CONTENTS
3 4 6 7 8 10 11 12
Harpur Edge Word Search
Science & Healthcare
Spotlight with Yael Bruk
Business & Entrepeanurship Spotlight with Cody Cole
Engineering & IT Spotlight with McKenzie Skrastins
Government, Policy & Law with Dayana Mazariego
Graduate Spotlight with Muhammad Imam Hussain
Arts & Communications Spotlight with Izzy Hale
Harpur Edge Maze: Help PIP!
Dear Reader,
FALL 2024
VOL.2 | ISSUE 1
Lead
Editors
Allison Peteka
Layout Editors
Marni Benson
Rhea Da Costa
Haley Keener
Jade Kirdahy
Contributitors
Emma Piccarillo Mahabat Taha
Director
Erin Cody
Senior Assistant
Director
Megan Konstantakos
Thank you for coming to pick up our third issue of “Sharpur Edge.” This edition’s theme is “Get involved,” where Harpur students are encouraged to get involved in exploring any field they desire. No matter what you are interested in, this magazine will serve as a resource, hearing from other students who may be involved in what you are interested in doing, to act as inspiration.
Some career aspirations discussed include pre-law, pre-med, business, entertainment, tech, and you will even hear from a grad student who is well on their way to a fulfilling career. The goal of this issue is to foster a platform for Harpur students’ voices in this publication, to students, by students.
This magazine couldn’t be made possible however, without our generous University partners and our advisors Erin Cody and Megan Konstantakos. Sit back, enjoy and happy reading! Thank you!
All the best, Allison
APPOINTMENT
EDGE
PIP
ARTS
HARPUR
PROFESSIONAL
BEARCAT
INTELLECTUAL
SCIENCES
CRASH COURSE
PERSONAL
Author: Emma Piccirillo
What are your year, major, and career aspirations?
1 SCIENCE& HEALTHCARE SPOTLIGHT: Yael Bruk
I am a senior, double majoring in Biology and Philosophy, and plan to attend medical school at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School next year. While I am not sure exactly what kind of doctor I would like to be, I enjoy the field of women’s health and can see myself becoming an OBGYN.
2
What has your experience been as a first-generation pre-med student thus far? Any advice for firstgeneration college students who are pursuing pre-med?
My experience as a first-generation premed student has been very different throughout my time at Binghamton. During my freshman year, classes were on Zoom and I found myself having a hard time transitioning to University life. However, by sophomore year, when classes became in-person, I joined Student Support Services (SSS) which showed me the importance of seeking help when you need it and finding mentors. My most valuable connections have been those I
Sharpur Edge had the pleasure of interviewing Yael Bruk, an ambitious and dedicated Harpur College student. Most recently, she has been selected to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE) which is one of the highest honors a student can receive. In addition, her plethora of job and research experience has made her a standout student. She is excited to share her story in hopes of inspiring future Binghamton students to explore their passions.
made in sophomore year through FirstYear Research Immersion (FRI), SSS, and attending office hours. By junior year I started to feel the weight of being premed in a way I hadn’t before: being premed finally felt so real when I was taking biochemistry, physics, psychology, reproductive endocrinology, biology of AIDS, and philosophy courses teaching about medical ethics in junior year. Finally, senior year has been a time of giving back to the community. I have become a mentor for both FRI and SSS and use my experiences to help other students who are struggling. Based on this process, my advice would be to both seek help and mentorship where you can but also to find opportunities where you can mentor others. Additionally, building a community cannot be overlooked. Being Jewish on campus, I found my community at Chabad and would highly recommend others find their people as well- whether it be through cultural clubs or religious communities. Lastly, don’t give up! There is nothing wrong with changing your goals as you gain experience, but just be sure that you are staying true to yourself. You can achieve more than you think!
3
What inspired you to double major in biology and philosophy?
I came into college knowing I wanted to be a philosophy major- I love critical thinking and the soft skills that come with studying philosophy. My original plan was to just take the pre-med requirements that I needed rather than majoring or minoring in a science but once I started taking my pre-med classes and doing research I found myself loving the hard sciences and enjoying the strong overlap between biology and philosophy. It has been incredible to learn both at the same time to be able to apply one to the other and vice versa.
4
What experiences have you had (internships, papers, etc.) that have helped you advance your connections?
My first experience that provided me with great connections in the medical field was being a medical assistant at Refuah Health Center, a federally qualified health center near my hometown. During this experience, I have had the opportunity to work with and shadow physicians, PAs, NPs, and other medical providers across 15 special ties. Getting to work with these providers has allowed me to learn about the different fields of medicine and has provided me with a space to ask questions and explore my interests. Volunteering as a kitchen manager at Chabad throughout my time at Binghamton has also provided me with religious connections who have helped me maintain my Jewish pride, even during the hard time following Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel. Finally, my various research projects in FRI, with SUNY Upstate, and the philosophy department have connected me with professors who are my greatest means of support.
5
Anything else that is important to you to share with your peers?
