Student Spotlight

Trying to Balance the Scales

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 13:48:55 +0000

Trying to Balance the Scales HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:48

Award-winning psychology student researches controversial court procedure

June 11, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

As a child, Alex Ray, ’25, had a bad experience within the family law court system that inspired him to pursue a career focusing on psychology and law.

“It’s a long story, but as a kid I had an adverse experience...It was then that I realized that I wanted to learn more about the law,” he said. “Ultimately, I want to help people and be in a position where I can advocate for others. I want to better understand the social sciences and how they can affect the law and can change the law.”

The �¼��ϲʿ�� psychology major was recently awarded a national research award from the American Psychology-Law Society to help achieve his goals.

According to his mentor, psychology Professor Nesa Wasarhaley, the award is for the Access Path to Psychology and Law Experience Program, which provides financial support to students from groups currently underrepresented in the field of psychology and law.

As a first-generation student who identifies as Hispanic, Ray was an appropriate candidate to apply.

“Alex is motivated, high-achieving, and immensely passionate,” Wasarhaley said.

She encouraged him to apply for the award after mentoring him.

“He was doing everything he could think of to gain experiences that would bring him closer to achieving his career goals, but as a first-generation college student, he hadn’t received clear guidance in mapping out a cohesive path to graduate school in psychology.”

When he learned he was selected to receive the national research award, Alex was excited.

“I was so happy, I worked really hard on putting together the application. I wasn’t sure I would get it, so it’s been an amazing feeling,” he said.

Alex will put the funding toward his research, which examines hypothetical outcomes for defendants who opt to “affirm” versus “giving an oath” during testimony in court. This is often done because of religious reasons.

“There hasn’t been a lot of research done on this, but those who affirm tend to have less favorable outcomes,” Alex said. “For credibility purposes, I want to know if they are being viewed more or less favorably for verdict outcomes.”

Ultimately, Alex hopes the experience will help him in his quest to earn a PhD in psychology with the dream of becoming a forensic psychologist.

Aside from his research, Alex has also interned at Bridgewater State Hospital, where he completed a 50-hour training in the forensic population that included attending mental health seminars and observing the overall system.

He’s constantly seeking out opportunities to help him reach his goals and looks forward to seeing what new doors he can open.

“There are a lot of things I want to do,” Alex said. “But ultimately I want to advocate for change…to work as a designated forensic scientist and serve in public-sector roles where I can make a difference.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Ultimately I want to advocate for change...to work as a designated forensic scientist and serve in public-sector roles where I can make a difference.

Alex Ray, '25

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Student Spotlight

Professing Her Gratitude

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:40:26 +0000

Professing Her Gratitude BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/15/2024 - 15:40

Recent graduate’s disability propels her toward career teaching, helping others

May 16, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Heléna Beeloo, ’24, came to Bridgewater State unsure if she would be successful, and for a good reason: her doctor told her she would not be able to physically handle a full course load.

But Heléna, who has a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, was determined to succeed. And �¼��ϲʿ�� provided a supportive atmosphere in which to take classes and conduct original research.

“For me, it’s really empowering,” said Heléna, a transfer student who graduated last weekend with a physics degree. “Now I know I can do anything that I want to do. ... Bridgewater gave me hope.”

Growing up, Heléna was prone to injury, a trend initially dismissed as clumsiness. But the symptoms didn’t subside and a curious Heléna researched what was amiss. Studying her symptoms sparked an interest in biophysics that persisted at �¼��ϲʿ��.

Doctors eventually diagnosed her with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects many parts of her body. Her joints are very stretchy, putting her at risk of frequently dislocating her shoulders, hips and knees. She used a feeding tube for more than a year because she was unable to digest solid foods.

As a result, Heléna took a leave of absence from her first college and exceeded the time that institution allowed students to spend away from the classroom. Seeking a new university close to her Whitman home, Heléna turned to Bridgewater State, where her mom, Heather Bond-Beeloo, ’16, earned a math degree.

“It was a good thing because I love Bridgewater so much more,” Heléna said. “I feel supported.”

In the months leading up to her first class, Dr. Thaya Paramanathan welcomed her to meetings of his single-molecule biophysics lab. She made friends and felt at home as a Bear before completing her first assignment.

Working with lab partner Aaron Ferreira,’24, Heléna studied how the chemotherapy drug Mitoxantrone interacts with single molecules of DNA. They used optical tweezers (built by previous �¼��ϲʿ�� undergraduates) that use finely focused lasers to trap and examine microscopic particles.

