News & Media

Deshawn Gray 2011 Scholarship Winner

Widener University Class of 2015

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Paterson, New Jersey, and I moved to Maplewood when I was five years. old.

When did you start doing civic volunteering type jobs?

Freshman year of high school, I would visit the retirement home with my church. I enjoyed it a lot. I got to meet, assist, and pray for the elderly. I also played table tennis with the people there.

What is your favorite place to volunteer?

At my church, we connect with many organizations that provide so much care to the community. I love working with the youth of the community and tutoring them in math and science.

What extracurricular activities do you take part in?

In high school, I was involved in many music programs such as the marching band and jazz band. Every winter till early spring I looked forward to the all school musicals.

What are your future goals?

My future goals are to finish college with honors and to go onto graduate school. I also want to be part of one the many service programs here at Widener.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself finished with graduate school with hopefully a masters/Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. I plan to take my expertise and work in hospitals or health centers providing care to those who need it.

What personal achievements are you proud of?

I’m proud of graduating high school as a National High School society member. Many other achievements include designing summer programs for kids in the community, Becoming a drum major of the great Cougar Marching Band, and performing in the role as “Aldolfo” in the musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. But I’ll be remiss, if I didn’t mention my parents who helped encourage and kept me focus in achieving my dream.

More about Me:

Second of three children, I love to create videos and free draw. I loved playing the tuba in the high school wind ensemble. I’m thankful for all the wonderful people in my life especially my family. I was a student leader at my church, where I mentored 10-12 kids. I’m attending Widener University. My major is biomedical engineering. I wanted to major in bio-medical engineering because of my interest in biology and the learning about the many advancements bio-medical have made throughout the years from the band aid to artificial skin. So many people suffer from heart problems and high blood pressure, I want to help those who suffer from those medical issue.