I would say the most important things that I have learned over my time at Binghamton have been to stay true to yourself and not be afraid to explore, even if it means potentially failing. It is so important to always value your uniqueness and what makes you, you! Challenging yourself with classes that sound interesting but may lower your GPA, applying to jobs you do not feel qualified for, and even approaching professors will push you to reach your potential and can even lead to you accomplishing more than you ever thought possible. I would rather fail and know that I tried than hold
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Author: Allison Peteka
Meet Cody Cole! He is a junior majoring in economics and minoring in accounting, with professional development goals of getting a master’s degree in accounting and becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). To learn more about his professional development journey so far at Binghamton University, keep reading below:
Cody’s journey toward his goals started off slow, but he got more involved at the school later on and then began to think about his future. He said that once the accounting minor opened up, everything clicked.”
“I took an accounting class for [economics] and then I decided ‘Oh, I really like accounting,’” Cody said. “So I was able to do the minor and I am going to be able to graduate on time. But really getting involved and meeting new people was the biggest thing for me.”
As a first-generation college student, his college experience and professional development journey started off a bit differently than others. When asked what advice he would give to other first-generation college students he said, “Attend as many events as possible and find what fits best for you,” Cody said. “Exploring opportunities will allow you to meet new people who have similar interests and have a strong network of people around you.”
On campus, Cody is heavily involved with the Financial Literacy for the Youth club (FLY), Binghamton real estate society and is a student support assistant on-campus in Hinman College. FLY’s work with volunteering is really inspiring to him.
“Just getting to know all those people
who are very career-oriented but also like to give back to the community — and that really sparked my passion for volunteering,” Cody said.
Harpur Edge has been a leading resource for Cody in his professional development journey. With the help of faculty and staff at the office like Erin Cody, it has given him great guidance to start him on his professional development path.
“Harpur Edge has kind of made me into who I am today,” Cody said. “[It] has definitely played a huge factor in growth in my college career and really having an understanding [of] progress from college to career. Meeting with Erin [has] been helpful in so many ways. She has helped me create resumes, navigate through interviews.”
When asked what advice he would give to underclassmen, he said, “Getting out there and talking to these professionals, whether you’re reaching out to them or through social media… or meeting them at career fairs — going out there as early as possible and getting that understanding is something that I didn’t do, and would recommend to others.
FLEISHMAN CENTER’S CAREER FAIRS CAMPUS GROUPS
Author: Allison Peteka
eet McKenzie Skrastins! She is a sophomore double-majoring in statistics and an individualized major in data science. She hopes to go on and get her Ph.D. in applied data science or statistics and have a career in research and development. To learn more about her professional development journey so far at Binghamton University, keep reading below:
McKenzie states that her research experience last summer inspired her to create an individualized major in data science in the program. “I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates last summer (2023) in data science, and it completely changed my career aspirations,” McKenzie said. “My work in the REU was my first large-scale coding project, and seeing what could be produced from combining computer science with mathematics amazed me. Coming into the fall semester, I knew I wanted my course load to be catered towards data science, and I thought the best way to go about that was through the Individualized Major Program.”
On campus, McKenzie is a researcher during the academic year and is slated to complete another REU this upcoming summer. She is also the current Student Association’s President and Chief of Staff and is slated to become SA President in 2024-25. McKenzie is a Collegiate Sciences and Technology Entry Program Scholar and a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholar. “... both of these programs aim to help students from marginalized communities get into and finish graduate school,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie Skrastins
During her freshman year, McKenzie participated in a Harpur Edge crash course in SQL. Like crash courses are meant to do, McKenzie was left educated and with a new skill under her belt. “I left the crash course thinking, ‘Wow! That wasn’t so bad!’ That course was part of why I wasn’t afraid of applying to REUs that involved programming when, at the time, I didn’t have much experience,” McKenzie said. When asked what advice she would give to other students on their professional development journey, she said just to ask. “The amount of amazing things that have occurred in my life because I just asked for them is astounding,” McKenzie said. “Also, I have found that when one door closes, another will open, but only if you push that door open. I think many people don’t realize that successes will only come if you pick yourself up after the failures and keep going — it’s like the saying, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Individualized Major Program in Harpur
Harpur Edge Crash Courses
Government, Policy & Law Spotlight with Dayana Mazariego
Author: Allison Peteka
Meet Dayana Mazariego! She is a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law, with a professional development goal of becoming a lawyer! While she is still figuring out her area of specialization, she is so far on a good path as a young undergraduate heading toward her goals.
Dayana describes her family as her inspiration behind her interest in law. “My family and I are all immigrants from El Salvador and we’ve been navigating the immigration legal system for years,” Dayana said. “The naturalization process, the process of becoming a citizen after being a permanent resident for a specified amount of years, is intricate and tedious with lots of paperwork and hidden requirements … our lawyer helped us from the beginning and ultimately granted us a rewarding and positive outcome. I want to become a person immigrant families can rely on when they’re going through the naturalization process, as my family did with our lawyer.”
