- Pronouns: She/her
- Hometown: I'm from the Dominican Republic. In my hometown, you'll hear a mix of languages such as Spanish, French, and English, but Spanish is the most commonly spoken.
- School: Rutgers University-Newark; class of 2029
- Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Coach: Diana and Dennis Curran
What is something you love about your school?
I love the dedication of the teachers and staff of my school. They go out of their way to support the school, ensuring that difficulty does not prevent any student from success. The patience and commitment of those teachers and staff make a real difference to me and everyone at the school. I truly appreciate the role they play in helping the school and all of its people grow.
How did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Biomedical Engineering because of my early exposure to the medical field through my mom, who studied bio-analysis. She took me to work, where I learned hands-on skills like drawing blood and interpreting lab results. Those experiences sparked an interest in healthcare and science, so I always looked forward to going to work with her. As I got older, I researched careers that combined those interests, later discovering biomedical engineering. I love that it allows me to apply engineering principles to medicine and biology to help improve human health, and it also offers strong career opportunities, which makes it an ideal path for me.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I applied to ZF because this organization shares the same values that I hold in my heart. I aspire to be a leader in my community and to do that I need to have integrity, honesty, and responsibility. This organization will not only help with my education but also contribute to the development of my character, which is beneficial for my future.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
I applied to the Zenie Foundation because it not only offers scholarships, but also a supportive community. The opportunity to connect with others in a network grounded in shared values especially drew me to this organization. The mentors, students, and alumni of the Zenie Foundation all believe that education holds power, so I knew they would help students like me become leaders who use education to change the world.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
One moment I’m especially proud of was passing my English as a Second Language exam. I grew up in the Dominican Republic, and my school taught English, however, I always struggled with English, never feeling fully confident in my abilities. When I moved to the United States, I was even more anxious, since English is the primary language here. Thankfully, my teachers were incredibly supportive and believed in me every step of the way. I put in a lot of effort and eventually, I passed my ESL exam. That moment meant so much to me, not just academically, but personally. It made me feel like I could finally be part of the broader school community. I no longer felt left behind or separated from my peers, and it opened the door to new opportunities that I had once thought were out of reach.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
My role model is my mother. She came from a very difficult background and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Despite all the hard work she put into building a life and career in the Dominican Republic, she chose to leave it behind to give me the opportunity for a better education in the United States. Her sacrifices and determination inspire me every day. Knowing everything she has done for me motivates me to work hard, not just to build a better future for myself, but also to give back to her and show my gratitude for the chance she gave me.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
Even though we leave and come into this world alone, our purpose is to live a life that helps others, not just ourselves.
I love the dedication of the teachers and staff of my school. They go out of their way to support the school, ensuring that difficulty does not prevent any student from success. The patience and commitment of those teachers and staff make a real difference to me and everyone at the school. I truly appreciate the role they play in helping the school and all of its people grow.
How did you choose your major?
I chose to major in Biomedical Engineering because of my early exposure to the medical field through my mom, who studied bio-analysis. She took me to work, where I learned hands-on skills like drawing blood and interpreting lab results. Those experiences sparked an interest in healthcare and science, so I always looked forward to going to work with her. As I got older, I researched careers that combined those interests, later discovering biomedical engineering. I love that it allows me to apply engineering principles to medicine and biology to help improve human health, and it also offers strong career opportunities, which makes it an ideal path for me.
Why did you apply to ZF/what drew you to this organization?
I applied to ZF because this organization shares the same values that I hold in my heart. I aspire to be a leader in my community and to do that I need to have integrity, honesty, and responsibility. This organization will not only help with my education but also contribute to the development of my character, which is beneficial for my future.
What impact has ZF had on your academic and professional career thus far?
I applied to the Zenie Foundation because it not only offers scholarships, but also a supportive community. The opportunity to connect with others in a network grounded in shared values especially drew me to this organization. The mentors, students, and alumni of the Zenie Foundation all believe that education holds power, so I knew they would help students like me become leaders who use education to change the world.
Tell us about a time you made yourself proud.
One moment I’m especially proud of was passing my English as a Second Language exam. I grew up in the Dominican Republic, and my school taught English, however, I always struggled with English, never feeling fully confident in my abilities. When I moved to the United States, I was even more anxious, since English is the primary language here. Thankfully, my teachers were incredibly supportive and believed in me every step of the way. I put in a lot of effort and eventually, I passed my ESL exam. That moment meant so much to me, not just academically, but personally. It made me feel like I could finally be part of the broader school community. I no longer felt left behind or separated from my peers, and it opened the door to new opportunities that I had once thought were out of reach.
Who is a role model for you/someone that you look up to and why?
My role model is my mother. She came from a very difficult background and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Despite all the hard work she put into building a life and career in the Dominican Republic, she chose to leave it behind to give me the opportunity for a better education in the United States. Her sacrifices and determination inspire me every day. Knowing everything she has done for me motivates me to work hard, not just to build a better future for myself, but also to give back to her and show my gratitude for the chance she gave me.
Do you have a favorite quote/what is a saying that you live by?
Even though we leave and come into this world alone, our purpose is to live a life that helps others, not just ourselves.
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