Heléna, who praised Aaron for taking on any tasks she couldn’t physically perform, hopes the research will assist doctors in determining the minimum effective dosage.

“Doing undergraduate research showed me that I do have a future in this field,” she said. “I do belong as a physicist.”

Paramanathan, an associate professor of physics, photonics and optical engineering, has no doubt that Heléna will continue to succeed. He’s impressed by her ability to teach her peers challenging material and her knowledge in physics as well as chemistry, biology and computer science.

“She’s one of the best students I’ve ever had,” Paramanathan said. “She’s capable of doing anything.”

Heléna is pursuing opportunities to teach high school physics, and may consider graduate school in the future. She hopes to become a college professor, a career aspiration shaped by Paramanathan and others she met at �¼��ϲʿ��.

“As a professor, I can continue to learn forever, which is thrilling,” she said. “I know what it’s like to have a mentor change your life, and I want to be that person for someone else.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

“For me, it’s really empowering. Now I know I can do anything that I want to do. ... Bridgewater gave me hope.”

Heléna Beeloo, ’24

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Student Spotlight

Serenity, Wow!

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Wed, 15 May 2024 17:29:24 +0000

Serenity, Wow! HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/15/2024 - 13:29

Junior high- jumper’s time arrives with her earning All-American honors

May 21, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

What does it feel like when you set a goal for yourself, put in years of work focusing on that goal, and then it finally comes to fruition?

“It is very satisfying,” said �¼��ϲʿ�� track & field star Serenity Sands, ’25.

And she should know. This past March, Serenity, a high jumper for the �¼��ϲʿ�� Women’s Indoor (and outdoor) Track & Field team, tied three other competitors at the NCAA Division 3 Women’s Championships for the best jump of the day. The trio’s winning length, 5 feet, 8.5 inches, was, for Serenity, a new personal best.

After the tiebreaker process, Serenity placed fourth in the competition. Her strong showing helped her earn something else, something she’s been working toward throughout her collegiate athletic career: All-American honors.

“I knew going in that I wanted to be an All-American...I knew I had to stay really focused,” Serenity said. “It’s been exciting to see my years of hard work actualized and pay off.”

�¼��ϲʿ�� assistant and jumps coach Samantha Richner works closely with Serenity and is not surprised at the student-athlete’s success.

“Serenity is determined to be successful in both academics and athletics. She is extremely self-motivated and organized her life to prioritize both,” Richner said. “I am confident she will find success as she moves forward on and off the track.”

Before coming to �¼��ϲʿ�� to study psychology and compete in track, Serenity, an East Bridgewater native, took a gap year.

“Initially, I had committed somewhere else, but I grew up living close to Bridgewater State and always felt welcomed here, specifically with the track and field program,” she said.

In addition, she said the size of campus and personalized attention students get from professors makes going to Bridgewater a win.

“Competing here and attending school here has been very rewarding. There is such a personable feel. I’ve built close relationships with my teammates, and have been able to connect with my professors... If these are things you’re looking for in a school then Bridgewater is the right place,” Serenity said.

This spring, she will be competing on the �¼��ϲʿ�� outdoor women’s track and field team with the goal to get back to the NCAA championships, to be held on Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“Through competing, I’m always learning I’m more capable than I ever thought. I set goals, and sometimes those goals might seem crazy, but if you believe in yourself and you work hard, you learn you’re capable of doing anything you want to do,” she said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

If you believe in yourself and you work hard, you learn you’re capable of doing anything you want to do.

Serenity Sands, '25

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Student Spotlight

Purposeful Learning

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Fri, 03 May 2024 15:31:22 +0000

Purposeful Learning BBENSON@bridgew.edu Fri, 05/03/2024 - 11:31

Commencement speaker bounces back, now helps others

May 9, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

As she struggled with her mental health, Ilina Monteiro, ’24, questioned whether she would ever attend college, never mind one day represent her class as the student commencement speaker.

In high school, Ilina attempted suicide and accumulated so many absences that she barely graduated. College seemed impossible – until Bridgewater State welcomed her.

“Getting into �¼��ϲʿ�� not only signified a new journey for me, but it also signified the beginning of a life I’ve always envisioned,” Ilina said. “It signified becoming a new me and having something to look forward to.”

This weekend, Ilina will address her classmates from the commencement stage just before receiving a bachelor’s degree in social work. The student speaker for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences ceremony, Ilina will share her story as a hopeful message of perseverance.

