Pathways to a Career with Carlos

Transcript

Let’s say hello to Carlos, a junior transfer student studying biotechnology. Carlos discovered his passion for helping others and is turning that into a career in medicine right here at ESF. This is all thanks to an incredibly supportive community right here on campus. Carlos, you are up. Tell us about your journey to ESF.

– Thanks for that intro, Alex. I’m a Syracuse local born and raised. My parents are immigrants from Cuba, and they escaped to chase the infamous American dream. When I graduated high school, I had no hopes and no dreams, but eventually I found the courage to dream again and decided to chase it at ESF. I worked as a technician at a glasses retailer in Liverpool, where I realized I hated selling glasses, but I enjoyed taking care of people, and so I enrolled at Onondaga Community College where I excelled under the guidance of my instructors and peers. I was incredibly lucky to have participated in a joint research program between OCC and DSF. Through this program, I met my current faculty mentor, Dr. Goff. When it came time to transfer, she helped me compare med school admissions criteria and the ESF degree curriculums to help choose the best fit. The faculty I’ve met so far are very serious about nurturing their undergraduate students in the lab, ensuring that they are learning involved and progressing. If you’re excited to learn, they’re happy to teach. One big hurdle science undergrads face at bigger institutions is that they’re competing with hundreds of other undergraduates for the same critical research experiences and opportunities. At ESF, the programs are designed such that there’s a smaller student to teacher ratio. Shifting the odd in your favor. Graduate students said to me, it’s an absolute honor to study here in honor Onondaga Nation. As they have a vision for indigenous rights. I’m walking proof that it just takes one opportunity, just one connection to change your life. Programs here at ESF are designed to give you the same kind of opportunities so that you can chase your dreams too. Back to you Alex.

– Your story is inspirational, Carlos, and we’re sure there are others like you who will find ESF to be the perfect place to chase and realize their dreams. We see great things in your future. Carlos, thanks again.