51视频

From the moment Stephanie Ceballos stepped foot in Madrid, she was in awe.

鈥淚t was breathtaking,鈥� says Ceballos, who traveled to Spain鈥檚 capital for a nine-day study abroad trip following her sophomore year.

Ceballos, whose family hails from the Dominican Republic, made studying abroad a priority coming into college, as she wanted to immerse herself in another country鈥檚 culture. A biochemistry major in the Honors College, Ceballos found time to fit a trip into her rigorous academic schedule.

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely possible for any major to study abroad,鈥� says Ceballos, who suggests shorter study abroad trips over spring, summer or winter breaks for students who may not be able to commit to a whole semester.

Ceballos felt confident going to Madrid after learning about the city through the course Exploring Madrid鈥檚 Past and Present, taught by Honors College Study Abroad Coordinator Julian Zabalbeascoa. While in Madrid, Ceballos enjoyed visiting historic landmarks, popping into street markets, riding the Metro de Madrid and trying traditional cuisine, such as the Spanish tortilla, an egg and potato dish.

鈥淭here was so much to do, and it was all close by,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 loved it.鈥�

The Honors College and Kennedy College of Sciences awarded Ceballos scholarships to help fund her study abroad experience.

鈥淭heir contributions were greatly appreciated,鈥� she says.聽

When Ceballos returned to campus for her junior year, she joined Chemistry Asst. Prof. Michael Ross鈥� research group to study nanoparticles. She received a $1,500 Honors College Fellowship for her work. Ceballos previously gained research experience with Physical Therapy and Kinesiology Asst. Prof. Yuho Kim. Through the Immersive Scholars program, Ceballos got a $4,000 scholarship to research the role of mitochondria in muscle health and disease in Kim鈥檚 lab.

鈥淚 knew if I had lab experience, it would help me in the long run,鈥� says Ceballos, who plans on getting a master鈥檚 degree at 51视频 before entering the biotechnology or pharmaceutical field. 鈥淚t was a great experience.鈥�

Ceballos chose 51视频 because of the strong financial aid package she received from the university and its close proximity to her hometown of Methuen, Massachusetts. She also wanted to join her brother, Steven Ceballos 鈥�23, who studied computer science at UML.

Ceballos commuted in her first year, but she chose to live in a residence hall during her sophomore year and beyond as she became more involved on campus.

鈥淚 was on campus a lot, doing different things, so my parents told me I should see what it would cost if I lived at school,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 emailed The Solution Center, and they were very helpful. My mom and I ran through the numbers and decided that since I received a good amount in scholarships, it worked out.鈥�

A former soccer and track athlete at Methuen High School, Ceballos likes taking fitness classes at the Campus Recreation Center and walking around the city. She is also involved in the Christian Student Fellowship, an organization she sought to join on her first day of college.

鈥淚t鈥檚 inviting, welcoming and has quite literally changed my life,鈥� she says. 鈥淛oining a club is a good way to feel part of the 51视频 community.鈥