Monica Rose Shaffern

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Biology

Minor: Theology and Religious Studies

Honors and Awards: Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, and Dean's List

My time at Catholic University was frustrating, challenging, confusing, amusing and occasionally rewarding. College was certainly not what I expected as a "bright eyed and bushy tailed" freshman. I encountered numerous challenges in classes, disappointments with missed opportunities, and interesting professors. I will forever remember studying all night for Immunology exams with the Bio trio, nug night after four hours of lab, and everyone's joint confusion in Genetics. I will always miss life talks with friends in Gibbons 229, exploring DC, and eating our way through the city. I am thankful for traveling to Belize on mission, seeing the sweet smile of the Little Sisters' residents, and growing as an individual. I will not miss my part time residence in Mullen library, the sleepless nights, or carrying a backpack that weighed more than me. Thank you to my friends for their encouragement to get me through the next exam or assignment when I thought I had nothing left to offer. I cannot say I will be sad to be done with college. However, I am thankful to have finished my degrees, and I look forward to what the future holds.