Student and Alumni/ae Spotlights

Cara Black ’13

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Cara Black, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is president of the student body at Bard. Cara participates in the Bard Summer Research Institute, where she has spent two summers doing ophthalmology research with a Bard alumnus. She plans to teach biology in a low-income school district after graduation, before applying to medical school.

I received a four-year Distinguished Scientist Scholarship from Bard, which made me feel from the beginning like the College believed in me and wanted to invest in me. The support went beyond finances. I found the Biology Program faculty and students to be friendly and collaborative, and I connected with them right away. The professors and students share lab space and work together. They emphasize bonding between majors with parties and trips off campus. You get to develop in-depth relationships with people at Bard—both students and professors. I have been blessed here with people who have changed my life for the better.

I got involved in student government during my first year, as a Student Life Committee representative. I wanted to make a difference on campus and get to know everyone. I had to really listen in order to find out what students wanted, and what should be changed. When running for president last year I was challenged to a debate, which was the most intense and difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. I practiced and trained hard, and I did well in the end. It made me realize I could do anything I set my mind to.

I’ve gotten a lot of experience in my field in the last few years. I volunteered for Hospice during my time at Bard, which was a moving and humbling experience. As part of the Bard Summer Research Institute, I spent two summers working at the Columbia School of Physicians and Surgeons with a Bard alumnus. Everyone should have access to opportunities like this, which is why I want to teach in a high-needs school district before I go to medical school. The science achievement gap in low-income areas is huge, and they need well-qualified science teachers. It’s my duty to go, since Bard has given me the skills.