Sidia Mustapha

Alumni Spotlight

Clase de LEAP Academy de 2015

Sidia Mustapha is a second year student at the University of Pennsylvania, studying Psychology and minoring in Fine Arts. She plans on pursuing a masters degree in either Neuroscience or Occupational Therapy. On campus, Sidia is involved in two West African dance groups (African Rhythms and West African Vibe) and serves on the board of the Penn African Student Association.

When asked to recall her experience as a Camden resident, LEAP student and Ivy League student, Sidia states: “Honestly, my experience at the University of Pennsylvania has been tremendously tough. Coming from a city like Camden, to an Ivy League institution like Penn was very difficult in the sense that everything, from the teaching styles to the culture on campus, was so different. I often felt out of place, and not up to par with students coming from various private institutions across the nation and the world. I always felt in competition with not only my classmates, but myself. One thing Penn taught me was not to have ‘Penn Face’: showing face, pretending everything is okay when it really isn’t. This is where Leap’s support system kicked in when I needed it most. The support that Leap gave me preceding graduation and following it, is something students from all over should experience first hand. Coming back to Leap always gives me a sense of grounding and makes me never forget where I came from. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, talking to a member of my Leap family, whether it’s alumni, staff/faculty, or current students, it always lights a fire in me to finish what I came to Penn for: to prove that there are good things that come out of Camden.

The things I’ve experienced while attending Penn made me realize I want to help students get into college and help them transition from high school smoothly. I’m currently working with Teach Each Student and the Franklin Institute, where I help high school students with their ACT prep and college readiness. With that being said, I look forward to giving back to my Leap family and the Camden community in any way I can.”

 

Sidia Mustapha

University of Pennsylvania, ’19