Graduating seniors, left to right from top row, Daryle LaMonica, Jillian Roberts, David Long, Kaitlin Whiteman, David Nguyen, Kanya Derisme, Leslie Marrero and Tiffany Miller For some, the COVID-19…, On how they've changed since starting college..., Jillian Roberts:, “I’m not the same person I was in any way. I’m a first-generation American and a first-generation college student. I’m one of eight kids, and the fifth person to attempt getting a bachelor’s degree…, Kaitlin Whiteman:, “I came into college very, very shy and self-conscious. I felt like an impostor as a musician. Over the four years, I don’t know what happened, but I’m significantly more confident in myself, and I…, Leslie Marrero:, “A few years ago, I would have definitely passed on this opportunity to even join this conversation. I’ve become so much more of a people person, which I definitely wasn’t before, if I’m being…, Daryle LaMonica:, “I was a radar technician in the Marine Corps, and I came to college thinking I already knew a lot, having been responsible for a $23 million radar and dozens of Marines. But I learned that I didn’t…, Kanya Derisme:, “I came in thinking I knew a lot about college and what I wanted to do, but I got here and everything changed. I found myself talking to different majors — most of my friends are in other colleges…, David Long:, “I’ve been able to meet and network with people from different paths of life — from different cultures and educational backgrounds from across the country. I’ve taken a lot of lessons from jumping…, David Nguyen:, “I grew to be more confident at UMass Lowell, knowing what my vision and value is. I know what I want to work for in health care when I’m a nurse, for my patients and for myself. I want to advocate…, On how the pandemic has affected them..., Roberts:, “It’s been a collective traumatic experience for everyone. When the campus closed last March, we were actually reading a book called ‘Pandemic’ in my infectious disease class. The last sentence of…, LaMonica:, “Being a pre-med student, it made it difficult to prepare for the MCAT and apply to medical school. Even though I was always busy as an undergrad, I found myself getting more burnt out with the…, Miller: , “I definitely also felt the burnout of Zoom. Most of my classes were supposed to be hands-on classes, physically building medical devices. So we had to get really creative on how to do that through…, Derisme:, “I found myself being disengaged at times. You want to enjoy your senior year and finish off strong. There were moments were I was like, ‘Where is May, already?’ because this is not the way I want…, Whiteman: , “I’m a composer, so a lot of the work I do is on my own, and it’s almost easier to get a lot of it done in one space in my room. The thing that’s lacking for musicians is the collaboration, so it’s…, On how the pandemic has affected their professional goals..., Marrero:, “There are so many teachers leaving the profession because of the pandemic, and I don’t blame them at all. It’s not easy to get 7-year-olds to stay on a screen for six or seven hours. Surprisingly,…, Long:, “I thought I knew a lot about my community, but the pandemic has opened my eyes to the limited access to health care and how underserved rural areas like mine truly are. Moving forward, I’m much…, LaMonica:, “It’s actually solidified my desire to become a physician. Fortunately, I was accepted to Quinnipiac University this August as a first-year medical student. The pandemic has only highlighted the…, On their favorite memories at UMass Lowell..., Roberts:, “I have so many fond memories — walking over the North Campus bridge, or the view from Allen House on South — some of those little things make me realize that UMass Lowell has become just like a…, Derisme:, “For Days of Giving in 2018, the Manning School had this event with popcorn and performances and T-shirts, just for people to understand the importance of supporting students. And another time, my…, Miller:, “Definitely hockey. I was always down in the front with my friends leading chants. I was also part of the marching band, and through my college I participated in the link this for DifferenceMaker…, Whiteman:, “One of my favorite memories was my sophomore year, when (Grammy-winning audio engineer, producer and musician) Alan Parsons came to Durgin Hall to talk to us about recording ‘Dark Side of the Moon…, On what they'll miss most about UML... , Miller:, “The people. I feel like most people are missing that interaction, that school pride of walking down the street and seeing half the people wearing UMass Lowell shirts.” , Derisme:, “Just being on North Campus, going to the Pulichino Tong Business Center or Cumnock Hall. Even going to Eggroll Cafe. I spent a lot of time at Eggroll Cafe.”, Whiteman: , “The community. The passion. Being surrounded by people who are also learning. It’s just a good environment to be in.”, On what advice they'd give to their 18-year-old self..., Miller: , “I would pretty much say, ‘You do you. Stay true to you.’ And maybe study a little more. Orgo (organic chemistry) is hard.” Senior biology major Daryle LaMonica was accepted as a first-year medical…, Derisme: , “Don’t take any moment for granted, even the smallest event or the smallest connection you make. COVID really made me remember how much I missed doing the little things.”, Roberts: , “Relax a little bit. Be OK to make mistakes and enjoy the time. Take the class that may not help you progress toward your degree faster, but that you want to take. I really wish I had taken…, Nguyen:, “Enjoy your college experience. Especially in nursing school, take time to take care of yourself. You can’t help patients if you’re not helping yourself. Mental health is real, and it’s part of…, On what's next for them..., Miller:, “Right now, it’s a little hard finding jobs because of the pandemic. People aren’t interviewing, but it’s starting to open up a lot more. I also was accepted into a graduate certificate program at…, Long:, “I’m currently applying to medical school. But I’m going to take a year off and work at the fire department, where I’m an advanced EMT. I’m going to pay some bills and take a little mental break for…, Nguyen: , “I work at Boston Medical Center in the COVID-19 unit, and I also work at Boston Children’s Hospital in the cardiac ICU. My plan is to start off in the critical care nursing field and after one or…, Roberts: , “I’m in the bachelor’s to master’s program at UMass Lowell, and I’ve started taking grad courses. But I did accept a promotion at Lahey in the lab department, so I think I’m going to do that next…, Marrero:, “I have two job offers, both in my hometown (Lawrence). I don’t know where I’m going yet, but I am excited to give back to my community.”, Whiteman:, “You can’t really apply for a job as a composer, they’re so few and far between. But I’m hoping to get some networking done, send my portfolio around, and hopefully get into scoring. My goal is to…
Type: News