Bitian Zhang

Zhang__bitian-web

“I have always been interested in learning about how the brain works, and especially in understanding the mechanisms of perception, learning and memory.”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Hometown: Baoding, Hebei, China

Biography

Profile: A psychology major with a strong interest in gender issues, Bitian Zhang scored a perfect 4.0 GPA at Holyoke Community College, a remarkable accomplishment since her English skills were lacking upon her arrival in Massachusetts just three years ago.  “As a foreign student, I haven't just had to study hard, but I'm also constantly working to improve my English,” said Bitian. “I have received so much help from my professors and advisor at Holyoke Community College.  They've encouraged me to take more challenging classes, and this has really been a benefit to me.” Bitian’s exceptional academic performance was achieved while working part-time jobs and also serving as a volunteer tutor on campus.

Inspiration:  Irma Medina, Bitian’s advisor at Holyoke CC, influenced her the most during her community college career.  “She has always been available to discuss any academic or administrative questions, and has done so much to encourage me to reach higher and achieve more.  Without her, I would not have the opportunities that are before me today.”

Aspiration:  Personal issues have led Bitian’s selection of psychology and women’s issues as her future course of study at Amherst.

Making a Difference: Bitian said that being selected for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship is an amazing honor, and she is proud of the hard work she has done over the past two years to get to this point.  “I'm really looking forward to transferring to this more competitive and stimulating environment (Amherst College) and having the JKC scholarship will make it possible to get the most out of my education there.”

Accolades:  Bitian won the Learning Assistance Center Award for Tutorial Excellent at Holyoke Community College, as well as the Alice Guimond History Award.  She also earned the James Z. Naurison Scholarship for academic achievement, awarded by Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Interesting Fact:  Bitian said she can tell what animal anyone looks most like.

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