The aptitude tests at East Brunswick High School started Michelle Eng thinking about occupational therapy as a field. She shadowed occupational therapists during summers and saw how happy the patients were and how welcoming the therapists were to the clients.
Upon entering college, Eng, who is from East Brunswick, was not sure if she should major in psychology or biology. After taking her first biology class with Dr. William Velhagen, chair of the Caldwell University Natural and Physical Sciences Department, she felt motivated to keep going.
“I’ve never felt so much support, except from my family, as I have with the faculty,” she said, reciting the names of the Caldwell science department professors. “I’m thankful to the faculty for all they have given me.”
Eng graduated from Caldwell University on May 20, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in just three years since she entered Caldwell with Advanced Placement credits and worked hard.
Besides her academics, she has learned about herself during her college career—about who she wants to become.
“I’ve grown to be a leader,” she said.
And the Caldwell community endorsed that status when at honors convocation she received the Excellence in Leadership Award and departmental honors in the Natural and Physical Sciences Department. She served as president of the Circle K Club, as vice president of the Health Professions and Earth clubs and as secretary for the Anime club.
Eng also worked as a lab assistant and at the desk in one of the residence halls.
She is looking forward to the next great adventure in life—excited to be attending graduate school in the fall to work on her master’s in occupational therapy.
“Because of Caldwell University, I have a future in occupational therapy that I have been looking forward to for three years,” she said.
This article was submitted by Colette M. Liddy, director of Media Relations for Caldwell University.