Historical fiction fan, running enthusiast, National Merit Scholar, and Judy Genshaft
Honors College graduate Daelyn Quinn spent the past four years at the University of
South Florida excelling both academically and personally.
Quinn graduated in the spring of 2024 with a dual degree in cell and molecular biology
and world languages and cultures. She will now pursue a Doctorate of Naturopathic
Medicine at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Arizona.
During her time at USF, Quinn was initiated into , conducted research, and enjoyed the sunny Florida outdoors in her free time. In
a recent interview with The Honor Roll Podcast, Quinn attributed her academic success to the support she received from USF as a National Merit Scholar.
鈥淎s a National Merit Scholar, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have
more freedom in exploration without pressing financial constraints due to the generous
scholarship,鈥� said Quinn. 鈥淚 feel that I have had the privilege of focusing my efforts
on serving my community and uncovering my own interests and desired pathways.鈥�
The National Merit Student Journey
Quinn鈥檚 status as a National Merit Scholar is what brought her to USF. Originally
from Indiana, Quinn was impressed by the generous scholarship opportunities and additional
resources that USF offered her as a National Merit Scholar.
鈥淨uite frankly, it鈥檚 the reason I came here,鈥� explains Quinn. 鈥淚 applied and came
down to visit in January, and it ended up being a great fit.鈥�
Beyond scholarships and the beautiful campus, Quinn was also drawn to the experiential
learning and mentorship opportunities with USF鈥檚 Judy Genshaft Honors College.
鈥淚 knew that joining the Honors College would give me a more well-rounded experience
and closer connections with professors, which I definitely found to be true.鈥�
Quinn sees the Honors College as the perfect place for National Merit Scholars looking
to maximize the flexibility that the university's generous financial support provides.
鈥淭he greatest thing about being a National Merit Scholar is that it鈥檚 really a gift
of time and the ability to go through your journey without the financial pressure,鈥�
said Quinn. 鈥淚t鈥檚 given me the opportunity to do unpaid research and gain volunteer
experience.鈥�
鈥淚 feel so rewarded and like all of my hard work from high school has paid off and I can continue to build on that in different ways.鈥� 鈥� Daelyn Quinn
In addition to financial support, travel scholarships, and automatic admission into
the Honors College, National Merit Scholars gain access to national and international
award advising from the Office of National Scholars and a designated National Merit
Scholars Coordinator to support students through their USF journey.
鈥淲orking one-on-one with our advisor Audra Santerre has been one of the best experiences.
I can tell that she really cares about what I鈥檓 doing and what I鈥檓 interested in.鈥�
Looking forward, Quinn hopes to complete medical school and residency, then focus
on community health practices and the social determinants of health either through
clinical work or education.
Wherever her journey takes her, Quinn is grateful for her experiences at USF.
鈥淢y relationships with my professors and National Merit advisor in the Honors College
have been instrumental in my experience,鈥� said Quinn. 鈥淚 am incredibly grateful for
the investments that they have made in my journey through their encouragement, support,
and excitement as they鈥檝e watched me succeed and pursue my passions.鈥