Student | Daemen University

This is a current student currently enrolled at Daemen.

Why did you choose Daemen University?

I chose Daemen University because of the outstanding resumes of the professors working here. It made me more confident in my major knowing that the professors have a large amount of experience in the industry. In addition to that, the immense support and community that this school has to offer.

Why did you choose your present major?

Growing up, I was a fanatic for cartoons and animated features. As I grew up, I realized that there were not many characters that looked like me. In today's age, we have a couple of African American characters but none that stand out. I want to be able to create something that resonates with POC, including our own experiences. I want young black girls to look at their television screens and see a character that looks just like them.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to truly experience the full experience of Scholar's Day due to COVID-19 but even when it was virtual, it was phenomenal. The people there made me feel comfortable, eased my nerves about being interviewed, and talked to me like we were having a regular conversation. It didn't feel like an interview because of how comfortable it was!

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

Daemen University is definitely a smaller school in population, but it is one of the reasons why I attended. I believe going to a smaller school gives me a more one-on-one relationship with my professors. They can help me with my weaknesses and cater their abilities to match each student's learning style. I don't feel like just another ID number, I feel like I matter here and my choices, decisions, and accomplishments don't go overlooked here!

What do you like best about Daemen?

The community here is unmatched. Being 8 hours away from home, it can be tough adjusting to college life so far away. But, Daemen holds countless activities on campus to give the students a place to hang out, make friends, and overall feel supported and loved. Daemen is a close-knit family and I think of Daemen as my second home!

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen University? What kinds of things do they do?

I am the current President of Comics Club which is still a pretty fresh club on campus. The club gives me an outlet to work with other people and make connections all while having fun. In Comics Club, we give prompts for comics, play games, and make a large collaborative comic book under one topic. I hope the club continues to grow even after I've graduated!! I have also been a part of the Figure Drawing club, it is a lot of fun to have artistic freedom and stress-free drawing! We draw models provided by the school and we can stay for however long we want.

Please describe any internship, study abroad, service learning or academic experience?

I've been a part of the Animation Department's 24-hour Jam. The jam is essentially a period where individuals from any department come together and make a 45-second film in 24 hours. The professors are there all night and make sure to keep it fun and everyone up! I had a lot of fun and it was great for practicing the techniques I learned in my classes.

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description.

I currently work in Rosary Hall as a Tele Counselor. I call prospective students and inform them about opportunities to see what our school is all about. I probably called most of the people reading this right now haha!

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

It might be strange but I enjoy the 7/11 down the street of our school. During late nights, snacks from there always give me that extra energy.

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

SLOW DOWN. Take it easy. Don't push yourself to go the same pace that everyone else is going at, everyone has the race they are doing, including you. Everything will fall into place and be okay, and sometimes there will be times when it won't be okay and that's okay too. Learn to see what you can and can't control and enjoy the time you spend in college. Trust me, it'll fly right by. And most of all, Be Happy.

Why did you choose Daemen University?

The first time I visited campus I felt very welcomed by the faculty, staff, advisors, and students. I found the small student to faculty ratio created a great learning environment where I would feel supported in my future years at Daemen. I also chose Daemen because of the PT program. It has an excellent reputation and I knew I would be successful here.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose to study physical therapy because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of patients. In high school, I spent a lot of time in PT clinics due to two ACL tears. I was devastated, however I found my experience as a learning opportunity. I became fascinated with the mechanics and exercises I performed at therapy and learned something new everyday. I developed relationships with both of my physical therapists and they served as great role models of the profession. They've had a massive impact on my life and I want to give this to my patients one day.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

Scholar's Day was a very exciting and nerve-racking day. The staff, faculty, and students were extremely welcoming and informative. Since Scholar's Day took place during the midst of COVID, it looked different than previous years. However, Daemen did everything in their power to make it an enjoyable day for all of the candidates. The interview itself was intimidating at first, but the best advice I could give is to tell your story and be you. Overall Scholar's Day was great and I look forward to being apart of it in the future.

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

My academic experience at Daemen has been challenging but rewarding. High school and college are very different and becoming acclimated to a new learning environment can present its difficulties. College comes with a lot of independence and it's important to stay on top of school work, prioritize studying, and be organized in order to be successful. The professors at Daemen are always willing to work with you and appreciate questions. There are several resources available to students if you need help and the faculty will not let you do poorly.

