Fall 2016 Update from Jennifer Van - Scholar # 9

        It has only been a few weeks of my first year at Stony Brook University, but I am extremely enthusiastic for what’s to come. The best part of starting college has been meeting the people I’ve met. I’ve met so many new people by joining and volunteering with Circle K and Vietnamese Student Association. It’s exciting to see the different backgrounds my peers come from. Additionally, I’ve gotten an on-campus job in the Biochemistry Department as an office assistant. I think both working and studying keeps my work ethic in check. Since the hours are flexible and it coincides well with my class schedule, I am able to make time for other activities as well. Aside from the clubs I’ve joined, there are also resident events that allow me to get to know my community better. I honestly feel like Stony is starting to become my second home.
        On another note, I think the most stressful part of college so far is preparing for midterms. I’ve had two midterms so far and there’s definitely a lot more studying that goes into college exams compared to high school ones. Even though it is time consuming, I know that there are other students in the same position as I am and that puts me more at ease. Everyone’s here to accomplish the same goal and I believe that college will be full of opportunities to succeed. The outcomes of those opportunities are dependent on my efforts and motivations and I am willing to take on whatever college will throw my way. Overall, I am thankful that I get to explore Stony Brook and its resources. Thank you to the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship for choosing me as a scholar and making this experience possible.