“I didn’t think I could make it to college, and here I am graduating,” she said. “You can do it.”

A native of Cabo Verde currently living in Taunton, Ilina immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 8 years old. She didn’t know a single word of English – not even how to say, “Hi.”

Ilina now speaks English fluently thanks to school lessons and watching children’s television shows (her favorites included Curious George and Caillou). At �¼��ϲʿ��, she minored in teaching English to speakers of other languages and taught youngsters English during a study tour to the Dominican Republic.

She also appreciates the compassionate support of social work professors such as Drs. Leslie Sattler and Jibril Solomon.

“They worked with me through my mental health journey,” Ilina said. “They were my rock. Every time I came into their classes, I felt supported.”

Solomon is impressed by her resilience. Even amid personal challenges, Ilina always had a plan to keep her academics on track, said Solomon, who taught her in several classes.

She brings a strong understanding of social and racial justice issues and a wealth of personal experience to her profession, he said.

“Being a social worker is not just a career for her,” Solomon said. “It’s her way of contributing to her community and being a difference maker.”

She’s already doing that through her job at the Old Colony YMCA’s Brockton branch. She supports and mentors children who are in the foster care system or facing their own mental health challenges.

Ilina will soon pursue a master’s degree in social work from Bridgewater. She hopes to one day bring mental health services to Cabo Verde, where she said people too often suffer in silence.

“�¼��ϲʿ�� gave me a calling to help people who have been through similar struggles as I have,” she said. “�¼��ϲʿ�� gave me a purpose.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

�¼��ϲʿ�� gave me a calling to help people who have been through similar struggles as I have. �¼��ϲʿ�� gave me a purpose.

Ilina Monteiro, ’24

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Class of 2024

Student Spotlight

Photo by Luis Pires, '24

Getting Social

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 01 May 2024 15:49:30 +0000

Getting Social BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 05/01/2024 - 11:49

Graduate student speaker toasts friends and peers who helped her through

May 2, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Jamie Jackson, G’24, gained much more than an education from �¼��ϲʿ��. She’s graduating alongside a group of 15 peers who she knows will be there for her in the years ahead.

Enrolled in the School of Social Work’s Saturday master’s program, Jamie had the unusual experience of sharing her classes with the same group of students. They began as strangers and are graduating as friends and colleagues.

“It really has fostered and cultivated a sense of support and learning and collaboration that I don’t think you’d find elsewhere,” she said. “The cohort model is unique, and I’m so grateful for it. ... These are people I will lean on throughout my social work career.”

Those classroom friends will undoubtedly be cheering wildly for Jamie as she addresses the College of Graduate Studies’ class of 2024 as the student commencement speaker. Jamie wasn’t going to apply for the role. But, as she reflected on her graduate school experience, she felt the need to share her perspective on Bridgewater’s biggest stage.

“What really stood out to me when I was writing (my speech) was how do we lean on one another and show up for one another,” she said. “There’s strength in coming together and collaborating and not going it alone.”

Just a few years ago, Jamie felt very alone. Living in Scotland during the early days of the pandemic, she faced strict lockdown rules. She could only leave her home once a day and couldn’t travel more than five miles.

As the world shut down, the Billerica native started thinking about her future and realized she wanted to return to Massachusetts to serve her home state. Social work was the ideal vocation to pursue that goal and Bridgewater’s Saturday courses allowed her to keep working full-time.

“I think Bridgewater has had an incredible impact on me,” she said. “It has taught me how to think critically, how to step forward when needed, and how to gracefully step back to allow others to step forward.”

Jamie stands out as a leader and advocate for her peers as well as a committed student who often asked insightful questions, said Dr. Leslie Sattler, an associate professor of social work.

“Jamie brings that real-world practice and experience to the classroom, and she also brings that curiosity,” Sattler said.

Jamie appreciates how connected Sattler’s lessons are to her job. She works for the health and human services organization Vinfen as program director of a group home for people with psychiatric conditions. As part of her Bridgewater education, she interned with a school adjustment counselor at Barnstable High School.

After graduation, Jamie looks forward to advancing in her career at Vinfen by becoming a clinician, where she will continue making a direct and tangible difference for people in Massachusetts.

“We can mistakenly look at graduation as an endpoint, but it’s really just the jumping off point,” she said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

We can mistakenly look at graduation as an endpoint, but it’s really just the jumping off point.

