DREAM BIG
By, Ikea Greene
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| Photo: Facebook |
Burgess. University High School is known for its marvelous academics and having high test scores. If you have a dream or a goal strive for it don't never give up. The real world operates a little different from what you may dream. For some people, your dream may pan out on a road paved with gold. But for most of us, the road to our dreams is long, challenging, and it contains many unexpected twists and turns. It appears that when you're chasing a dream, you need to be focused in high school. Believe in yourself and all that you are and can do. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacles. It was in my conversation with alumna Donya Burgess that I realized all that it takes to achieve your dream.
We talked about her being a part of the Phoenix family and what she has done since graduation.
What college did you attend to after graduating from University?
"After graduating University High School (UHS), I attended The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) - Harrisburg for four years studying biology. Faculty at UHS always encouraged students to apply to at least 10 schools to increase our chances of finding our dream school. Penn State (PSU) was not my top school; however, PSU was one of the best schools for my field of study."
Do you think UHS adequately prepared you for college and/or a career?
"UHS more than adequately prepared me for college because the curriculum was challenging and teachers emphasized college-based learning. Teachers focused on college preparation including SAT tutoring, writing and composition sessions, and math tutoring. Students learned to work independently and developed critical thinking and time management skills needed to be successful in college. AP classes were great preparation courses used to simulate college coursework because they required a greater course load and focus."
What do you do now?
"Recently, I completed graduate school at Seton Hall University for a Master’s Degree in Biology. I intend to take the MCAT exam (the test you take to become a doctor) this year and apply for 2019 enrollment into medical school. Currently, I am a TA (teaching assistant at Seton Hall University."
What are your fondest memory from your days at University?
"My fondest memories from my days at UHS are the club trips hosted by the Spanish club in freshman and junior year. The Spanish club was able to travel to Spain during my freshman year, and then Italy during my junior year with Mrs. Ruesta. Those two trips introduced me to other cultures and backgrounds that were unfamiliar. I discovered at a young age that I loved to travel to exotic countries and explore traditions celebrated across the globe."
What advice would you give to current University students?
Some advice I would give to current UHS students is to not take high school for granted. Many skills learned during this stage in our lives such as time management, strong work ethic, writing skills, etc. are typically taken for granted until we need to use them later on in life. Time waits for no one. Therefore, if you have a dream go after that dreams with everything possible because opportunities will not be served up on a silver platter. Never give up especially when life gets a bit rough. Use those moments as learning experiences instead. Sometimes, one has to create their own opportunities to achieve their goals. Friends will come and go but your future is what leaves a permanent mark that will leave behind a legacy to be remembered.
Donya's still on the road to achieving her dream of being a doctor. If you ask me, she is well on her way and her path began just like ours. Here at University High School. Good luck future Dr. Burgess. .
What college did you attend to after graduating from University?
"After graduating University High School (UHS), I attended The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) - Harrisburg for four years studying biology. Faculty at UHS always encouraged students to apply to at least 10 schools to increase our chances of finding our dream school. Penn State (PSU) was not my top school; however, PSU was one of the best schools for my field of study."
Do you think UHS adequately prepared you for college and/or a career?
"UHS more than adequately prepared me for college because the curriculum was challenging and teachers emphasized college-based learning. Teachers focused on college preparation including SAT tutoring, writing and composition sessions, and math tutoring. Students learned to work independently and developed critical thinking and time management skills needed to be successful in college. AP classes were great preparation courses used to simulate college coursework because they required a greater course load and focus."
What do you do now?
"Recently, I completed graduate school at Seton Hall University for a Master’s Degree in Biology. I intend to take the MCAT exam (the test you take to become a doctor) this year and apply for 2019 enrollment into medical school. Currently, I am a TA (teaching assistant at Seton Hall University."
What are your fondest memory from your days at University?
"My fondest memories from my days at UHS are the club trips hosted by the Spanish club in freshman and junior year. The Spanish club was able to travel to Spain during my freshman year, and then Italy during my junior year with Mrs. Ruesta. Those two trips introduced me to other cultures and backgrounds that were unfamiliar. I discovered at a young age that I loved to travel to exotic countries and explore traditions celebrated across the globe."
What advice would you give to current University students?
Some advice I would give to current UHS students is to not take high school for granted. Many skills learned during this stage in our lives such as time management, strong work ethic, writing skills, etc. are typically taken for granted until we need to use them later on in life. Time waits for no one. Therefore, if you have a dream go after that dreams with everything possible because opportunities will not be served up on a silver platter. Never give up especially when life gets a bit rough. Use those moments as learning experiences instead. Sometimes, one has to create their own opportunities to achieve their goals. Friends will come and go but your future is what leaves a permanent mark that will leave behind a legacy to be remembered.
Donya's still on the road to achieving her dream of being a doctor. If you ask me, she is well on her way and her path began just like ours. Here at University High School. Good luck future Dr. Burgess. .
Great article!! Love to see people doing great in life especially coming from where I’ve come from.
ReplyDelete-Dom
Nice article. I enjoyed reading this and I didn’t know that much about her. Very insightful.
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