Honors Program, Internship, and Research: A Story of New Beginning
By Julie Leong
During the middle of my first semester I wanted an opportunity to prove to others as well as myself that working in the medical or science field is what I yearn for and willing to do anything to make it a reality. That is when I met Dr. Paris Svoronos of the Chemistry Department for the first time. He was my Honors General Chemistry I professor and my research mentor for about a year. At the time of my taking General Chemistry I, I realized that the class material was not limited only to educational levels. In fact, they lean towards class participation and interaction. The many hours invested in studying for his cumulative tests that were held every two weeks and the workload of homework problems he always assigns as presents at the end of his lecture create a stepping stone that gets you closer in embarking on your professional journey. In General Chemistry I there is no such feeling as shyness or feeling reserved. Participation is needed and necessary to survive. During the many hours of investing in research, I also had an opportunity to present at several different conferences, network with many ambitious talented professionals, and improve my leadership skills. By conducting research, I also had an opportunity to intern last summer at the New York City-Division of Environmental Protection (NYC-DEP) wastewater treatment facility where I trained under many talented scientists. I know that these opportunities that Queensborough has to offer will prepare me in the near future where I am hoping to eventually be attending medical school and becoming a surgeon.
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