What do you like best about Daemen?

I love the close knit, family feel of the Daemen College community. The class sizes are small enough where the faculty and staff get to know you personally. It's easy to meet new people and develop connections with individuals from all different backgrounds.

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen University? What kinds of things do they do?

At Daemen I'm apart of the SPTA (Student Physical Therapy Association) as the Pre-Professional Liaison, Business Club, Tour Guide, and Freshmen Orientation Leader.

Please describe any internship, study abroad, service learning or academic experience?

The PT program requires each student to complete 60 hours of observation in a physical therapy setting before the graduate phase of the program. So far, I've completed my hours in my hometown Batavia, NY. These observation hours have provided me with a unique experience to learn more about the profession and develop connections with clinicians and practitioners.

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description.

I have a job in Batavia at Dunkin' Donuts and a job on campus as a Tour Guide. As a Tour Guide, I give tours to prospective students and their families. Additionally, I work at many different events and in the Office of Admissions, assisting with small daily tasks as a part of this position.

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

My favorite spot to stop by in town is Squeeze Juicery.

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

The piece of advice I would give to prospective students is to be yourself and not be afraid to try new things. The first year at college is scary and intimidating. Everyone feels alone and confused at first, but putting yourself out there, attending events, and joining clubs makes the transition into college easier.

Why did you choose Daemen University?

I chose Daemen University because I was looking for a smaller school in a different environment than my hometown. What I was most excited for at Daemen was the small class sizes as well as getting to know my professors in my department, and both of those things have come true. Daemen also offers undergraduate led research within my major, something that is hard to find in other universities, which is a huge bonus. I also read that the accessibility services were quite good at Daemen, and I can attest to that.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose natural sciences because I love the outdoors, I have a fascination with the natural world and how it works. As many of my friends could tell you, I love rocks and plants, and I truly enjoy learning about systems and why certain things happen, and how life in general works. It's why I am specializing in environmental science, because I want to do work in the future that impacts our environment around us, because it is something I have been passionate about for a long time.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

My Scholar's Day was definitely different than others, as mine was during COVID-19 and I did a Zoom interview from Texas. I remember being really nervous, as I was simply logging onto a call and interviewing with someone, but it was actually very smooth. In the waiting room, current Trustee Scholars were there to reassure me, as well as give me insight into how the interview would go. The interview itself was actually very fun, and even though I was nervous I quickly felt myself opening up and it went way better than I could imagine!

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

I have had an absolutely amazing academic experience at Daemen. In all my classes I have been able to excel, as well as explore topics that I am interested in. Even when classes are hard, I have been able to access my professors readily, and they know who I am through my work and because of small class sizes. I've gotten to do some pretty cool things, including studying abroad in Australia, searching swamps for frogs, going behind the scenes at the Buffalo Museum of Science to look at dinosaur fossils, and so much more.

What do you like best about Daemen?

What I enjoy most about Daemen is being a part of the campus community. Because campus is small, you get to know people, even casually, in a variety of different majors. I know most of the people within my department, which makes classes so much more fun (shoutout DS 212!), as well as knowing people from the variety of organizations I am involved with. I have one professor who I adore, and she learned that I am going to grad school for geosciences, and has sent me countless opportunities to gain experience in geosciences for this summer, and that's not even close to her field of study. I've met so many people who come from totally different lives than I do, and I love it!

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen University? What kinds of things do they do?

I am deeply involved in organizations on campus. Most notably, I am the president of the Environmental Club, which I restarted my freshman year after it died during COVID-19. Environmental Club does a variety of things on campus, like campus clean-ups, tree plantings, hikes, and more! Our main goal however is to bring anyone who enjoys nature together and develop that common enjoyment of the outdoors. I am also a member of Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta), the biological honors society on campus, as well as the Honor Program, and Delta Alpha Pi, the disability honors society. I am also the editor-in-chief of the Insight, Daemen's student-run newspaper, which publishes stories from around campus once a month. I work in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) as a Diversity Ambassador, helping create and run programming to recognize, educate, and enhance diversity and equity at Daemen.

