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Biosketch

• Name: Sidney Luangrath
• College: Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences
• Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Hometown: Beverly, Massachusetts
• Brief introduction about who you are, your role, and your academic focus:
  Hi! I’m Sidney, a Peer Leader with the River Hawk Scholars Academy and a Pharmaceutical Sciences major at С����Ƶ. I’m passionate about gaining hands-on experience, working in people-focused environments, and supporting first-generation students throughout their college journey.
• Favorite hobbies: Cooking, discovering new music and live shows, thrifting and vintage shopping, riding roller coasters, and exploring new places.
• What is your favorite thing about С����Ƶ (UML)?
  The community. The people are what truly make UML special to me, and I’ve met so many amazing individuals through academics, work, and campus involvement.
• Why did you choose to attend С����Ƶ?
  Gaining hands-on experience has always been just as important to me—if not more—than academics alone. I chose UML for its strong STEM and Health Sciences programs, co-op opportunities, which allow students to learn both in and out of the classroom. Being only about 40 minutes from home was also a plus, as it gave me independence while staying connected to my family. I originally began in Biomedical Engineering, but after my first semester, I realized I was more drawn to the biomedical and healthcare side of the field. After exploring my interests, I found my place in Pharmaceutical Sciences, where I feel most aligned with my goals.
• What are your future academic and/or career goals?
  I hope to work in healthcare in a role that is people-focused and collaborative. I’ve found that I really enjoy working with others, which has drawn me toward careers centered on patient care and team-based environments. Through my involvement with UML EMS, I’ve also become interested in patient-facing roles and hands-on care. I’m currently exploring paths in healthcare, laboratory management, and related fields, and I’m considering pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health or Healthcare Administration in the future.
• What has being involved with the River Hawk Scholars Academy meant to you?
  RHSA has been an important part of my college experience by providing consistent support and meaningful opportunities for growth. It’s a program that truly prioritizes student success.
• What inspires you to support RHSA and/or first-generation students?
  RHSA has been an incredible resource for me throughout my time at UML. Through scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and research experiences, RHSA has helped me build meaningful connections with staff and students I may not have otherwise met, while also gaining valuable hands-on experience. After becoming a Peer Leader and working closely with RHSA staff, I’ve been able to see firsthand their genuine dedication to supporting first-generation students. That level of commitment is something I truly believe in and am proud to support.
• Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college?
  You are not behind like you think you are. Chill out, not everything needs to be done at once.
• What advice would you give to fellow С����Ƶ students?
  Get out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you take chances, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
• What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
  Being a first-generation college student is something I’m incredibly proud of, but it’s also a role that can feel intimidating at times. As the eldest child, I often feel like a trailblazer for my younger sister and for family members who never had the opportunity to attend college. It’s a constant learning experience, but one that has shaped my resilience, independence, and sense of purpose.
• What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
  The meaningful connections you build with students and the chance to be a source of support, encouragement, and understanding as they navigate college.