Student Spotlight
Susquehanna University currently enrolls students from more than 20 different states. They come to us from as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, Illinois, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Some arrived here from small, rural towns while others came from urban settings. They hold a variety of political and religious convictions. They differ in social and economic status. But they find similarity across their differences and learn that each of their classmates are unique, and that, among this group of individuals, there lies a shared vision for a better tomorrow -- for themselves, for each other and for our world. Here is but a sampling of their stories.
Akeem Gamal Charles
Dunellen, NJ
Business Administration/Marketing
Susquehanna has helped me appreciate the diversity in others by forcing me to critically think and analyze people. I can make connections with those that I never thought I could before.
Milca Urena
New York, NY
Spanish/Sociology
I was fortunate enough to change my major early and declare a double major in Spanish and sociology with a minor in anthropology. This major has educated me on a variety of global and national issues that most students on campus aren't even aware of. It has also helped me understand my identity (a student of Puerto Rican and Dominican decent raised in an urban environment), and how other people view my identity. Overall, I took advantage of the different opportunities Susquehanna has to offer. For example, I went on the SU CASA (Central America Service Adventure), which was a great experience and the hightlight of my college experience.
Jenna Fredericks
Riegelsville, PA
Creative Writing
I always felt like the "all-American girl." I have always been in tune with the idea that I am adopted, well loved, and grateful for my family and the fact that fate took me to where I am today. However, coming to terms with my Asian-American identity never occurred to me until I came to Susquehanna. It is not as though I denied my Korean heritage; I was always interested in learning all I could about Korea and its culture. It is more that I did not consider that Asian American was a heritage in and of itself.
Terence Thomas
Milton, PA
Communications/Broadcasting
The connection between alumni and students was a large reason why my parents sent me to Susquehanna University in the first place. The influence my internship at the Washington bureau of Fox News has had on me cannot be measured. Thanks to 1997 graduate Eric Conner, this experience has taught me how capable I am. I now realize that with a bit of work, I can be a member of a major news network.
Erin Bunger
Piscataway, NJ
Psychology
During my time at Susquehanna, I have had the opportunity to identify and explore my identity in a safe and supportive environment. I was given the tools to learn about my own diversity and the privileges afforded, or not afforded, to me in this society. I also was supported in uncovering my own ingrained biases and in changing those false perceptions. I've learned that diversity is not only what you can see, but it is also about the experiences and characteristics of a person that are not visible. Everyone is diverse in their own way. The challenge is to make the effort to find your diversity and realize your biases. You may be suprised at what you find -- or don't find.
