Name: Shirley Obioha ‘04
Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Bronx, NY but now reside in Mount Vernon, NY
Activities: Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program Group Leader, Library assistant at Launders Science library, Organic Chemistry tutor, Assistant to Michele Burns (Assistant Director of Residential Learning Communities), selection committee for a new microbiology/genetics professor, usher for co-curricular activities, interned at Columbia's College of physicians and surgeons, interned at a nephrology and dialysis clinic, member of American Chemical society, member of Beta Beta Beta, substitute teacher for NYC and Mount Vernon public schools, interned at SUNY Optometry School, interned at North General Hospital in Harlem, NY

What I like about this school is the serene environment because it allows me to do my work because it is quiet and there are few distractions. But what I love about this school are the professors and the staff here at SLU. I would have never guessed that when I came here I would have more friends over the age of 40 than peers my own age. I have developed great relationships with my professors and because of this I have been able to do well in school. Despite the fact that at times I feel so overwhelmed by schoolwork, there are always people who are concerned about my well being and do everything they can to make me feel better.

The things that I have been involved in at school have or are pertinent to my intended career path, which is to become a medical doctor. These opportunities were made possible by the guidance of my mentor, Carol Kissam, Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) counselor, my advisor, Carol Budd, in the Biology Department and her husband Dr. Thomas Budd (head of the Biology Department). I feel that I am blessed to be here at SLU because some how fate led me here because I could have been somewhere else (the air force). I in no way regret my decision in coming here. I just hope that I will continue to do well in school and continue to have the already overflowing support and make myself, my family and my professors proud.