2025 Scholar & Alum Updates

It is always a pleasure to showcase updates and successes of our current scholars and our alum.   Here are a couple. 

Juan Steven Bello

Scholar 2023-2027

My name is Juan Steven Bello and I am a sophomore at Binghamton University. Unlike my first year at Binghamton when I was pursuing a degree in Biology, I am now pursuing a degree in Psychology. Sometime last year while taking an introductory Psychology course I felt a growing passion to study the human mind. Learning about behavior and what causes them has given me a deeper understanding of the people around me and how to deal with others' emotions as well as how to deal with my own. The further I dove, the more I wanted to help people. Instead of only getting my bachelors in psychology, I am now aiming for a Psyd to become a Doctor of Psychology and go into the therapy field. From the physical to the biological aspects of psychology, the more that I learn, the more in tune with the world I feel.

My first year wasn't as fun as people made it seem. College was a lot harder than I expected and it took me a lot longer to get used to than I had hoped, but I did eventually bounce back. This spring semester, I joined my first club as the first ever treasurer of the New York State Peace Action Binghamton chapter where we explore social conflict on a national and international level and spread awareness to educate our fellow students of what is happening in the world right now. The social aspect of the club has helped me meet many new people and learn how to converse as well as helping me break my shell. None of this would have even been possible without the help of so many. As I head into my junior year, I am still grateful for the help of everyone that has brought me this far and a special thank you to everyone in the SMBS community for always reaching out and keeping me going.

Jennifer Van 

Scholar 2016-2020

"I can't wait to start practicing medicine in Brooklyn and continue to give back to the city that raised me!"

Graduating from StonyBrook University in 2020, Jennifer took time to get herself back on track during the pandemic to continue her pursuits to attend medical school.  Look where she is at now.  

Faria Islam

Scholar 2018-2022

"I was accepted into a Nursing program! I will be attending Columbia School of Nursing 

in a combined master's and doctorate program."

After graduating from Columbia University in 2022, Faria was excited to continue higher education exploring her options to finally pursue her masters in nursing.

Let us all congratulate our current and past scholars in their continued pursuits for higher education and career objectives.  

CONGRATULATIONS 

To Our Exceptional Scholar

 & Alumni 

We continue to be proud and will cheer you on your journey and achievements.