<p><span class="p-body">Born and raised in New York City, Samantha O'Connell comes from a multicultural family. Her father's side of the family is European, while her mother's side of the family are multiracial Latin Indigenous people. She is the &quot;first in my family&quot; in many ways.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">She was also the first to attend NYU, which she knew wanted to attend since elementary school. &quot;When I graduated high school, I originally planned to attend an Ivy League or institution that had a strong STEM program,&quot; she recalls. &quot;I have always been drawn to academic excellence, vast opportunity programs, and a broad selection of extracurricular activities. I believe these things can make a well-rounded student. Which is what I wanted to be. And NYU offered it.&quot;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">O'Connell was drawn to NYU because it was something she was familiar with—she lived near campus my whole life. &quot;I looked forward to NYU's historical library, world-class programs in STEM, and professional programs for career development,&quot; she explains.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">And NYU SPS was also the realization of many lifelong goals, some more common than others. &quot;I had high aspirations for a kid,&quot; she intimates. &quot;I wanted to be an engineer, astronaut, and an artist. I wanted amazing grades, awards, friends, and to attend amazing schools. I wanted to become smarter and feel at home. Funny enough, I had no idea how I would get there. I only knew I wanted to go.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">O'Connell focused on project management, cybersecurity, Python, SAS, and other computer science related courses during her time at NYU SPS. &quot;I enjoyed ISM because it was a broader version of other degrees and it is appropriate training for a senior management position,&quot; she shares.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Now, O'Connell is happy to say she has achieved most of the things her younger self wished she would, though her goals have changed slightly as she has gotten older. &quot;But I think she would be happy to know we made it to where we wanted to be,&quot; she beams, &quot;even if through a non-traditional route.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">This non-traditional route refers to her transfer from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC CUNY) through the Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP) en route NYU SPS.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I learned about CCTOP through College Discovery (CD). At BMCC, I was planning to pursue an engineering degree, but decided to switch to liberal arts to earn the credits needed for a four year degree—mandatory courses and electives,&quot; she shares. &quot;At NYU SPS, I earned a degree in Information Systems Management (ISM) only taking core courses.&quot;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">Her experience as a transfer was interesting, since she transferred to NYU SPS during the pandemic. Due to only being online for a year, she realized that she wanted to have a stronger connection to NYU and other students. So, upon returning to campus, she signed up for student leadership. This began a two-year commitment to student leadership, mentoring, and aiding NYU's initiatives.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I had a great time dancing on the iconic Kimmel Stairs as a NYU Welcome Leader. I had fun working with other SPS Student Council members on events, workshops, and initiatives,&quot; she remembers. &quot;I enjoyed volunteering for nonprofits that feed or supply hygiene kits to the homeless. Or nonprofits that recycle textiles to avoid adding more garbage to the landfill. I had an amazing time and experience. I definitely recommend student leadership to any student who wants to branch out and make new friends.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">According to O’Connell, most of the professors she worked with at SPS were understanding and patient—she specifically mentions Professor Saravanos, Professor Hornat, and Professor Otero Munoz. &quot;Most of the deans, faculty, and professors I met were all kind, helpful, and professional,&quot; she reveals. &quot;As a student I met hundreds of NYU faculty and staff.&quot;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span class="p-body">She is now preparing for a master's in science program at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, already looking into internships and planning for her post-graduation career. &quot;I have applied to a few internships for Summer 2025 like JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co, NASA, McKinsey, and a few others,&quot; she lists.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;I am also working with CMEP and two nonprofits on becoming a mentor. I am an alumni of these nonprofit organizations known as Governor's Committee on Scholastic Achievement (GCSA) and School of Interactive Arts/ Urban Arts Partnership (SIA/ UAP). I would mentor high school and undergraduate students.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">O’Connell believes that NYU SPS prepared her to thrive in her field by providing the opportunity to work on research projects, work in administrative roles, and learn internal regulations. NYU SPS is the first time she experienced IRB, FERPA, and confidential protocols as a student researcher or student employee. &quot;I developed the skills needed for my graduate studies and future career goals,&quot; she concludes.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">We are so excited to see what Samantha finds next in her professional and personal journey. Explore where a&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-information-systems-management.html" title="BS in Information Systems Management">BS in Information Systems Management</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business.html" title="Division of Programs in Business">Division of Programs in Business</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS can take you.</span></p>