Jamie Jackson, G’24

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Class of 2024

Student Spotlight

Photo by Luis Pires, '24

‘Born to be a Bear’

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 15:05:48 +0000

‘Born to be a Bear’ BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:05

Twins follow in parents’ footsteps on campus

April 18, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Kelsey and Elisabeth Sweeney’s earliest memories of Bridgewater State come from family car rides when their parents drove through campus to reminisce about their meeting in Shea-Durgin Residence Hall.

The Sweeney twins didn’t realize they would one day also call Shea-Durgin home, but they knew there was something special about Bridgewater.

“I always say, ‘I was born to be a Bear,’” Kelsey said.

The Sweeney family’s connection to �¼��ϲʿ�� began in the late 1980s, when parents Michelle, ’91, and Larry met through friends on campus. Three decades later, their daughters are on the verge of earning their own �¼��ϲʿ�� degrees next month.

“I’m so proud of them and what they’ve accomplished,” Michelle said. “It’s been really nice to go through this all over again. You wish you were back in college.”

Michelle and Larry’s relationship grew and persisted even when Larry left school to serve in the military and later work in IT.

“One of the most important things that you learn in college, especially living there, is how to get along with people who are different than you,” Larry said of what he took away from Bridgewater.

Michelle earned a social work degree and pursued a varied career that included human resources work and numerous roles within the Marshfield Public Schools. No matter the job title, she relied on her ability to help others, a skill honed in social work classes.

“I felt like Bridgewater really prepared you to go out into the real world,” she said. “It’s one of the reasons I wanted Kelsey to go to Bridgewater.”

Kelsey discovered that benefit as a social work major herself. Having excelled at an internship at the Boys and Girls Club in Brockton, she landed a post-graduation job running a mental health program at the club’s Marshfield location. She’s also going to pursue a master’s degree in social work from �¼��ϲʿ��.

Outside of the classroom, Kelsey followed her mom into Greek life: Michelle helped found Bridgewater’s Phi Sigma Sigma chapter while Kelsey joined Gamma Phi Beta.

“You can find a community anywhere in Bridgewater, and that instantly created a new home for me,” Kelsey said. “The sense of community on campus is what draws me here.”

It also attracted her sister to �¼��ϲʿ�� as a transfer student. Elisabeth initially went to school in Boston, but she had to live alone in a dorm room due to the pandemic. Seeking companionship, Elisabeth often FaceTimed Kelsey, who had a roommate at �¼��ϲʿ�� and introduced her sister to her college friends.

“We tried to go our own different paths, but we love doing things together,” said Elisabeth, a communication studies major minoring in film and digital media. “We both push each other to strive to be our best every day.”

Elisabeth, who is on the cross country and track teams, is also a member of Gamma Phi Beta. Like her sister, she studied abroad multiple times in Europe.

Elisabeth is moving to Italy after graduation to work in marketing for a travel agency – a connection built through a semester abroad in the country.

While an ocean will soon separate the twins, there’s one place that will always bring the Sweeney family together: �¼��ϲʿ��.

“It’s nice to have a second home for all of us,” Kelsey said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I felt like Bridgewater really prepared you to go out into the real world. It’s one of the reasons I wanted Kelsey to go to Bridgewater.

Michelle Sweeney, '91

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Student Spotlight

Alumni Profile

Study Abroad

No Degree of Difficulty

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:57:33 +0000

No Degree of Difficulty BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 04/01/2024 - 15:57

Accessibility advocate strives to earn more college degrees

April 2, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Alina Poklad, G’24, uses a wheelchair to navigate the world, but she has never let that prevent her from satisfying her thirst for knowledge.

Once forced to take middle and high school classes from home because her school wasn’t accessible to wheelchair users, Alina is now on the verge of earning her third master’s degree – and first from an American university.

“Because I had to struggle for many things, it made me understand that you need to be more educated,” said Alina, who is pursuing a degree in computer science at �¼��ϲʿ��.

Alina has spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disorder that causes her muscles to weaken. She grew up in Estonia as the country gained independence from the Soviet Union; at the time, her homeland had no accessibility standards. While Estonia has since made great strides, Alina graduated high school one year before her school became accessible.

After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in information technology (to jumpstart her career) and cultural studies (fulfilling a personal passion), Alina sought to study abroad. Her brother lives in Massachusetts, and Bridgewater stood out as the ideal school.

“It’s not only the computer science classes, it’s getting the opportunity to work and use your knowledge,” Alina said of what she appreciates about �¼��ϲʿ��. “It’s also so multicultural. ... I think it’s exciting because you understand the world better.”

