplift and prepare me to make a true difference in the world.
What was your major at SPU and what clubs or activities did you participate in?
At èßäÉçÇø Peter’s, I majored in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Philosophy, with minors in Medicinal Chemistry and Physics, which was a combination that pushed me to imagine courageously across disciplines. I was also deeply involved outside of the classroom. I served as a Student Government Association (SGA) Senator for the Class of 2025 and eventually became the Chief Financial Officer of SGA, supporting fiscal transparency and mentoring future student leaders. As a Resident Assistant, I helped create a welcoming home for students and advocated for residents who reached out to me.
Through research, I worked as both an Honors Research Assistant and a PODER Research Fellow, presenting my work at venues like the MACUB Conference, ACS, the Joint Mathematics Meetings and the èßäÉçÇø Peter’s Academic Symposium. I also served as the Opinion Editor for The èßäÉçÇø Peter’s Tribune, using journalism to elevate people’s voices and drive vital conversations on campus. Additionally, as a STEM tutor, I supported students in making difficult subjects like chemistry and mathematics more accessible and less intimidating.
Was there a moment for you that truly cemented that this is the place you were meant to be?
My time in the Student Government Association showed that I was meant to be a changemaker here on campus. Stepping into that leadership role made me realize that my voice mattered, and that at èßäÉçÇø Peter’s, there was space for students like me to make change. Being able to advocate for my classmates, to bring student concerns directly to university leadership, and to fight for issues like inclusive record systems wasn’t just meaningful: it was empowering. Through SGA, I found a sense of purpose, belonging and agency that showed me I was exactly where I was meant to be.
èßäÉçÇø Peter’s is known for its Jesuit values, strong community, faculty mentors and opportunities for experiential learning. How did these come to life in your experience here?
èßäÉçÇø Peter’s taught me that individuality, such as my unique perspective, my different background, and my drive, wasn’t something to hide, but instead something to embrace. Faculty mentors not only believed in me; they pushed me to take hold of every opportunity, encouraging me to apply for research fellowships, leadership roles, and internships I never would have pursued without their guidance. Through experiential learning, I was able to transform my passions into action, by applying what I learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. èßäÉçÇø Peter’s showed me that by embracing my individuality and rushing boldly towards opportunities, I could stand out and make a meaningful difference.
As a 2025 graduate, what are your graduation plans and how did èßäÉçÇø Peter’s prepare you for that? Is it the path you expected? If it wasn’t, how did the skills you gained at èßäÉçÇø Peter’s help you figure out your new direction?
As a proud member of the Class of 2025, I’m thrilled to be continuing my academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania, where I will pursue a Master of Arts in Statistics and Data Science at the Wharton School through a specialized fellowship designed to prepare students for doctoral study. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which breaks barriers to graduate education by covering the full cost of tuition—essentially allowing me to pursue graduate school for free.
Because of this, I am committed to advancing greater accessibility and equity through my own work, conducting research in public health equity as well as in biological and chemical data analysis. This opportunity blossomed from the strong academic foundation, leadership experiences, and personal resilience that èßäÉçÇø Peter’s instilled in me. Honestly, my path was not exactly what I first thought of when I applied to èßäÉçÇø Peter’s—but then again, whose is? The critical thinking, adaptability, and compassion I developed here gave me the strength to navigate every twist and turn with confidence and purpose.
What advice do you have for any incoming freshman or new students at èßäÉçÇø Peter’s?
If I could offer one piece of advice to incoming freshmen or new students, it would be this: don’t hold back. Say yes to experiences that take you out of your comfort zone. Speak up even when it’s hard. Chase every opportunity that calls to you, even if it feels out of reach. Trust that you belong here: because you do. èßäÉçÇø Peter’s has a way of turning ordinary beginnings into extraordinary stories. Your story is just beginning, and I promise, the world needs what only you can bring.
The world needs more Peacocks—and now, more than ever, it needs you.