Meet Detroit Mercy’s freshmen Class of 2028
Fall is in full swing and there are lots of new faces at University of Detroit Mercy, which welcomed in its largest first-year class in more than 30 years. Marketing & Communications student intern James Whitener asked several Titan freshmen how their experience has been thus far.
Here’s what they had to say:
Mya Mascaro
High school: Holy Names Catholic High School
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Detroit Mercy?
I chose Detroit Mercy because of its great academic reputation, smaller class sizes, it’s close to home and allows me to play soccer at the collegiate level.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
Titan Field.
Who inspires you?
My grandparents inspire me the most. They both moved to a new country to start a new life. They worked very hard to succeed and provide for their children to allow them the best lives possible. They were always very supportive of my parents’ career pathways and pushed them to work hard to achieve success. They encourage me to do the same and have always been very supportive of me.
What are some of your goals and how might Detroit help make them happen?
Some of my goals are to do well in my program so that I can get into a post-graduate physical therapy program. Detroit Mercy can help me make this happen because it has smaller class sizes that help students interact more with their professors. It offers a learning environment that supports student learning.
How did you choose your major?
I picked my major because I saw myself working in the medical field. Throughout my soccer career I have personally benefited from physiotherapy, and I want to be a part of other people's recovery.
What are you excited about experiencing during your time at Detroit Mercy?
I am excited to experience the life of a student-athlete. I look forward to learning more about my program and seeing where it leads me. I am also excited about playing for the soccer team and building new friendships.
What's one interesting fact about you that people may not know?
I know how to knit.
Sophia A. Báez Feliciano
High school: Eugenio Guerra Cruz- Especializada en Deportes
Hometown: Salinas, Puerto Rico
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
Why did you choose Detroit Mercy?
I chose this University because I liked the fact that it is Catholic, has many facilities, everything is very accessible and has a Division I fencing team.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Fisher Fountain and seating on one of the benches around it.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by Manon Apithy-Brunet; she is the sporty one since she is a fencer. Academically I am inspired by Elle Woods, who is a movie character.
What are some of your goals and how might Detroit Mercy help make them happen?
Some of my goals are to complete my degree in Biology and enter medical school. Detroit Mercy, I think can help me through professors, their teachings and in the future with letters of recommendation for medical school.
How did you choose your major?
I chose my major because in the future I want to be a surgeon.
What are you excited about experiencing during your time at Detroit Mercy?
I’m excited to experience interactions with new people, professors and workouts.
What's one interesting fact about you that people may want to know?
I think a fact that people may be interested in is that in my free time I try to learn other languages.
Nick Yaquinto
High school: Northville
Hometown: Northville, Mich.
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Detroit Mercy?
Who would want to go anywhere else?
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
Calihan Hall.
Who inspires you?
Both of my parents inspire me since they've been working so hard their whole lives to provide for my sister and I. I admire their commitment and dedication they put into everything they do.
What are some of your goals and how might Detroit Mercy help make them happen?
My current goals are to become a dentist and win a Horizon League championship in cross country and track. Detroit Mercy is providing me with an opportunity to reach both these goals by providing me with a world class education and dental school along with a great group of guys on the cross country and track teams.
How did you choose your major?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field, since my mom is a nurse. I also loved learning about business through my dad and I wanted something that offered me both. When I shadowed my dentist, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I'll be able to help make others literally smile by doing something I love, while also having the business side of things by opening my own practice.
What are you excited about experiencing during your time at Detroit Mercy?
I've already met so many amazing people and I'm excited to continue meeting so many more. The community is super close, and that's something that excites me because when we come together, great things will happen.
What's one interesting fact about you that people may want to know?
I love watching college football.
Batoul Mortada
High school: Fremont High School
Hometown: Sunnyvale, California
Major: Biology, 7-year Dental program
Why did you choose Detroit Mercy?
I chose Detroit Mercy because I was looking for a school that offered small class sizes, a supportive and accelerated dental program, dedicated professors who truly care about their students and a welcoming environment where I could create lasting memories. Detroit Mercy checked all those boxes for me.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus has to be the Shiple Hall basement. It's a blast to hang out there with friends—whether we're watching TV, relaxing on the cozy couches, playing pool and air hockey, or even playing board games. It’s also where I met many of the friends I have today.
Who inspires you?
My mom is my true inspiration. She has accomplished so much in her life, whether it was working as an organometallic chemist long ago or dedicating herself to guiding and supporting our family with the same passion and intellect. Her ability to balance so many roles with grace inspires me every day. She is so humble and kind and is who I hope to be when I'm older.
What are some of your goals and how might Detroit Mercy help make them happen?
My ultimate goal is to become a dentist, which is a passion that has driven me since my freshman year of high school. Detroit Mercy's 7-year Dental program not only allows me to achieve this goal a year earlier than the traditional route, but also provides me with free DAT prep, research opportunities and dedicated advisors who guide me through the dental school application process while helping me build a strong resume. Additionally, my passion for leadership and peer support aligns perfectly with Detroit Mercy’s Student Government Association and the leadership minor available. Achieving my goals feels much more attainable now, knowing I have the resources and support to succeed.
How did you choose your major?
I chose Biology as my major because I am on the Pre-Dental track, so it allows me to build a strong foundation in the sciences, deepen my understanding of the human body and prepare for the rigorous coursework in dental school.
What are you excited about experiencing during your time at Detroit Mercy?
I’m really excited about the activities the school has planned for us. I’ve already attended Titan Fest, the annual midnight bike ride and several other events, and they were all fantastic. I can’t wait to participate in even more of these events and fully immerse myself in the school spirit while connecting with the rest of the student body.
What's one interesting fact about you that people may want to know?
An interesting fact about me is that I was born and raised in California. This is my first year in Michigan, so I’m a bit nervous about facing the winter weather ahead.
Abby Klaft
High school: Eisenhower High School
Hometown: Shelby Township, Mich.
Major: Chemistry (Pre-Dental)
Why did you choose Detroit Mercy?
I chose Detroit Mercy because I liked the academics and the focus on school more than anything. When choosing a school, I wanted small class sizes and personal connections with my professors.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus would probably be the basement in Shiple, because I spend a lot of time in study rooms, and I enjoy working out my schoolwork on the whiteboards. In addition, I study with my teammates a lot and have bonded with them more.
Who inspires you?
I would say my mom inspires me most because of how hardworking she is. My mom pushes me to be the best I can, and I see myself through her.
What are some of your goals and how might Detroit Mercy help make them happen?
My goal is to get a good education that will provide me as many opportunities as possible in the workforce.
How did you choose your major?
I shadowed a few dentists, and I really enjoyed watching how intricate the work is. I also find myself as someone who’s active and can’t sit at a desk.
What are you excited about experiencing during your time at Detroit Mercy?
I’m excited to experience playing college sports and to get an education while hanging out with some of my best friends.