Alina juggles work as a graduate assistant on �¼��ϲʿ��’s intranet platform with learning new programming skills in class and completing yet another degree – a PhD. in cultural studies with a focus on disability studies from Tallinn University in Estonia.

In collaboration with Student Accessibility Services, she presented her research on disability representation in the media and the importance of studying disability culture and history. She’s also shared her Estonian culture with �¼��ϲʿ�� and participated in events such as the Lunar New Year’s celebration.

It’s a busy schedule, but one Alina is adept at managing.

“Alina has a strong work ethic and easily adapts to the use of a wide variety of technical platforms,” said her �¼��ϲʿ�� supervisor, Jack Welch, '16, G'18, the administrator for the BridgeNet intranet platform. “Together, we have been successful creating advanced applications embedded in BridgeNet.”

Alina, who came to Bridgewater with experience working with databases, expanded her skills by helping develop new features such as a virtual front counter for the Registrar’s Office. She’s also exploring ways to positively make use of artificial intelligence.

“I learned so much from Jack,” she said. “It’s a 180-degree turn in my career. It’s very new and useful for me.”

After graduation, Alina hopes to stay in the U.S., where she no doubt has the academic skills and cultural experiences will help her overcome any obstacle standing in her way.

“I gained knowledge and experience, but I can also say it’s made my mind broader,” she said.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

“It’s not only the computer science classes, it’s getting the opportunity to work and use your knowledge. It’s also so multicultural. ... I think it’s exciting because you understand the world better.”

Alina Poklad, G’24

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Student Spotlight

International Students

Photo by Luis Pires, '24

Nursing Her Way Back

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:06:29 +0000

Nursing Her Way Back BBENSON@bridgew.edu Mon, 03/04/2024 - 16:06

Alumna battles back from coma to pursue career in healthcare

March 5, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When a severe bacterial infection left Mackenzie Giordano in a coma, doctors worried she wouldn’t be able to walk or talk never mind graduate college.

But Giordano wouldn’t take no for an answer. After almost three months in the hospital and intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy, a determined Giordano defied expectations by walking, talking and earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from Bridgewater State.

“I wanted to get better,” said Giordano, who completed her degree in December. “I wanted to get my life back.”

After graduating from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 2018, Giordano enrolled at the University of Alabama, where she earned a spot on the cheerleading team. During her first semester, she started to feel ill and got into a car crash when she tried to drive herself to the hospital. In addition to bacterial meningitis, she suffered a stroke that weakened her right side and had an abscess on her brain. At one point, doctors didn’t think she would survive.

But Giordano made a remarkable recovery and turned her attention back to college. Bridgewater, which is just five minutes down the road from her home, was a natural fit as she increased her academic load from a couple of courses to becoming a full-time student again.

“I thought I would eventually go back to Alabama,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I would actually love �¼��ϲʿ��. I felt very comfortable there. It was awesome.”

Giordano, who still has some weakness in her right side, praised Student Accessibility Services for help with accommodations such as having a notetaker and extra time to write answers to exams. Professors, she said, were equally supportive.

“They at first helped me ease back into college,” she said. “They were just wonderful. They were so accommodating and nice.”

After exploring degree possibilities, Giordano – who has always been an athlete – found a fit in exercise physiology. She hopes to become a nurse so she can help others just like the many medical professionals who assisted her.

“I think I would make a great nurse,” Giordano said. “I can inspire people because I’ve been through it.”

She’s already doing so just by sharing her journey.

“Never give up,” she said. “Always just fight for your goals because anything is possible.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

Never give up. Always just fight for your goals because anything is possible.

Mackenzie Giordano

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Student Spotlight

Alumni Profile

Student Accessibility Services

Photo by Luis Pires, '24

Worth the Weight

HHARRIS@bridgew.edu — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:40:40 +0000

Worth the Weight HHARRIS@bridgew.edu Mon, 03/04/2024 - 10:40

Junior weightlifter praises �¼��ϲʿ�� before national competition

March 7, 2024

Heather Harris Michonski

As a senior in high school, Kurt Reyden Osuyos, ’25, suffered a back injury that ended his wrestling career. Instead of letting it bring him down, the student-athlete found a new outlet, weightlifting.

“Doing physical therapy, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to wrestle anymore, so I started to build my body back up,” Kurt said. “I was doing lifts when I met a power lifter at the gym and stumbled upon the sport.”

Drawn to the mind-body connection weightlifting requires, once he found his footing, Kurt began to enter competitions.

