FAVORITE COURSES
I love the science courses, especially genetics and neurochemistry. The professors here are so good at teaching the material. They're thorough about everything and the labs are really involved. The professors are there if you need them, but they also give you opportunities to figure things out on your own. The work is intense but it pays off.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As an incoming freshman, I did the Community Connections program and subsequently became really involved with Habitat for Humanity. I'm now in charge of the group we send from Sacred Heart every other weekend, making sure people are safe on site and know what to do. We're actually working on Habitat's biggest project in Bridgeport, an apartment complex, and I go help out alone even when the Sacred Heart group doesn't go. Everyone there looks at me like I'm one of their core volunteers. I actually had one of the CEOs come up and ask me about a position on their board for Fairfield County.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
When I first arrive as a freshman at Sacred Heart, I was amazed at how involved everyone at the school is in clubs, activities and especially community service. I went on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Texas where we worked on three different houses, and this year I'll probably go to Georgia. I also had a chance to join the executive board of (Product) Red and the One Campaign. These kinds of experiences that everyone has create an atmosphere where everyone feels like they're working together for a greater common goal.
WHAT'S NEXT
I'm applying to be a Community Connections Leader. I hope to go to medical school when I graduate, but I've also had people recommend the Americorps Program to me. I might do that before medical school, so that I have a better understanding of myself and what kind of doctor I want to be.
Joseph Lugo is a GE Foundation Scholar. A scholarship and retention program for full-time minority students with demonstrated interest and ability in the fields of mathematics, science, information science, and the quantitative business disciplines. In addition to an annual scholarship award, participating students receive academic, social and career counseling.