Meet Allison Szychulski: Biology Major and 2024 Leadership Scholarship Winner

Philadelphia, Pa. 

1. What was your reaction to winning the scholarship?

When I won the scholarship, I was thrilled. I had just come home, and I knew the letter was coming in the mail announcing if I was one of the winners. Instead, I received a phone call, and I was completely shell-shocked. I was at a loss for words; there is no way to describe how thankful and happy I was.

2. In your application essay, you talk about the importance of simple acts of hospitality. What are some things we can all do to be more hospitable?

Being hospitable starts with the smallest acts of kindness. I think one simple, but meaningful task is to greet everyone with a smile. Appreciate the company of those you see every day and let them know how much they mean to you. Offer to help whenever you can and be accepting of everyone you meet. It is important for a leader to be empathetic toward people you know, as well as strangers, because you never know what they are going through. Sometimes people have bad days or are going through personal life struggles. Not everyone has the same life, so treating everyone with the kindness they deserve could make their day 10 times better.

3. How do you hope to make a positive impact on our campus community?

I plan on helping whenever I can and making other people feel welcome. I would even like to possibly start a new club to bring more people of common interests together.  

4. What are some specific causes or issues you’re passionate about addressing and why?

I’m passionate about addressing the living conditions of underprivileged neighborhoods and their sources. I’m from Philadelphia, and I’ve seen many different places. With a passion for human and animal life, I decided I want to become a veterinarian to care for animals in underprivileged neighborhoods. Everyone has the right to a pet, and sometimes they can be expensive, but you cannot put a price on the happiness and love a pet provides to their person.

5. Who is your greatest motivator and why?

My greatest motivator is my mom. She has always pushed me to be the best I can and set a great example in doing so. Raising five kids is not easy, but she made it look like a breeze every day. I always admire and appreciate what she has done for me and my family, and she will always be a role model for me. 

The Leadership Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship offered to six students who have shown outstanding leadership in their high school careers and who plan to continue to develop those skills at DeSales. The deadline to submit your application, essay, and resume is Sunday, December 1, 2024.