During her time at Binghamton University so far, she has described networking as a main action she has taken toward her professional development. She plans to get more involved in law during the summer and throughout her junior and senior years. “So far, the classes I’ve taken as a [philosophy, politics and law] major have helped me advance my career goals,” numerous reading and writing assignments, I’ve improved my analytical and argumentative skills.”
Dayana is also a first-generation college student, something that significantly shaped her college journey and who she is today as a person. She describes her college admission experience as a first-generation as “... much harder because I was doing it alone. My parents don’t speak English so they couldn’t provide me with the guidance most parents give to their children when they apply to college, nor could my parents speak with my counselors in high school. Not to mention my parents also never went to college so I had no idea where to start” Dayana said. “I wasn’t sure what schools were good for me, how much college would financially affect my family, nor did I know how to prepare for this new stage in my life.” She also discussed the challenges being a firstgeneration student brings her in college, “... being a first-generation college student comes with challenging cases of
imposter syndrome,” Dayana said. “Even though I’ve continued to prove to myself that I’m capable of anything I set my mind to, the thoughts of being worthless, not enough, and unsuccessful are severely overwhelming and debilitating. They lower my self-esteem and decrease my motivation to continue pursuing my career.”
When asked what advice she would give to other first generation college students who may or may not be facing similar struggles in college and throughout the college admission process, she said, “Look out for those who are also first-generation college
students because having that community and support system opens up so many opportunities for personal growth,” Dayana said. “The more people that you surround yourself with who are also first-generation college students, the more you’ll be able to build each other up and provide the support you need whenever possible. There are a lot of firstgeneration students out there, and there are also multiple scholarships, fellowships, and other employment opportunities that prioritize supporting and mentoring firstgeneration college students.”
She also describes Harpur Edge as a leading resource in her professional
development. “Harpur Edge has helped me write a personal statement for a law program I plan to do over the summer, granted me networking opportunities, and provided me with guidance on how to begin planning for my career,” Dayana said. “I love to take advantage of Harpur Edge’s lunch and learn events because I get to closely connect and interact with alumni who’ve gone into the legal field.”
When asked about what advice she would give to other students who are on their professional development journey, especially a similar one, she said, “Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions,” Dayana said. “The people I’ve networked with (alumni and other lawyers I know) give a lot of insightful information and advice that I wouldn’t have received if I didn’t ask many questions. Writing down all the lawyers you know is also good because if you ever need an internship/ employment opportunity, reaching out to your connections can get you what you’re looking for. It’s also important to keep an open mind when it comes to people advising you against becoming a lawyer; taking both sides of the argument may help you decide whether or not being a lawyer is right for you.”
Since 2021, Binghamton University has been designated as a First-Gen Forward Institution, joining hundreds of other educational institutions across the nation in committing to first-gen success. In fact 20-30% of students who attend our University are first-generation!
HARPUR GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT MUHAMMAD IMAM HUSSAIN: BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Author: Allison Peteka
Muhammad Imam Hussain is a third year Ph.D. student studying economics, with the professional development goal of one day working as an economist or in finance! To learn more about his professional development journey so far at Binghamton University, keep reading below: Muhammad claims he has always been interested in economics and has had a passion for a career in it, “The roles of a Finance Minister and a central bank Governor always appeared very fascinating to me,” Muhammad said. “They could play a vital role in responding to the greater societal needs of economic development.”
During his graduate years here at Binghamton, Muhammad has been a TA in the Economics department since August 2021. However Muhammad also discussed his other experiences in the field outside of academia, “Before beginning the PhD program, I worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a country economist for Bangladesh for over four and a half years,” he said. “Before joining the IMF, I was employed at the central bank of Bangladesh for approximately five years. I have authored several publications at the IMF and Bangladesh Bank. These roles have enriched my academic and professional experience, expanding my professional network.”
Muhammad chose to stay for graduate school here because of the support he has been given at the University. He says that it is the support of the student organizations, the various academic departments, and
faculty that diversely help and connect people to their needs that encouraged him to continue his education in Harpur College. At Harpur Edge, he has become a resource for other students as the instructor of the Excel crash course. “The opportunity it provided me to conduct the Excel Crash Course program helped me reach a diverse variety of students,” Muhammad said. “In particular, it enriched me to work with students from various backgrounds with a unique teaching style.”
When asked about what advice he would give to other students who are on their professional development journey in a similar path, he said that he would, “advise to be consistent with the efforts and objective, while keeping abreast of the latest domestic and global developments … in addition, developing an expert standing on the Microsoft Excel application, along with at least one programming language such as Python or R.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRASH COURSES THAT HARPUR EDGE OFFERS
Izzy Hale: Following the Footsteps of Art and Theater
Author: Mahabat Taha
Try everything, we have so many classes to offer.
“ “
HELP PIP FIND HARPUR EDGE
(4+1) COMBINED DEGREE PROGRAMS
COMPLETE A BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREE IN FIVE YEARS.
For a list of available 4+1 Harpur degree offerings scan the QR code with your smart phone. Take your Binghamton experience to the next level! SAVE TIME. FINISH
Take charge and partner with us to cultivate your competitive edge!
Skill-building | Relationship-building
Funding Opportunities | Goal Setting
