Meet Derrick Sosa!
Pronouns: He series
Class Year: 2021
Hometown: Washington Heights, New York
Major: Environmental Health
Contact Me: derrick.sosa@tufts.edu
Favorite Non-Engineering Class
This class actually got me to my engineering major today! I struggled through chemistry, so I took my second semester in freshman year to find out what really interested me. I took Introduction to Global Health, a Community Health requirement, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I made since getting on campus. Learning about the spread of diseases was something that interested me a lot, and making my own poster was something special! Because of that class, I became an Environmental Health major, with a focus on Global Health.
Favorite Extracurricular Activity
I definitely love being a part of STEM Ambassadors. We produce and practice STEM-oriented presentations and activities for high school students in the Greater Boston area, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and form lasting connections and memories in the time we are there. I was very confused about STEM during high school, but I never felt like I had someone I could talk to about it or someone that was able to show me what a STEM career could look like in college and future education. I am a STEM Ambassador because I want to be the person I wish was there for me during high school, and because high school visits are so dope! So many ideas are thrown around and so many students are there enjoying their time and it is truly a one of a kind experience with a one of a kind group.
Advice for Prospective Students
You belong here. Your hard work and perseverance got you here. Do not ever feel like you are taking someone's spot or that you are not enough because you are more than enough. On campus, it can definitely be a mix of emotions when you come in, and me personally, as a First Generation student of color from a low income family, it was easy to feel like this was not the place for me and that everyone here was worth more than I was. You made it all the way here, and there are many students and faculty that will support you in this journey. Do not be afraid to Shake the Room!!!!