Already Distinguished, Twin Sisters Are Ready for Further Success at NJIT
One is studying computer science at NJIT, the other biomedical engineering, but they both join the university as Mayor’s Honors Scholars. Samara and Samantha Augustin — freshmen at Ying Wu College of Computing and Newark College of Engineering, respectively — are among the first recipients of the full scholarship, a partnership of NJIT, the city of Newark and the Newark Board of Education to create a pipeline between Newark Public Schools and NJIT’s Albert Dorman Honors College.
Graduates of Science Park High School, the Augustins were involved there in a variety of extracurricular activities. While Samantha belonged to the robotics and environmental science clubs and was a Governor’s STEM Scholar, Samara participated in the Pay It Forward and Honoring Our Elders student groups. Both were members of the track team, UNICEF Club and National Honor Society (Samantha also served as president and Samara as secretary of the school’s chapter).
The twin sisters — Samantha is older by four minutes — are the middle two of five daughters. Their parents emigrated from Haiti before they were born and settled in New Jersey. Tragically, they lost their father in a truck accident in 2012. Their mother attended nursing school and today works in patient care to support the family.
Here, they share their summer experience in the scholarship program, their goals at NJIT and their accomplishments and aspirations.
ON BEING AMONG THE FIRST MAYOR’S HONORS SCHOLARS
“I was so shocked when I received the news that my sister and I were both chosen as recipients of the scholarship,” recounted Samara. “The idea itself is surreal to me and I haven't really gotten over the fact that I was gifted this amazing opportunity. When I applied for the scholarship, I was solely motivated by the idea of lessening the financial burden that college would impose on my mother. Having spent so much time watching her dedicate her entire life and career to help our family and others, I knew I had to help her in any way that I could.”
She believes she was chosen for the scholarship because she continually sought out school programs, learning experiences and volunteer work that broadened her mindset. Samantha attributes her being selected to her work ethic and deep interest in the city of Newark.
As part of the program, the Augustins did paid summer internships with the city. Samara was appointed to the Office of Information and Technology, where she assisted at the Help Desk fielding computer-related queries from City Hall employees, and shadowed technicians on information technology calls. For her internship, Samantha was based at the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness Center, supporting efforts to identify gaps in care for diabetes patients.
“A very memorable moment for me was when the department was assigned a booth at the 2019 Lincoln Park Music Fest. We were then tasked to hand out information and answer people’s questions regarding their health,” she said. “This was very interesting for me, because I got to engage with a lot of people and also I was fully introduced to the social portion of medicine.”
ON JOINING THE NJIT, HONORS COLLEGE AND EOP COMMUNITIES
As Dorman Scholars, the sisters are rooming together in Redwood Hall. Both look forward to taking advantage of the many opportunities the university and Honors College have to offer.
“I’m excited to be a part of a community that is very supportive and inspiring, where I can learn and grow from those around me,” said Samara, who wants to get involved in the National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers and Women in Computing Society, among other organizations.
Samantha, also in ADHC’s pre-health program, is especially interested in the medical humanities honors track and plans to join the Biomedical Engineering Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Pre-Health Society and Knit ‘N’ Crochet Club.
The Augustins are Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students, too, and lived for five weeks on campus this summer for EOP’s mandatory academic enrichment session. They appreciated the preview of college life afforded by the program, as well as the support from resident and teaching assistants and the chance to learn productive study habits.
“I was able to step out of my comfort zone and make connections with really amazing people,” offered Samantha. Added Samara, “Attending the EOP program was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made and I know that it will play an important part in shaping me into a great college student.”
ON REVIEWING PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PONDERING FUTURE CAREERS
In addition to being named Mayor’s Honors Scholars, the sisters have other achievements of which to be particularly proud. Samantha, for example, spent five years worth of summers and Saturdays as a Rutgers Future Scholar (RFS). The RFS program enabled her to take college-level courses at Rutgers University-Newark, and demonstrate her commitment to academics.
For Samara, taking on a leadership position — her first! — in her school’s National Honors Society left an indelible mark on her. “As I embraced the responsibilities that were given to me, I became aware that my words had meaning and importance,” said Samara, who managed meetings, led discussions and coordinated volunteers for community service projects. “These opportunities gave me the chance to fully shape myself into the leader I wanted to be.”
Looking ahead careerwise, Samantha wants to become a neuro-ophthalmologist and Samara a chief information officer for a major corporation. They also want to start a business together, preferably one centered on technology.
