FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Saniya Reese and I am from Covington, Georgia. I will be attending THEE ILLUSTRIOUS North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the fall. I plan to major in chemical engineering and become an active member of North Carolina A&T's wonderful band program. In high school, I was part of a STEM Institute where I developed my absolute love for engineering.
In the future, I hope to become a chemical engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency, and I believe the FOSSI scholarship program will help me achieve that!
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I have always been interested in helping others and I believe pursuing a career in STEM will help me do this. A lot of the products created in STEM-related fields are inaccessible to the general public and my goal is to change that. I would like to improve the quality of life for every person worldwide which is why I am in pursuit of a chemical engineering degree directed towards environmental studies and improvement.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
Well, my first reason is that receiving this scholarship takes a large portion of the financial burden of college off of my family’s shoulders. I truly appreciate being a recipient because it made me so much closer to a completely free college experience. My second reason is the world of opportunities this scholarship program will offer me. Having numerous networking options is something that is hard to come by and I am extremely grateful that I have been granted such an opportunity.
FOSSI: Who is a role model that has influenced you?
Over the past few years, I have been heavily influenced by Katherine Goble-Johnson and her outstanding work within NASA. She defied the odds of being the only black individual in her division. She was able to demonstrate her extensive mathematical abilities and gain the respect of her white co-workers. I aspire to exhibit the same determination and resilience and accomplish every goal that I set out to do in my lifetime.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself being a successful chemical engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency. I hope to be part of a research project that is working to improve the air quality surrounding landfills and significantly reducing the levels of pollution emitted by such facilities.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I was a drum major for two years in my high school marching band.
- I’ve played the saxophone for 7 years.
- The deepest I’ve ever swam was 10 feet and I was able to touch the bottom.
- I love to watch anime.
- I have wanted to go to an HBCU since middle school.
- I love to draw and paint.
- I love to travel.