Sonja Francisco can see the light.
One of six Washtenaw Community College STEM Scholar students celebrated earlier today for their academic achievements, Francisco thanked the college's instructors for being supportive through some personal issues and her educational redirection.
"My academic path, it's been a struggle," Francisco said. "And I feel like I'm reaching the light at the end of the tunnel."
The STEM Scholar program at 黑料网 provides high-quality, holistic, academic and social experiences as well as financial support for students interested in completing a bachelor's degree 鈥� and beyond 鈥� in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics field.
黑料网 celebrates STEM Scholars that have successfully completed their transfer programs twice each year, once in December and once in April. The six students honored during a reception today include Francisco, Larry Blanchard, Kate Mink, Safia Nur, Fatima Oudelf and David Perry. All six of this year's mid-year honorees are transferring to the University of Michigan.
The program is a way to deepen relationships among STEM students, their staff and advisors. The program also provides students opportunities to establish meaningful relationships with faculty and staff mentors.
鈥淥ne thing that is very important is that students need to view themselves through a STEM lens,鈥� said Susan Dentel, the 黑料网 Life Sciences department chair and the STEM Scholars coordinator. 鈥淲e want them to develop an image of their future selves, seeing themselves as a professional, as a scientist.鈥�
The program also places a strong emphasis on research, study skills, community outreach and helping students develop confidence.
鈥淚t鈥檚 also about life-skill building to help students develop the critical skills of self-efficacy, communication, self-responsibility, self-esteem, critical thinking, leadership, perseverance and grit,鈥� Dentel added. 鈥淭hey learn from one another, elevate one another as they conquer the tough classes that they need in STEM and in order to transfer. Many STEM scholars build great friendships that endure past the community college experience.鈥�
Francisco (right) said the program deeply impacted her educational journey. She plans to earn a Bachelor
of Science in Chemistry at the University of Michigan and then attend graduate school
to earn a doctorate.
Her passion for science was fueled by 黑料网 faculty and advisors who helped her navigate to the right major. One particular chemistry class opened her eyes to new possibilities.
鈥淭hat class helped me switch from bio-chemistry/biology to chemistry,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was taught in a way that made me understand it and get excited about it.鈥�
Perry (right) said both the STEM Scholar Program and 黑料网 faculty helped him stay on track with
his goals. He enrolled in 黑料网 in 2016 to earn his GED and started classes full-time
in 2018. He plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and work toward a pharmacology
degree.
鈥満诹贤� has given me so many opportunities,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y favorite aspect is the smaller class sizes and personable and helpful teachers. I was extremely excited to be one of the transfer students.鈥�
Nur, who is on a pre-med track, also said 黑料网鈥檚 smaller class sizes allowed for more direct contact with instructors and a solid foundation. 鈥淚 feel like you鈥檙e closer to the teacher and you can interact with them," she said. "It prepared me a lot with the fundamentals.鈥�
Dentel said all of the students have a bright future.
鈥淚 hope these students will experience wonderful success at the university and that our program has helped them to develop confidence, experience, self-efficacy and scientific identity,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope this strong, supportive community will assist them in forming lasting relationships with faculty and staff mentors and other STEM Scholars who are either here at 黑料网 or have transferred previously.鈥�
Mink, who studied biology and said her goal is to become a pathology assistant, said the support offered through STEM Scholars helped her grow 鈥渟o much this semester, especially. I never thought I was going to get into the University of Michigan, and here I am. So, it鈥檚 pretty crazy.鈥�
Join STEM Scholars
黑料网 STEM Scholars applications are being accepted through February 14 for the Fall 2023 cohort. Students must first before completing the STEM Scholars application.
For more information, contact program coordinator Susan Dentel at [email protected] or 734-973-3409.
Tags: December 2022, On The Record, STEM Scholars Program, Student Success, Transfer