With Encouragement, NJIT Honors Scholar Pursues a Master's at NYU
Samara Augustin arrived at New Jersey Institute of Technology as one of the first Mayor’s Honors Scholars and leaves as an Albert Dorman Honors Scholar and GEM Fellow.
In her years in University Heights, Augustin — who’s from Newark and attended NJIT with her twin sister, Samantha — helped younger students as a member of the STEMentors Club and made the Dean’s List, among other accomplishments. And through it all, she had the support of the university’s Educational Opportunity Program.
Now, the Class of 2023 scholar is off to New York University to build on her bachelor’s in computer science from NJIT's Ying Wu College of Computing and earn a master’s in the same discipline. Part of what got her there was the encouragement of a professor, as she explained in an interview about life at NJIT.
Best piece of advice from a professor?
Always strive for more. When applying for graduate school, I had assumed that selective schools were out of reach; therefore, I did not plan to apply to them. However, a professor encouraged me to never limit myself and because of that, I applied to NYU and was blessed with an acceptance.
Your favorite class?
My major capstone class because I was able to work directly with a software company which allowed me to gain experience as a software engineer.
How did Albert Dorman Honors College help you?
Alongside the countless outstanding classes I had the opportunity to attend, what truly helped me was the support system I received from the honors faculty. They were invested in my academic success, provided me with several resources to grow professionally and were always invested in my well-being.
What did you love about the STEMentors Club?
Many things. I enjoyed being involved in the process of planning a STEM competition for younger students. But most of all I loved mentoring one of the competition’s teams because it allowed me to get to know so many bright and creative students.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Graduated from my master's program and working as a software engineer.
