STUDENT PROFILES

Tatjana Mustac ‘20

It is my honor and pleasure to be the recipient of the Queens College Senior Class Legacy Scholarship award for the Class of 2020. I am thankful for the philanthropy and good works of the senior class, which has given me this award and opportunity of finishing my degree at QC without the continuous worry of financial burdens. I am inspired to continue and build upon these good works through giving back and ensuring future students can share in this opportunity!

Being a daughter of Queens College alumni (Susan Mustac ‘98 and Tomislav Mustac ‘06), I have had the value of a college education instilled in me since I was in elementary school. This emphasis on education has led me to consider every opportunity presented to me and stand up to every challenge despite the natural fear of failure we all have.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” - Mahatma Gandhi.

I am thankful for having an extremely supportive family, friends and organizations that have provided scholarships for me and most of all Queens College who has helped me and my parents be a change in the world. Both of my parents came from Croatian immigrant families where they were first-generation college graduates who paved the way for an opportunity for future generations to succeed. These opportunities for me include paving the way for me to become the first doctor in our family!

At Queens College, I am graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a dual minor in Chemistry and Cities & Social Medicine and completion of the Pre-Medical track. Outside of the classroom, I am the President of the QC Psi Chi Chapter, work in the Bodnar Laboratory, volunteer in the Emergency Department at NY Presbyterian Queens Hospital and work part-time. Throughout my time at QC, I have volunteered at Dancing Dreams, was on the QC Dance Team for the 2018-2019 season, was the President of the Neuroscience Club, became a NYS certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), studied abroad in Zagreb, Croatia and have had extensive involvement with the Croatian American community. During my time at QC, I have also had the honor of receiving many scholarships, including the Queens College's "In the Footsteps of Dr. King" Program Scholarship and the University Student Senate (USS) Donald & Mary Ellen Passantino Students with Disabilities Scholarship.

My short-term goals after graduating from Queens College include pursuing graduate school, traveling, volunteering and conducting more research. My long-term goals include becoming a physician-scientist (MD-PhD). Most of all through my goals, I hope to inspire and assist others to overcome challenges and build better lives for others and their families.

My experiences at Queens College have been challenging and rewarding, leaving me inspired to be the change! I will begin by continuing the Queens College Senior Class Legacy tradition by donating to the Scholarship Fund alongside my fellow graduates, to help the next generation of student leaders to also be the change.