This month, five Park Scholars will earn undergraduate degrees. We caught up with the soon-to-be alumni to find out what experiences had the biggest impact during their time at NC State and where they are headed next.
Megan D’Agostino ’22
Hometown: Hendersonville, NC
College of Sciences: B.S. Mathematics
College of Education: B.S. Mathematics Education (completing in May 2022)
Megan served as the public relations chair and treasurer of the Kappa Chapter of the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was a member of Student Advocates for Youth, Voluntarios Ahora en Raleigh, the Raleigh Civic Symphony, the College of Education Passport to Success Program, the University Scholars Program, and the Park Class of 2022 Distinguished Speakers Committee. She studied abroad for a semester in Seville, Spain to complete her minor in Spanish, and conducted mathematics research at the Illinois State University Research Experience for Undergraduates and with the NC State Randomized Numerical Analysis Research Training Group. She was a Marian Drane Graham Scholar with the UNC System and the Department of Public Instruction.
What is your favorite part of the Park Scholarships program?
It’s the community. We are involved in colleges, departments, and student organizations all across campus, but Park Scholars share the same values in leadership, scholarship, service, and character. It’s very exciting to get to know my peers who are doing amazing things in so many different areas and to cheer them on. I have also found incredible support and camaraderie with Park Scholars and alumni who share interests and career goals with me.
What was the most defining experience or aspect of your time as an undergraduate?
The most defining experience of my undergraduate career has been getting married. The Park Scholarships community has been quite supportive of me pursuing marriage while completing my degrees. More within the sphere of academics, one of the most defining aspects of my undergraduate time has been mathematics research. I encourage people to apply for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and to get involved with research with faculty on campus as well; both paths were challenging and rewarding for me in my growth as a scholar.
What is your advice for current underclassmen?
Follow your passions. Even if it’s not directly related to your current career goals or your major, get involved in the things that interest you, and don’t be afraid to apply to things or try things that take you outside of your comfort zone. Some of the best experiences I have had in college have been when I tried something I was terrified of and then really enjoyed.
What advice would you offer high school students considering NC State and/or the Park Scholarships program?
You should apply! Come visit the campus and learn about the colleges, departments, and student organizations that interest you. Reach out to the Park Scholarships program if you’d like to talk with current scholars and find out more about what it’s like. When I was considering schools and working on my applications, my experiences attending open houses on campus and speaking with students at NC State were incredibly helpful in determining if I could see myself there and whether it would be a good fit.
What’s next for you?
After student teaching in spring 2022, I will graduate with my degree in mathematics education and start teaching high school mathematics in the public school system.
Find out about all five Park Scholar fall 2021graduates