Scholar Updates 2019

Faria Islam, Scholar 2018

My first year of college was fascinating and was a learning process. One positive surprise was there were so many activities to do in college besides taking courses. My schedule was filled with attending extracurricular activities such as the Muslim Student Association and Peer Health Exchange, doing yoga and hanging out with friends. It was overwhelming sometimes, but I enjoyed doing what I am interested in. While doing these activities, I met with people from different backgrounds and connected with them. On the other hand, one negative surprise was the workload was a lot. There were times when I had three to four assignments due in a day. Being on the premed track, I had quizzes every week and midterms three times a semester. However, I am learning to improve my time-management skills and study strategies with the help of S.M.B.S. Inc. The scholarship helped me financially and reduced stress on my expenses. I used my scholarship to pay for books, course materials, and living expenses such as transportation and technology. Having the S.M.B. scholarship has made my educational goals more accessible.  Thank you. 

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Lewinski Lopez, Scholar 2017

I am currently an Admissions Ambassador and a Community Assistant at my school which has helped me develop my professional and leadership skills. As an Admissions Ambassador, I have the opportunity to give tours to all kinds of people who visit campus and as a Community Assistant, I am able to build connections with those on my floor as well as encourage people to be good community members. Despite the amazing job opportunities, it is not enough to ensure that I can afford textbooks at the begging of the semester and this scholarship takes a huge weight off me and my family's shoulders when it comes to buying books for class. I hope to continue to further develop my leadership skills going into my third year of college by hosting more community-building activities and getting people to interact with one another in my dorm floors.  

Thank you S.M.B.S. for the support over the past couple of years. 

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Jennifer Van, Scholar 2016

Junior year of college proved to be the most challenging, yet most productive. In the Spring 2019 semester, I finished up my minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality studies. The classes gave me an overall insight on how social structures influence us and how in many ways, they impacts medicine. I also started studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) as I plan on attending medical school in the future. It was difficult trying to balance my course work along with studying for the test, but I managed to pull it off. I took the test in June and did better than I expected!

After taking the MCAT, I had a month to catch up with friends and continue my summer job working at the airport. Then, I started my internship at NYU in July. It only lasted until August, but I had an amazing time shadowing Dr. Jonathan Whiteson. He specializes in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation and sees patients on a day-to-day basis. The things I learned from him were invaluable and the experience has solidified my decision to go into the healthcare field. I got to meet people from different parts of the country and also sat through interesting lectures from various healthcare professionals.

This upcoming semester, I am focusing more on the health sciences and am taking courses such as Issues in Healthcare and Professional Ethics. I am excited to learn more about the healthcare field and apply what I learn to my career. As a senior, I am also excited to graduate by the end of the year and start looking at medical schools. It is a bit nerve-wracking, but I am eager to see what life is like after graduation.

I have to thank S.M.B.S Inc. for the support and funds to continue my education and pursue my interest in medicine. I am grateful for everything they have done for me and always look forward to catching up with board members and other scholars.

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To all of our supporters, thank you for supporting our scholars.

Every little bit helps continue our mission to support our scholars financially 
and keeping a watchful eye over them throughout 
their undergraduate experience.   

~Board of Directors of S.M.B.S. Inc.