High School/ Graduation Yr.:
Regina Dominican High School, 2013

College & Major:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Community Health

What were your favorite subjects during high school and college?
I loved English and Biology. I enjoyed reading and writing in addition to learning about the body and how it works. I took AP Biology and AP Language and Composition in high school, which has been very beneficial in college

What Extra-curricular are you involved in on your campus and what accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I currently serve as the Illini Union Board Director of Traditional Programs. The Illini Union Board advises the Illini Union. As Director of Traditional Programs, I get to plan events like Mom’s Weekend, Dad’s Weekend and African American Homecoming. I am proud to be able to be a part of the celebration of traditions of the Illini Union and the University of Illinois. Additionally, I am a mentor for 100 STRONG. Next academic year I will serve as the Recruitment and Outreach Co-Chair. 100 STRONG is a retention and mentorship program for African-American freshmen and transfer students through the Bruce D. Nesbitt African-American Cultural Center (BNAACC). As a mentor, 1 have six female freshman mentees. It has been a rewarding experience to be able to guide and support them as well as witness their progress throughout their first year on campus. I am excited to meet the University of Illinois Class of 2019 and help them in any way I can.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of school?
When I am not studying or in a meeting, I enjoy working out, spending time with family/friends, listening to music and watching movies. I also love food and eating at new restaurants.

What is your favorite HFS memory?
My favorite HFS memory was when we had an HFS Day of Service and volunteered at Feed My Starving Children. It was a great bonding experience for everyone who was there and Feed My Starving Children is now one of my favorite non-profit organizations.

How did your mentor/scholar help you?
My mentor served as great a motivator throughout high school. She kept up with my progress and always wanted to know how I was doing. As a high school student, that was something I greatly appreciated. So, now as a mentor, that is one of the things I always strive to do.

What is one fun fact about you?
I skipped first grade so unlike most college students, I entered college when I was 17 and God willingly I will graduate with a Master’s Degree in Public Health when I am 22.

How has HFS impacted your life?
HFS is a second family. From endless opportunities to being surrounded by people who care about you academic success, HFS has helped instill a great deal of confidence in me and my abilities, which has translated to my collegiate success thus far.

Is there anyone that you would like to thank at HFS Chicago Scholars?
I would like to thank Mrs. Desirée Pepper-Venzant. Mrs. Desirée, or mom as I call her, has been an influential force in my life. From affording me various opportunities, to supporting me in high school and beyond, Mrs. Desirée has displayed so much love and care not only to me, but all the students in HFS. It is not so easy to find people who genuinely care about your progress and your success. Mrs. Desirée is one of those few people and I am truly blessed to know her and have her in my life.