Student Q&A: Joseph Scangas ’26
JOSEPH SCANGAS ’26, an incoming senior majoring in exercise and health sciences at UMass Boston, recently had the opportunity of a lifetime: studying abroad in Italy during the spring semester. Originally from Millbury, MA, Scangas transferred to UMass Boston in search of new academic and personal experiences. We caught up with him following his return from a memorable visit.
Q: What made you choose to attend UMass Boston?
It wasn’t an easy decision, but after touring the campus and learning more about UMass Boston, I knew it was the place for me. I mean, what’s better than being 10 minutes from downtown Boston on a peninsula surrounded by water? Ultimately, I chose UMass Boston for its strong academics and affordability.
Q: How did UMass Boston play a role in where you are today?
UMass Boston challenged me to meet new people, explore opportunities, and get involved on campus. I began working part-time in the Alumni Engagement Office and as a research assistant in the Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Gaining confidence and feeling comfortable was what I needed to reach new horizons, and UMass Boston gave me that.
Q: You pursued the UMass Boston Study Abroad experience. Where did you go?
I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and I had the time of my life. Applying to the program was easy, and the Office of Global Programs provided orientation, answered all of my questions, and made the process seamless. They even helped me apply for a visa and renew my passport.
Q: What experiences did you look forward to while studying abroad?
Beyond the classroom, I was ecstatic about traveling across Europe. I visited World War II memorial sites, explored beautiful cities, and enjoyed incredible food. Immersing myself in different cultures had always been a dream of mine, and this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I crossed off major bucket list items at the age of 20, and I still can’t believe it.
Q: Would you recommend studying abroad to others?
Absolutely. Exploring a new continent—let alone another country—requires vulnerability, and with that, comes growth. I had to navigate time zones and language barriers while being totally independent. The unfamiliarity of everything made even simple tasks like grocery shopping seem daunting at first. Yet, with time, those challenges became opportunities for growth, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and develop my resilience more than ever before.
Q: Who at UMass Boston has had the most influence on your life?
My professors in the Exercise & Health Sciences Department, including Dean Bo Fernhall, Tracy Baynard, and Carlos Salas—as well as the PhD students I work under, João Marôco and Anton Pecha. In addition to my academics, my bosses, Steve Whittemore and Courtney Ready, have made my time at UMass Boston easier and challenged me to be better.
Q: What advice would you give a prospective student?
Consider what you want out of college. UMass Boston provides an inexpensive education that will provide great job opportunities and friends for life. I’ve been nothing but grateful for my time here and I could not have done it without my family and the undergraduate student services team who provided an easy transfer and all the resources I needed.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?
My time in college has been far from linear, but experiencing discomfort and new challenges makes you a stronger person. