The journey began in high school, where a strong passion for science, art and hands-on experiences took root. Hi, my name is Felicia Manful, and I am currently a third-year biomedical engineering student balancing academics with my role as a student-athlete on the women’s tennis team, along with various other commitments. In this piece, I’ll offer a glimpse into my college experience so far and share how I manage the challenges and rewards of juggling both fields.
I have always enjoyed science, creating and engaging in hands-on activities. One of my most memorable experiences was a mechanical engineering course in high school. My teacher had a quirky habit of playfully trolling students whose projects didn’t work out by handing out perfectly-cut wooden “L’s.” However, my high school years weren’t always filled with such lighthearted moments. As an African-American student at a predominantly white institution, I faced challenges ranging from occasionally having my understanding undermined to being the only Black person in the classroom. There were times when I was left without a partner, awkwardly searching the room and only meeting the gaze of my teacher. These experiences, while difficult, taught me valuable lessons that I apply in my everyday life.
A day in my life can be hectic. Mornings start with breakfast and class, followed by lunch and either working or socializing with friends. Later, I head to tennis practice for a few hours. By then, I’m usually exhausted and could easily fall into a deep nap, though I force myself to stay awake. After practice, I freshen up, find a quiet spot to do homework and have dinner. My days are rarely straightforward. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events arise often. For example, if I stay up late working on homework, I still need to be in good shape for practice the next day. During practice, we focus on drills and point play to identify strengths and weaknesses. On two out of the five practice days, my teammates and I also go weightlifting, which definitely calls for a substantial nap afterward. Procrastination is a challenge, especially with a busy schedule. The 30 minutes of downtime I grant myself can easily stretch into hours. I also stay involved in extracurriculars, such as being the SGA representative for the African Student Association and the National Association of Black Journalists.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to avoid stressing over things beyond my control. Balancing the dual roles of being a student and a young adult trying to navigate life can be overwhelming. Yet, amid the challenges, I cherish the small victories. While there are inevitable setbacks, I believe every action has a reaction, and I’m optimistic about the positive outcomes that the future holds.
Felicia Manful is a third-year Biomedical Engineering major. (NABJ’s SGA/MOAB Representative) FM1001289@wcupa.edu