Nick Tarangelo

Written September 2009

As an incoming freshman, I found the idea of choosing a major to be a daunting task. I had volunteer experience on my township’s first aid squad and I also enjoyed my science classes in high school, so I was considering a healthcare related field.  For this reason, it seemed like a major in the School of Science would be a good fit for me. However, selecting a specific major within the School of Science proved difficult. The thought of choosing a major that would decide my career path and impact the rest of my life was overwhelming. I decided to not initially commit to a specific course of study, but rather to enroll in the School of Science’s Open Option program. As an Open Option student I was required to take a class called “Orientation to the School of Science”. Through certain activities and guest speakers, this class helped me to identify my strengths and careers that coincided with those strengths. In addition, it exposed me to the diverse programs of study and career paths of other students in the School of Science.

I enrolled in a number of different classes in the School of Science my freshman year, and I found my biology classes to be particularly interesting. Being that a major in biology also prepares students well for healthcare related careers, my pursuit of this program was logical. With a full year of a broad-based science education I was able to confidently declare biology as my major at the end of my freshman year. Looking back, the Open Options program provided me the breadth of knowledge needed to make a well informed decision.

Through my studies I have also found importance in practical experience and the application of the theory I learn in my classes. Furthering my education outside of the classroom, I have done research the past two summers at Weill Cornell Medical College. My research projects have been in the areas of molecular immunology and genetics. Throughout my research, I have utilized my knowledge not only of biology, but of chemistry, statistics, and physics as well. I can accredit the diverse scientific education I received as an Open Option student to my ability to integrate knowledge from different subject areas into carrying out a successful research project. My project from the summer of 2008 culminated in it being published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in August 2009.

The experiences I have had in the Open Option program have given me confidence moving forward towards my career goals.  I am currently a junior and am planning on applying to dental school. I hope to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery. I can honestly say that my decision to become an Open Option Science student put me on the right path to be successful at TCNJ and in my future endeavors. I hope that you consider the Open Option program as well!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by email at Tarange2@tcnj.edu.