Cesar R. Mejia

Cesar R. MejiaMarist College
Class of 2003
Biology (Pre-Medical)
Hometown: Bronx, NY

I was born to help others. After completing my undergraduate work, I plan to pursue a career in medicine. I have always loved the natural sciences, and would like to use my education to have a positive impact on other people’s lives.

TAP and HEOP have opened the door to numerous opportunities within and outside of the classrooms at Marist. I have been able to intern in the clinical labs and pediatrics division of St. Francis Hospital and also volunteer on patient floors. I have also participated as a tutor for the HEOP and the Academic Learning Centers in subjects like chemistry, statistics, biology and writing. When at home, I am a reading and writing tutor for 3rd graders in the Bronx chapter of the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club. Also, I volunteer as a tutor in an adult literacy program for a library in the Bronx.

Although I enjoy giving back to the community, I understand that academics are my top priority. With assistance from state programs, I have earned Dean’s List recognition for all the semesters 2000-2003 academic school years, and have been inducted into the National Science and Mathematics Honor Society, Sigma Zeta. In 2001, I was included in the National Dean’s List, which recognizes America’s outstanding college students. Now, I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as I study in England next semester and participate in research at a medical school this summer.

Without the academic and financial support of TAP and HEOP, my achievements would not be possible. TAP and HEOP allow young people from many backgrounds to contribute to college campuses throughout New York State. Also, state assistance programs like Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) have allowed students, like me, to afford the cost of higher education. These programs allow students to reach their dreams.