FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 2022 graduating senior from Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey. I have been a member of the National Honor Society since my junior year with a cumulative G.P.A of 4.5. During my senior year, I played a leading role as JoJo in my school's musical production "Seussical". I have also been very active in my school community serving as Freshman and Sophomore Class Representative, Junior and Senior Class Treasurer, Cross Country Team Captain, Student Ambassador, Math League member, and Loaves and Fishes Campus Ministry volunteer.
I also attended pre-college summer engineering programs from 2017-2019 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology studying civil engineering, biomedical engineering and chemistry. This early exposure helped me to identify my passion for engineering. I am also a junior mentor and math tutor for grammar school age girls for D.O.L.L. House of NJ. It is important for me to help young girls through tutoring so that they can strengthen their math skills and pursue STEM as a career.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I chose mechanical engineering as my major because it focuses on my strengths of math, science and problem solving. Areas of interest to me are space exploration, research and renewable energy. We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet and work to find solutions to preserve our environment now and for future generations.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
The financial award significantly contributes to making my education very affordable and will allow me to better focus on pursuing my education.
The FOSSI Scholarship is so much more than the generous financial gift that it provides. Having this organization invest in my future makes me want to work harder to achieve my goals.
I look forward to the the mentoring and other leadership building opportunities, meeting my peers, and expanding my network.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- In my spare time I like to build Legos and play games on Nintendo Switch.
- I love to attend Broadway shows and Hamilton is my favorite musical.
- I am a 3 Sport Varsity Athlete – Cross Country, Track and Bowling.
- I studied French the last 4 years and would like to use the French I have learned to study abroad or for an internship experience.
Hear more from Jayden about the importance of attending an HBCU.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.