Over time he built up a successful reputation and this month Kurt will represent �¼��ϲʿ�� at the Collegiate Nationals Olympic Weightlifting meet in Ohio.

The �¼��ϲʿ�� community is rallying behind Kurt, who is well-known within the fitness scene on campus.

“He trains here in the Thornburg Fitness Center and has mentored and inspired many other lifters,” said Dan Rezendes, assistant athletic director for recreation and wellness.

Originally from the Philippines, Kurt moved to the United States when he was 11. His family settled in the Brockton area where he attended high school.

Raised by a single mom, he admits things were sometimes tight with only one steady income. Which meant when looking at colleges, cost was an important factor. Thankfully �¼��ϲʿ�� was able to offer him financial support and today he is studying aviation management at the school.

“Bridgewater has been so helpful,” he said, “I was able to secure emergency funding, it truly lifted a burden from our shoulders.”

The assistance has allowed him to focus on finding success in both school and sports.

Kurt admits finding the balance between school and working out is sometimes difficult, but it helps that he has supports in place at �¼��ϲʿ�� to help him reach his goals.

He doesn’t take the help for granted and does his part by consistently making it to class and the gym.

Throughout his �¼��ϲʿ�� journey, he said he’s grown, not just as an athlete, but student as well.

“I’ve learned a lot of stuff, things I didn’t even expect. If you’re willing to learn, try to learn as much as you can. Go to your classes, even if you’re tired,” he offered.

As he prepares to compete on the national stage, Kurt shares this advice with his fellow Bears.

“Find something you’re passionate about and do the work,” he said. “Progress can feel slow at times, but it’s definitely rewarding. If you put in the work, in anything you do, if you balance your life...you will get rewarded.”

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Progress can feel slow at times, but it’s definitely rewarding. If you put in the work, in anything you do, if you balance your life...you will get rewarded.

Kurt Reyden Osuyos, ’25

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Student Spotlight

Following His Path

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:56:29 +0000

Following His Path BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 02/20/2024 - 08:56

�¼��ϲʿ�� student pursues degree in field his great-grandfather once taught

February 20, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

When T. Leonard Kelly walked into a classroom in the 1950s wearing his trademark spotless white lab coat, he both demanded respect and put students at ease.

Decades later, the longtime Bridgewater physics and chemistry professor remains an inspiration.

“Grandpa Kelly laid down a foundation and standard that I really admire,” said his grandson, Tim Kelly. “He was very tough, but he cared. That really appealed to me.”

And it’s why Tim encouraged his son, Sean, ’24, to attend �¼��ϲʿ��. Now a physics major in the same department his great-grandfather once led, Sean experiences Professor Kelly’s legacy through the challenging courses that build camaraderie among students and professors.

“The faculty all care about you,” he said. “With the environment and other students around me, it’s just fun. It makes it not as daunting to be in hard classes.”

Sean initially attended George Mason University only to put his education on hold after his father faced health challenges. Sean took over the family business developing trade show booths and retail displays, yet never gave up on attaining a degree.

His educational journey may seem long, but it pales in comparison to his travels as a baby. Born in China, Sean first came to the U.S. through a medical mission to fix birth defects affecting his mouth and lips. That’s when he met the Kellys, who were working with an adoption agency to adopt a boy.

A couple of years after returning to China, he reunited with what would become his adopted family and moved to America.

Growing up alongside two siblings also adopted from China, Sean accompanied his dad on business trips and enjoyed a homemade drive-in movie theater in his yard.

“Blessed would be an understatement,” he said of coming to the U.S. and becoming a Kelly. “The opportunity and all of the things laid out in front of me, there’s no other way to say it.”

Those opportunities continued at �¼��ϲʿ��, where Sean is a member of the Society of Physics Students and participates in the ROTC program through a partnership with Boston University.

After graduation this spring, he will give back to the country that gave him so much. Sean will be commissioned in the U.S. Air Force as a physicist/nuclear engineer. The designation reflects his interests and success at Bridgewater and places him among a select group of Air Force recruits.

“It’s very surreal and humbling to have this set in place in a field that I want,” he said. “Everyone else is looking for jobs and I already have one.”

Professor Kelly, who took such great joy in seeing his students succeed, would be very proud.

Do you have a �¼��ϲʿ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

The faculty all care about you. With the environment and other students around me, it’s just fun. It makes it not as daunting to be in hard classes.

Sean Kelly, ’24

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Student Spotlight

Photo by Zachary Allen, '24