The Student Transitional Experiences Program (STEP) is helping Penn Staters turn big ambitions into big accomplishments.

Gabrielle Peters began her undergraduate career at Penn State Hazleton, and with support from STEP, she is now a junior at University Park majoring in biobehavioral health and earning a minor in rehabilitation and human services. Below, Gabrielle talks about the impact of STEP, her professional ambitions, and the achievements that make her proud.

What sparked your interest in human health?

My dad and I got into a car accident several years ago, and he was paralyzed. Watching his sincerely loving caretakers provide twenty-four hour care made me want to be in the medical field. I want to make the difference that someone else made for me and my family.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your time at Penn State?

Definitely the transition to University Park. I graduated from high school with 200 people—there are almost as many students in my chem lecture now as in my entire high school class. The size of Penn State can be really hard.

How would your Penn State experience be different without STEP?

It can be a hard transition to go from a Commonwealth campus to University Park. Without STEP, I would be struggling. Getting to meet with alumni and professors, to take courses in the summer, to have extra financial support—it’s all really beneficial. STEP is helping students prepare to be better in their careers and want to give back themselves one day.

What do you hope to be doing twenty years from now?

I’d like to have my own family practice with a focus on pediatrics. I’d also like to get involved in women’s and children’s health in my native countries of Liberia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Favorite Creamery flavor?

I’m not big on sweets, but I’m obsessed with the Creamery’s lemonade. It’s not good for you…but it’s good for you. It will brighten your day.

If you could create an endowment at Penn State, what would it support?

I’d want to support women on campus and also help to promote racial unity amongst the student community. I want to be a part of ensuring that every student feels equal.

How has philanthropy made a difference for you at Penn State?

I don’t have the privilege of having of two parents with income or of being an in-state student. I’m so appreciative that kind-hearted people chose to support me. It’s kind of like a ripple effect— it makes me work harder and want to give back.