Please describe any internship, study abroad, service learning or academic experience?

The summer between my sophomore and junior year, I had the opportunity to spend two weeks collecting data on the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) off of Fitzroy Island, Australia, with my university. Fitzroy Island is one of the healthiest northernmost reefs within the GBR and by collecting data on coral color and species diversity, the health of the reef’s down current can be predicted, as coral repopulate through sperm and eggs controlled by oceanic currents. The experience was not only important for data on the reef itself and recording warning signals, but it also solidified my desire to pursue field research. Furthermore, I was very interested in how geologic events of the ancient past created the perfect conditions for such an extensive reef within the last couple of thousand years. I then traveled from Australia to New Zealand, this time on my own, to learn more about the active fault margin the nation rests on top of, as well as the incredibly unique geology that makes up New Zealand. This trip afforded me opportunities to visit very active fault-line areas around Christchurch, as well as the geothermal areas around Rotorua. This study abroad experience truly changed my life, it is something that I think back to constantly.

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description.

I work as both a Diversity Ambassador (DA) in the CDI and as an academic coach for organic chemistry. As a DA we create programming for the campus that emphasizes cultural awareness and diverse thinking, and making sure all people on campus feel seen and supported. Some examples of programs I have either run or helped run include events for National Coming Out Day, International Day for People with Disabilities, Black History Month, Diwali, and International Women’s Day. Everyone deserves to not only see themselves on campus but educating people about the wonderful, diverse world around them making the world a more equitable, accessible place. As an academic coach, I run either group or 1:1 sessions for students as part of the larger tutoring service that exists at Daemen. This service is completely free to students, and I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

Sweet Jenny's!

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

College, no matter where you go, it a big change. I was incredibly ready for college and have excelled since I got here, but that doesn't mean it came without struggle. Everyone struggles at some point in college, whether it's culture shock from moving across the country, like what I experienced, or simply the reality of living on your own in a new place. Not everything will go to plan, but it will lead you to totally new and unexpected things. It's scary, not knowing where life will take you, even if you have it planned out, but you have to learn to take the changes in stride, because where you'll be four years from now is something you can't possibly predict, and that's so exciting.

Why did you choose Daemen University?

I chose Daemen for my undergrad experience because of the opportunities in my program and the small campus community. As a biochemistry major, I am part of the natural science department, where I complete a research sequence. Starting sophomore year, I began learning more about research in preparation for my own research project I designed. Currently I am working on analyzing my research for my project on the impact of coral bleaching on coral reef biodiversity with my research advisor. The small campus community was important for me because I came from a small, rural high school so being known for me and not a number was crucial in my decision process. The one-on-one experiences with professors and staff members has played a large role in my college experience.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose the major biochemistry because I had interests in both biology and chemistry, so the track allowed me to explore both of those fields further in depth. My original plan after undergrad was to pursue medical school and the major fulfilled all requirements for that path. Now I am working towards physician assistant graduate school and the courses required by my major make me a competitive applicant.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

I remember that on my Scholar's Day that I was very nervous but it was nice to meet current students who place an emphasis on their studies to get insight on what my life may be like in a year. During my interview, I was grateful to meet one of my future professors in the natural sciences, which made me excited for my future at the school.

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

When I first started as a freshman, I was surprised how much harder college was compared to high school, despite being valedictorian and taking college credits. I spent a lot of time trying out various study strategies and still to this semester, I always try to be open and adaptive to different techniques. My professors have always been super helpful with any questions I have and majority of them will help with advice even outside of school. The one-on-one opportunities and small class sizes have aided in my academic success.

What do you like best about Daemen?

My favorite thing about Daemen is the people. No matter where you are on campus everyone is very accepting and willing to help you if you ever need anything, the staff especially. I feel like at larger institutions this is not as possible since many people do not know each other, whereas at Daemen, you generally at least recognize someone and many will just reach out to you as well. In addition, interactions and relations have a major impact on the college experience.

What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen University? What kinds of things do they do?

