When I was twelve years old, I came home to my sleeping mother and my little brother choking on a quarter. I immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver which, thank God, I’d learned that day in class. This event was one of my moments of truth. I had saved my brother’s life. This showed me how one simple act can be the difference between life or death. Other personal moments of truth have tested my ability to be an involved bystander. Each time, I’ve helped in some way shape or form and have taught me a little more about myself and my abilities. These experiences have driven my desire to aid. In turn, when given the opportunity to be Red Watch Band trained, I took it. Red Watch Band is a program in which they provide knowledge and skills in order to prevent alcohol related deaths. In the future, I plan to get involved with the Green Dot program as well which involves bystander intervention.

For others, it isn’t as easy to intervene in what could potentially be a dangerous situation because factors such as social rejection, educational circumstances and judicial consequences may occur; however, what’s worse than all of these factors combined is the fact that someone lost their life or hurt themselves and you could’ve done something about it.

In high school, I was heavily involved in Grade Council, Student Council, Step Team, Tri-M Honor Society, Science Honor Society, National Honor Society, Breakfast Club, tutoring, and the basketball team. I was president of Grade Council in the 8th grade then became secretary in the 11th grade. I then became historian of Student Council as well as the treasurer of Step Team. I enjoyed working a part of a team and getting to make the environment better. I found it challenging balancing all of these activities at once. My ideal group looks like my group of friends at Stony Brook and at home. I play many different roles in each friendship I hold: The Caregiver, The Psychologist, The Kid, The Big Sister, The Blunt Friend. The list goes on. I’m a very versatile person and apply myself where needed because I enjoy helping those around me.

My eyes slowly opened to the morning light, peeking through my window. I slowly awakened to the realization that this is it. Graduation day. I hopped off my bed and jumped into the shower. Mid-shampoo, I think about how far I’ve come since elementary school, the very beginning. Even then, I knew I was academically proficient. I enjoyed learning and going to school. This pattern continued into middle school. It wasn’t until high school that academics became challenging for me. Now I couldn’t just learn, I also had to do well in what I learned for my future. At this point, everything was for my future. I longed to have a career in psychology and the only way it seemed for me to do that was to excel in school no matter what. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always done well in school, my only dilemma was the competitiveness of my high school. Nearly everyone did well in school; my goal was to stand out and display my uniqueness academically. Through four years of emotional and academic struggles in schoolwork, clubs, and sports, the time finally arrived for me to prove my uniqueness to a couple of schools that would push me further into reaching my career goal. With blood, sweat and tears, I did it and even proved it to the school of my dreams: Stony Brook University. At first, it was difficult. New curriculum, more homework, more independence and more responsibility. The work was overwhelming and keeping up with so many classes stressed me out as I wasn’t used to managing everything so quickly. Because of the PAL system through scholars, PASC, tutoring, Hall Council, my many clubs and newfound friends, I was able to maintain stellar grades with a smile on my face. That’s what academic and personal success means to me. Being proud of all the hard work that you’ve done despite the struggles to get the place where you are now. Now, I’m here. Graduation day.

• Learn more about myself
• How to interact better with my community
• Become more aware of the world around me
• Preparation for my future after college

On February 2, 1998 during a late night in Montreal Quebec, a little girl was born into the world. One who would soon be known as Dorothy Pierre. Me! Shortly after being born, my parents and I moved to Haiti, where my parents are from. Then a few years later, like most, we moved to America to start a new life. Eventually, two little boys were added to the family, my little brothers.

Bubbly, the best word used to describe me. I’m usually very talkative and lively. I love meeting new people and having stimulating conversations about the most random topics. I believe that I’m intelligent and hard working. I mean, how else would I have gotten into Stony Brook. Also, I’ve been told I give pretty good advice, which is one of the multitude of reasons as to why I declared a psychology and biology double major. One thing you must know about me is my undying love for ice cream, especially cookies and cream ice cream. Get me ice cream and we’re automatically friends. Besides ice cream, I don’t really have a favorite food. I’m pretty open to trying new things.

Lastly,  some of my favorites include movies like The Butterfly Effect, Inception, The Pretty One, Ruby Sparks; R&B, rap and indie music; and shows like How I Met Your Mother, Friends, New Girl and Gossip Girl.