Jillian Sirkis is a freshman science major at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. She has always been interested in viruses and chromosomal disorders, and intends to major in Biology. Influenced by her father Daniel, a Hydrogeologist in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jillian knows how important public service is, and would like to have a career where her work makes a positive difference to my community or country. She understands that a high percentage of Federal employees are nearing retirement age, and is considering working for an agency like the Centers for Disease Control in the viral research or public education areas.

Jillian participates in varsity swimming and Special Olympics, which has enhanced her ability to work hard at everything I do. “Swimming has taught me to never give up on my goals and dreams, no matter how difficult it might be to achieve.” Jillian lifeguards during the summer, and is always a fan of the underdog in sports, academics, or any other aspect of life. “The underdog has the most room for improvement and has to work the hardest to move ahead of the crowd.”