Each of the 1,160 St. Joseph’s University, New York graduates set to walk across the stage on May 22 at Nassau Coliseum has a unique story. In overcoming obstacles, pushing their own limits, serving others, excelling in the classroom and on the field, or making brave choices to change course or begin anew, they are living our motto: Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.” Between now and commencement, we will be sharing some of their stories.
Kaela Collazo ’25 has always been drawn to the arts, but if you need to find her on campus, check the biology lab.
A member of the Class of 2025 at St. Joseph’s University, New York, Collazo plans to apply to medical school after taking a gap year to prepare, all while keeping her creative juices flowing.
“My aspirations to become a doctor do not diminish my passion for art,” Collazo said. “Through singing, writing or drawing, art has taught me to see the world from an artistic perspective, instilling in me the values of beauty and optimism, even in times of doubt.”
Collazo’s interest in the medical field is very much driven by her lived experience. A triplet, Collazo’s brother has severe autism spectrum disorder and her sister has a chronic disease that was diagnosed when she was just 6 years old.
Her siblings have taught her patience and resiliency, asserts Collazo.
During her four years, SJNY’s tight-knit STEM community on the Brooklyn Campus —professors, friends and students—created a supportive environment for Collazo, a biology student. And when the workload gets heavy—for example, when one’s final semester is filled with four science courses, like Collazo’s—those bonds are important.
“As a student in STEM, I truly appreciate the community I have around me,” she said.
Outside of her time in the classroom, Collazo has worked as a lab assistant in the biology department for three years and participated in SJNY’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), exploring behavioral outcomes of prenatal stress, such as circadian and malnutrition stress.
“One thing I can confidently say is, I do not regret my choice in choosing St. Joseph’s University. I’ve been given so many opportunities, whether it’s through meeting friends, working with the biology department and even involving myself in the community—these are memories I will never forget, and which I am so extremely thankful for,” she concluded.
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Class of 2025 – Meet the Grads” series, focusing on the Class of 2025 at St. Joseph’s University, New York.
