Undergraduate Achiever Scholarship Recipient

My name is Jonan MANZI. I am a sophomore at New York Institute of Technology, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology. I am a full-time student and I enjoy being with my friends playing soccer, helping the community or having normal conversations about life, sports and our dreams for the future.
The past year was a challenging one because I lost my sole provider and I am alone in this journey of achieving my bachelor’s degree. This scholarship is not only a life-saver, but a motivation to keep on persevering and fighting for what I want to make out of myself. My goal in life is to be in a position to help someone who needs the help just like I need one right now.

Will your school have on campus classes or completely online next Fall? What are your thoughts about that?

New York Tech is offering virtual, hybrid and in-person classes for the Fall 2021 semester. I really do miss live interactions with my peers and professors and I think the semester will be a success if the staff and students work hand-in-hand to make sure that safety is first.

How do you think technology will shape our future going forward from a personal and or macro perspective?

Technology has proven to be a life-saver especially in the pandemic period. Students are still able to attend their classes and some people have carried on with their jobs. Technology will run the majority of our activities as people; therefore, we should embrace it and work on improving and making sure it is human-friendly.

Do you think your major (if applicable) is well positioned for the future? If not, are you considering changing?

I certainly believe that my major is well positioned for the future because technology is running everything in the world right now. There will always be a demand for tech gulus due to various job opportunities in the field that is growing at a very fast rate.

In the current global climate, what are your thoughts regarding online organizations and the importance of remaining connected while socially distant?

Online organizations are great, especially when it comes to helping people stay in touch even though they are not in the vicinity. They have provided the world with a chance of collaborative working without having to be in the same area. Personally, I have kept in touch with friends even though we are all scattered in different parts of the world.

Now more than ever, humanitarian causes are aiding suffering people around the world. What causes are important to you, and how do you plan to incorporate them going forward?

Any activity that helps someone feel better and loved is really important to me. I try my best to make sure that my friends don’t feel alone and I would like to expand that. There are many people battling depression in this pandemic and all they need is a person to let them know that they are loved and not alone. I would also like to be part of any volunteering program in order to give back to my community and make sure we develop as whole without leaving anyone behind.