As she has done since her freshman year, Roseannie Langomas, a senior at DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx, is planning to spend her summer studying science, mathematics, and the humanities. Like many of New York City’s super achievers, Langomas is dedicated to academic excellence. She is in Clinton’s Macy Honors Gifted program, a member of the ARISTA national honors society, and a participant in the ACE Mentor Program for students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. Her efforts were well-rewarded last year, when she was accepted early decision at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an Ivy League university whose undergraduate engineering program is currently rated #1 by US News. “Getting in was the greatest achievement in my life. I saw what all my work in high school was for, and I saw that dreams can really come true,” she said.

Langomas plans to study mechanical engineering. “I was thinking about becoming an aerospace or electrical engineer, but my guidance counselor advised me to consider mechanical engineering because it is a path to a career in many different industries, including aerospace and nanotechnology,” she said. Langomas allows, however, that she may change her mind and study something else.

How did she become and stay driven to succeed? Two reasons come quickly to her lips: GEAR UP and ENLACE, the Bronx Institute at Lehman College’s academic enrichment and college readiness programs for highly motivated but underserved Bronx students. “GEAR UP and ENLACE helped me in many ways. I didn’t have my own laptop computer until GEAR UP gave one to me. And ENLACE courses encouraged me to dig deeply into science, math, and humanities. Through trips to Frost Valley and outings to museums, the program became a family to me,” she said. ENLACE taught her to persevere in English literature and history, subjects that came less easily to her than math and science. When she enrolled in AP English last year, she thought she would not pass. But thanks to intensive ENLACE writing courses she found that she was well prepared.

Although Langomas is happy with her achievements, she is not leaving her future success to chance. At MIT this summer, she plans to master a year’s worth college-level math, science, and humanities courses in seven weeks. “I think it’s a good decision to go because these courses will give me an extra benefit once school starts,” she said.

“Roseannie’s achievements are an inspiration to all of us,” said Professor Herminio Martinez (Middle and High School Education), the Executive Director of The Bronx Institute. “Helping talented Bronx students to fulfill their dreams is our highest reward.”

Posted on: May 23, 2011
Article published on: April 20, 2011 | by: The Bronx Institute
Article published on: June 20, 2011 | by: Lehman Today