2012 Scholar Update: Jennifer Moran

Dear SMBS Scholarship Inc.,

​Since I graduated High school and went into my first year of college, it has been a major change for me academically and personally. I thought everything I complained about High school was so difficult but College has made me realized that High school was nothing to really complain about. College is like a new life. I am still getting used to the process of change, going from being a high school student to now a college student. My first year of college I have to say has been challenging but great as well. Throughout my first year of college I have met new people and have made new friends as well. I also learned many new things and have made friends with many great professors, as well as personally go through many difficulties in my life.

​Academically, I think I have done great for my first year. I ended my year with my GPA being at 3.133. I think for a full time student and having a part time job where I work 26 hours every week is an amazing accomplishment. I have been only taking four classes per semester since I work as well it fits my schedule. Math is my worst subject to be honest so I have been struggling with it. This last semester I have failed my second remedial math class, which tremendously upset me. But this upcoming year I am hoping to pass this remedial class and put my all into this class as well as the rest. This semester I will be taking up History, Math, English and my favorite class Psychology. I will also look into volunteering again but this time maybe ata hospital or work with children.

​Personally, there have been many challenges for me this year that put me at my lowest points. As I have told you guys before “I am resilient” and always will be. Some unfortunate events lead me to having to move to Long Island and being separated from my mother and younger siblings. Also there has been some serious family problems going on and I hope it ends soon. As so much is going on I still manage to keep my head and hopes high up and continue with life. I think to myself my life is difficult but there are others out there that are going through worse and I’m glad I am where I am today.

​One of my professors said to me everyone needs support there is no one who goes on in life without any support or help to get to where they are now. I agreed with her because all of my fellow friends and this organization have helped me in many ways you may not know. I am very appreciative of this scholarship and proud as well. Well I believe I am done and hoping to have a wonderful year in life and school. 

   Thanks once again 

Jennifer Moran

2012 Scholar Update: Areta Gjicali

As another year came to an end I was able to realize a few things about college and the pursuit of happiness. You see, these two principles mix together very well since my happiness in life is pursuing a degree that not only benefits me but others as well. Society today enforces us to finish school and get a degree in order for us to find jobs. But jobs are not so easy to find, a college degree isn't a guarantee towards a job, college is your connection to opportunities and its up to us to take them. I focused so much on my grades trying to get A's across the board that I dismissed the favorable chances I had in front of me. I needed to find my niche. I became more active with clubs and organizations, got myself involved with what I wanted to do rather than what society or the norm was expecting me to do. This year I was involved in the Albanian club, I became secretary of the Greek Hellenic Club and became a volunteer with a non profit organization called Project Sunshine. Project Sunshine selects volunteers that participate in entertainment for terminal or temporary sick children at various hospitals. This volunteering program opened my path towards the career I one day want to pursue.This inspired me to declare my major in  Communications and hopefully one day work with non profit organizations. 

I am very happy to have finally figured out some sort of path that follows my goals and dreams. It is unfortunate that some people fall short of their dreams not because they are incapable but because life called them out. Just how volunteering inspires me to continue with my dreams, The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship inspires me to LIVE UP to my dreams. Being part of this scholarship is a constant reminder how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity because at any moment goals and dreams can disappear as fast as they were set. 

Thank you for inspiring me. 

-Areta Gjicali

  

2012 Scholar Update: Richard Bohan

August 2012

To the family of Stephanie Burgos,

First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone involved in the scholarship—including Diana Diaz-Torres, and Fanny Mera—for being so accommodating after I had broken a bone in my foot.  It was incredibly thoughtful of everyone to invite me to all of the wonderful activities sponsored by the scholarship, providing me transportation, and picking activities that were handicap-friendly. Being on a boat and seeing Manhattan’s skyline for the first time in my life sure beats being stuck in bed, and I really appreciate it.

In my mind, that is what separates this scholarship from any other, it is a support system and it feels like being in another family. I really loved getting to know all of the other scholarship recipients too; Christine, Areta, Jenny, and the newest member, Alex—they’re all wonderful people and friends!

This reminds me, I cannot believe that I am going to be a senior this fall! Then again, I am not shocked that the time flew by, seeing as how it has been a very busy year. This year, I joined student government as well as the school newspaper, which meant a lot of hours staying up at night. Add in the other work load from my classes—which included two full-length screenplays for my screenwriting class (100-120 pages each)—I could say with confidence that I pushed myself even further this year than ever before. This summer, I have been interning at the local newspaper in the town that my university is located in. I am still on the fence whether or not I want to have a full-fledged career in journalism, but I think it could be a good starting point for me as an aspiring writer.

It does not end there though! This upcoming fall I get the opportunity to study abroad in London once again. What is even more exciting is that it is going to be a part of my job as a Resident Assistant who will help oversee the London First Year Program, St. Lawrence University’s very first freshmen class to be sent abroad! I am very nervous as I am essentially one of the first to have ever pioneered such a program. However, I am very excited to form bonds with the freshman class that I shall take care of in London, and just excited to take classes in one of my favorite cities in the world. It would also give me an edge on my resume as it will provide a critical leadership experience.

This fall to next year, I will also be working on a writer senior project on one of my favorite film directors, David Lynch (director of Blue Velvet,Mulholland Drive, and the popular TV show Twin Peaks). I will be looking at the way femininity is constructed (or deconstructed) in his films in relation to the film noir genre. This project will pull from three of my most beloved disciplines; film, gender, and creative writing, and because I’ll be in London I will have access to the British Film Institute which is a very good resource on film.

I also plan to write a weekly column in the school newspaper during my stay in London, either focusing on some literature or film that takes place in London.  I am not sure how I will find time between taking classes, overseeing the freshman class, working on my senior project, and doing a column while being abroad, but when there is a will, there is a way and I am just thrilled to be doing all of these wonderful things that I have so much vested interest in!

With that said, I would not be in this place had it not been for all of the support that I have received from everyone at the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship. You guys seriously rock!

With Love,

Richard Bohan