December 21, 2023
This month we had the chance to interview Stephanie C., a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate from the class of 2020. During her four years at BISV, she actively engaged in extracurriculars including Leadership Club, Neuroscience Club, and Biology Olympiad. Stephanie is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania and majoring in Neuroscience. Here’s what she had to say about college life after high school:
In what ways did BISV prepare you for college?
The AP courses gave me a strong foundation to do well in my introduction to science college courses. The study habits I developed during high school were also very important for succeeding in my classes. The close teacher interactions that I had at BISV made it easier for me to approach my college professors, ask questions, and participate in class. The research experience I gained from my Senior Project has been very useful when joining university labs. I had the tools needed to succeed and I felt well-prepared going into college.
What professional activities have you engaged in outside the classroom (for example, internships, research, co-ops, etc.)?
This past summer, I was doing research at a Harvard Medical School lab in the Immunology department. My project worked with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice, and we are trying to see if/how a specific inflammatory cytokine may be contributing to disease pathogenesis. I have also engaged in clinical volunteering in the Emergency Department of the Penn Presbyterian Hospital.
Describe your experience living on your own. (Have you gotten along with your roommates? How are the dorms? Have you moved off campus?)
The dorms at Penn are pretty nice. I have lived in a suite-style dorm for both my freshman and sophomore years. Having a kitchen made things very convenient and I enjoyed cooking for myself and having the independence of living alone. My building stands at 25 floors tall and I like to study while enjoying the view from the rooftop lounge. Next year, I will be living in an off-campus studio, but the building is still pretty close to campus. Most of my peers are also moving off campus for their third year.
What has been your most exciting experience/happiest memory from college life thus far?
College has been filled with thrilling moments, but the ones etched in my memory are the adventures shared with my close friends at Penn. I have enjoyed every moment, from traveling to different states like New York/Florida over break to celebrating birthdays, thrifting, and grabbing dinners together. I think during high school I was more focused on studying and extracurriculars and didn’t have as much time to plan fun things with friends or travel. However, during college, I am really happy with the opportunity to socialize more and create meaningful memories.
A special thank you to Stephanie for sharing her insight into college life after BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.
The Alumni Voice is a blog series that dives into college life after high school for our BISV graduates. We strive to create lasting partnerships with our alumni and strongly believe that “once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!” Stay tuned for the continuation of the series with graduate Caleb W., Class of 2019.