Student Spotlight: Maria Ann Seidle
April 17, 2022
Maria Ann Seidle is currently maintaining a 3.6 GPA as a sophomore at Kean University where she is pursuing a major in biology within The Dorothy Hennings College of Science.
Maria grew up in the average-sized, suburban town of Neptune, New Jersey. One of nine children, her tight-knit family always stuck together and strived for success in the hopes of bringing honor to their family name. If one were to search for Maria or members of her family on the internet, videos of her and her siblings’ academic and sport-related achievements would appear in the results – proof positive of the family’s efforts to create a great reputation. Unfortunately, there was also a turbulent aspect to Maria’s and her siblings’ childhood that would also appear in the results generated by any online search engine; an upbringing marred by tragedy which ultimately culminated in the loss of their mother in June of 2015.
A breast cancer survivor, Maria recalls her mother’s strength of spirit despite enduring years of treatment before her untimely passing. “She was a true caretaker, providing for me, my siblings and herself,” said Maria. “She always gave back to her community and helped countless people in her lifetime.”
In the same light as her mother, Maria has been working hard to continue where she left off. This means regularly volunteering her time, keeping involved with on-campus activities at Kean, maintaining a high GPA, and tackling any obstacles which may come her way. She selected a major in biology, with a focus on cellular and molecular, not only because of a general interest in the field, but also because it will open doors to entirely different ways of helping others.
While attending Kean University, Maria is exposed to countless opportunities in which to partake, including research initiatives, educational and civic-minded organizations and valuable internships – all of which have been guiding forces as she pushes on down the path towards success. For Maria, the degree she is working to obtain holds greater significance than indicating she has graduated – it means rebuilding the reputation surrounding her last name of Seidle and knowing her journey has helped create a new, positive story to circle the internet.