Clear Path

While Picone’s independence provided a healthier living environment, it also meant that affording higher education would be a challenge. He turned to NCC as the financially responsible option. Picone made it through his first year by working many hours and receiving NCC scholarships funded by the Brown-Daub Foundation and Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

He then received the Clear Path Scholarship, which was a game-changer. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Clear Path program supports students in completing an associate degree in a STEM major at a community college before transferring to East Stroudsburg University to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“Clear Path covers my whole tuition, so I don’t have to work as much and have more time to dedicate to student clubs and things off campus as well,” Picone says. “I’m very grateful for that scholarship.”

Picone has made the most of those opportunities while majoring in biological science. Last spring, for example, he gave a presentation on augmented reality–assisted surgery at the Northeast Regional Honors Conference in Harrisburg. Picone has a strong interest in the topic because he hopes to become a cardiovascular surgeon one day.

“The percentage of successful surgeries using augmented reality is slightly higher,” he explains. “It gives the doctor some holograms that provide a different viewpoint not normally seen, and it allows for fewer mistakes. I think it’ll become more widespread in the years to come.”

Picone first presented at the conference last year at the encouragement of Mary Mathis, assistant professor of English, who taught his Honors English I class. His topic was the accessibility of information about college to high school students, including those in underserved communities. The conferences were fantastic experiences, he says, boosting his confidence in giving presentations and allowing him to meet many people and make new friends.

Picone has also gained valuable experience through internships. Offered by the Global Health Leaders nonprofit, one involved an online course followed by a trip to the Dominican Republic. Picone helped perform patient assessments, including taking vital signs and conducting physical examinations, while collaborating with local medical staff and colleagues. He logged 100 clinic hours and introduced education about dengue fever, medications, and preventive care to low-income Haitians and Dominicans.

“I appreciated being able to assist those who are less fortunate,” he says. “It was very inspiring to see how I could be actively involved in people’s lives. It confirmed my decision to go into the medical field.”

Picone also interned at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia, where he collaborated with scientists in conducting cellular research and developing and coordinating projects and experiments, among other responsibilities. He also toured various medical departments and networked with doctors and other professionals.

“[The UPenn internships were] a wonderful opportunity. I’m glad I did them because I found that lab research doesn’t necessarily interest me as much as clinical work,” Picone says. “I’m just very grateful to have been able to narrow down my options so early.”

These experiences have complemented a strong education at NCC.

“Especially in my communication and science classes, the professors have made me comfortable and encouraged me to do a bit more and go a bit further as far as my education goes,” he says. “My communication professor, Dustin Briggs [now executive director of innovation and strategy], has taught me more about myself than anyone ever has.”

His professors’ support became particularly important after Picone’s father passed away last spring.

“You don’t anticipate losing your parents so early in life,” Picone says. “I did have to drop some of my harder classes, and my professors gave me the extensions I needed. They were very understanding. I’m glad Northampton allowed me some grace.”

Although Picone is spending an extra semester at NCC this fall, he’s upbeat about the future and looking forward to continuing his education.

“I have clarity now,” he says. “I hope to attend medical school and become a doctor. At some point, I would also like to do clinical research.”