This week we’re doing our first round of check ins!

We reached out to Darla Quijada, Meghan Egan, and Kelton Bogasky to see what they have been up to since graduation. We also asked them a few fun “this or that” questions to see what Burlington experiences they prefer.

We are always looking to hear from more of you, so click the button at the bottom of this post to refer a friend (or yourself)!

Enjoy!

What are you up to in your first year out of UVM?

I am currently working as Research Technician for the Center for Virology and Vaccines at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston MA (it is a mouthful to say let me tell you!). I am part of Dr. Kathryn Stephenson’s lab that focuses on interventions to prevent and treat HIV and emerging infectious diseases like Zika virus. Most of the research technicians are in the same situation as me where we all more education in the near future. I graduated studying Animal and Veterinary Sciences, but the work I do overlaps with the many prerequisite classes and lab experience. In my spare time, I take pottery classes and attend/teach Zumba classes!

What are you looking forward to in the next year? What do you think will be your biggest challenge? 

In this upcoming year, I hope to visit places where I can potentially see myself living and studying. This could be a great opportunity to figure out what kind of programs and schools I want to apply for. Location is very important to me for I want there to be diversity, affordable living expenses, and food culture! My biggest challenge will be to make sure I keep my mind open about each place and not stress about the little things!

What are you up to in your first year out of UVM?

Since graduation, I’ve spent a month taking a cooking course in Paris (I planned this in about a week and is probably the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done). And since September I’ve been working at Guidepoint as a Healthcare Research Analyst in New York City.

What are you looking forward to in the next year? What do you think will be your biggest challenge? 

I’m looking forward to continue growing and learning in my current position and just take everything day by day. Being able to come home without having to worry about assignments and tests is a pretty great feeling!

My biggest challenge this year will likely be studying for the LSATs. Other than that, I’m just taking everything day by day and seeing what life throws my way.

What are you most proud of since you graduated?

I don’t think I’m particularly proud of anything in particular. I’m proud of how I’ve been handling the post-grad life—I’ve been able to do some exploring and start working in my favorite city. I’m proud of myself for being proactive and satisfied about the choices I’ve made thus far.

What are you up to in your first year out of UVM?

I began working for Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity and have had the opportunity to visit over 28 schools in Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana. This upcoming semester I am heading down to the University of Miami for two months to recolonize our chapter. I have had the opportunity to travel all across the United States and experience all different cultures

What are you looking forward to in the next year? What do you think will be your biggest challenge? 

I am looking forward to starting a new PIKE chapter at the University of Miami. I think that my biggest challenge will be deciding what I will do next. I am from Boston so I will have to decide if I want to move up with PIKE and continue living in Tennessee or move on to a new job.

What are you most proud of since you graduated?

I am proud of the PIKE guys at Vermont because they keep on doing incredible things. This past semester the chapter fund-raised enough money to send brothers to help rebuild homes in Haiti. I also love seeing their continued efforts to End Alz. It is always great seeing something that played a huge part in your college career continue to succeed. Also, this past summer Vermont PIKE was recognized with the Smythe Award by the International Fraternity which is the highest honor a PIKE chapter can receive.