When I first started out here at TCNJ, I majored in biology. During my freshman year, I found that I had a greater passion for chemistry, and I took the plunge and switched to being a chemistry major. Switching to chemistry has definitely been a great decision! Of course, the major requires a lot of hard work and a lot of hours spent studying, but I cannot imagine studying anything else. The faculty has been fantastic, and I have been given great instruction in all of my classes so far. They are always there to help and hold a friendly conversation. One of the best things, in my opinion, about the Chemistry program here at TCNJ is the lack of a graduate program. Without graduate students, students are able to build much stronger relationships with their professors, which is very beneficial in the learning process here.
Undergraduate research is also a great experience in the chemistry department. It is so nice to be able to be involved and get to know the ins and outs of the research process. My research professor, Dr. Abourahma, and the research group have been so helpful in getting me started in my first semester. Even though I have just started to do research, I have already learned so much, and I look forward to continuing my project and formulating conclusions from my results.
Throughout my time here at TCNJ, the chemistry building has become more and more of a second home. My fellow classmates have quickly become my good friends in and out of our classes. A day does not go by that I do not pass my professors, classmates, and friends in the hallways on my way to and from class or during research. Even though I may spend all day within the building, it is comforting to be so familiar with the chemistry building environment.
Outside of studying, I have been a member of the Student Chemists’ Association. I have also been a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the Co-Ed Community Service Fraternity on campus, in which I helped tutor children through an organization called HomeFront. I am also the captain of the Club Field Hockey Team. As a captain, I organized practices, made rosters for the games, and oversaw the games to help the team improve. This fall, we qualified for Club Field Hockey Nationals and finished tenth in the nation! We have been working since last fall to qualify, and it was an awesome end of the season!
I am so happy to be apart of the TCNJ chemistry community, and I am looking forward to continuing my great experience here!