I have been a member of premed club since freshman year, which has provided me opportunities to expand on my medical knowledge, including a suture clinic. I am the chief officer of Daemen Campus Rescue Squad (DCRS), where students are offered the opportunity to obtain their EMT-B certification. DCRS also works to spread health awareness on campus through events such as a bone marrow registration drive. I am a full member of the TriBeta biological honor society, which works to recognize undergraduate students in the biological sciences. TriBeta provides research opportunities, such as publishing, and connects students across science focuses.

Please describe any internship, study abroad, service learning or academic experience?

In July 2023, I studied abroad in Australia for 2 weeks, where I surveyed the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Fitzroy Island as part of a course at Daemen. We took a class during the spring semester focusing on coral reefs and their impact on Australia in various ways. While in Australia, we snorkeled to gather data on bleaching status of corals and biodiversity levels, which could be used by the Australian government in the monitoring and protection of the reefs. In January 2024, I studied abroad for 2 weeks in Thailand, where a group of us traveled to a community center to educate youth on life skills and help to improve their english. The goal of the trip was to empower Thailand youth in the hope of preventing them from entering the vicious cycle of human trafficking present.

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description.

On campus, I work as an academic coach through the Student Success Center. I have been a coach for general biology and physics, where students in those courses can schedule one-on-one or group sessions with me to cover material and receive study strategies.

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

Buffalo Zoo

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

Be prepared for college to be different from high school, even if you took AP or college courses. It is important to be flexible and learn/adapt study strategies, something that works for one course may not work for another, so find what works for you. Most importantly, take care of yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Why did you choose Daemen University?

I chose Daemen for a few reasons. The first is for their highly reputed Physical Therapy program. While there are other universities in Western New York that offer PT programs, the close dynamic between the students and the professors ensures that I am a valued student and not just a statistic on an exam. Secondly, the Daemen community is so friendly and welcoming, and I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie on campus.

Why did you choose your present major?

I chose to pursue a career in Physical Therapy my senior year in high school. When I was in middle school, I suffered a concussion and had to go to PT, and I became fascinated with the rehabilitation method to heal my injury. I was also a member of a program called Unified Sports, whereby I played sports alongside students with disabilities, I loved seeing the students with disabilities overcome challenges that people thought were difficult to achieve.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

My Scholar's Day was nothing less of a celebration. All of the current scholars were extremely comforting prior to the interviews, and the atmosphere during the entire day just makes you want to emboss yourself with Daemen culture!

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

I am always up for a good challenge, and the Daemen PT program definitely lives up to my expectations! While the workload certainly piles up, I am always curious about the content, which keeps me motivated to learn more. I am certain that the Daemen curriculum prepares me well for my professional career.

What do you like best about Daemen?

My favorite thing about Daemen is that the faculty values all of their students to succeeding in their goals. In high school, I believed that professors would not care about their students, but the small population size at Daemen enables professors to engage with all of their students, which I think has been an essential part in my achievements thus far in my academic career.

What is your favorite spot to stop by in town?

Spot Coffee will always have a place in my heart!

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

Don’t ignore or deny your problems; accept your vulnerability and propel a better version of yourself!

Why did you choose Daemen University?

The robust physical therapy program was hard to pass up! I also thrive in smaller environments where I can truly know the people around me.

Why did you choose your present major?

I am so excited to study a science that has always fascinated me while still being able to connect and help all types of people.

Please briefly describe your Scholar's Day.

I took the 9 hour trip to get to Buffalo through a huge snow storm and was just getting over a rough sickness, but the warm welcome of Scholar's Day helped make the experience completely worth it. The event took place pre-pandemic, so I was able to take a tour and truly see myself on campus. Overall, it was nerve-rackingly rewarding!

Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.

Daemen has proven to be academically rigorous and has shown me many paths I had yet to consider. The faculty and staff here have been extremely receptive and willing to help regardless of what I am inquiring.

What do you like best about Daemen?

The people I have met has been something I truly treasure. I was hesitant to move far away from home, but the close friendships I have built and banter I have with staff is really where Daemen shines.

Do you have a job or jobs on campus? Please provide a brief description.

I am both a Resident Assistant and work for the athletics department on campus. I have had the pleasure of helping residents find a home on campus and make sure that they feel involved, welcomed, and heard. I also love the gym so being able to help out in athletics has been a blast.