My WooState Story: Welcome and Connected
Support and mentoring from my professors and fellow students have helped me become who I am.
By Aspen Zheng ’24
My four years of study at Worcester State University were a journey toward becoming an independent adult, a scholar, and, most importantly, an optimistic person. I overcame many obstacles but could not have done so without the guidance, patience, and support of the Worcester State community.
I arrived alone in Worcester, not knowing anyone. My parents were living in China, a 12- to 13-hour time difference. Early in my first year at Worcester State as an English as a foreign language student, I did not do anything other than attend classes and study hard until a roommate talked about applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA). The idea appealed to me as a way to interact more with my peers, develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and serve others. I was not sure if I was capable of being a good RA, as I worried about my ability to communicate effectively. But I overcame my trepidation and gave it a shot.
Fortunately, I was assigned to a room with a returning RA who showed me how to be a good student leader. I learned to embrace the Worcester State community and seek not only knowledge, but support. I gained exposure to different leadership styles from other student leaders: fellow RAs, Presidential Student Ambassadors (PSAs), mentors, and tour guides.
This decision changed my entire Worcester State trajectory, as it opened one door and gave me the keys to many others. In time, I went on to serve as a PAL mentor, campus tour guide, PSA, and entrepreneur ambassador.
The moments I shared with other members of the Worcester State community helped me become who I am today. Dr. Nabin Malakar told me that it was okay to make mistakes and that each has value as a learning opportunity. Dr. Weichu Xu, recognizing that I was not with family, invited me to his home for Thanksgiving dinner. And I received a great deal of encouragement and support from Dr. Jennifer Hood-DeGrenier. I fondly remember conversations with chemistry, biology, and political science department secretaries; being greeted warmly by staff all over campus; and engaging with campus police and other authorities while fulfilling my RA duties.
My parents have tried their best to provide me with educational opportunities and offered the best support they could from afar. I am grateful to them, campus faculty and staff, and my fellow students. All cared for me and helped me to learn and grow.
Worcester State made me feel welcome and connected—not just on campus, but as a member of the greater Worcester community. My role as a health ambassador included door-to-door visits throughout Worcester to deliver hand sanitizer and provide COVID-19 information packets and helping interested Worcester residents register for COVID vaccine appointments.
Worcester State brought me failure, success, tears, disappointment, excitement, happinesses, and love. I am grateful for it all and feel that it has thoroughly prepared me for a confident and focused graduate school experience and an exciting future in service.
Top image: With a grant from the Rosen Cancer Awareness Fund, Aspen Zheng took part in a 2023 summer research program with biology professor Jennifer Hood-DeGrenier. Photo by Matt Wright ’10.
