Why did you choose Daemen College?

From the first time I visited Daemen, I knew it was the one. It felt like home here, and I looked for every excuse to come back. I sat in on a class, and by watching the professor interact with her students, it was clear that Daemen was special. I liked a lot of the schools I visited, but they didn’t have a spark like Daemen did.

Why did you choose your present major?

I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got to college. I changed my major a few times in the application process and a few times after I began classes. I chose biochemistry because I knew that I liked science. I liked chemistry and biology, and the professors in the natural science department welcomed me. This degree provides many opportunities for me to pursue after I graduate.

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen College.

The classes I have taken have definitely been challenging, but now I understand that Daemen’s programs are top-of-the-line programs. The faculty I have had a chance to interact with are always pushing us to do better; they care so much about how I am doing and they see the potential in students from the beginning. It may be difficult at times, but they are shaping us into the best students, professionals, and scientists we can be, and I appreciate that they take their time to help me achieve that.

Please describe any internship, study abroad, service learning or academic experience? (For example, Academic Festival, Research Think Tank, etc.)

This summer I participated in a study abroad experience. I took a painting class in Florence, Italy. While most of my time was spent in Florence, I also traveled to Venice for a weekend. This was the first time that I traveled anywhere by myself and the first time that I flew over an ocean! I didn’t know any Italian or anyone else that was going on the trip, and I was incredibly nervous. While I was there, I painted under the oldest bridge in Florence and on the rolling hills looking over the city, I learned how to communicate in Italian, explored ancient synagogues, took a boat ride in the canals of Venice, lived with a foreign family, and got lost in the streets of a beautiful city. The trip gave me an incredible sense of independence and confidence that is almost impossible to explain. I have also participated in on-campus research. I am working one-on-one with my professor on an organic chemistry project. I began this project about a year ago, and I should be finishing it up soon so that I can begin to work on my senior thesis project.

What do you like best about Daemen College?

I like how small Daemen is; it feels like a family here. I like seeing my professors walking down the hall and being able to stop and talk to them. The professors are great, and they care so much about me and how to help me get to where I want to be.

What is your favorite campus hangout? Why?

I have two favorite places on campus. I like the space between WICK and Rosary where there is green space. When it is nice out, I like to hang out and play catch with my friends. I also like the natural science study room. It is nice to be able to ask for help/advice on classes that are specific to natural science majors, and it is nice to be able to have a space just for us. I have gained a lot of friends from being able to hang out and get close to the people who are going through the same classes and difficulties that I am.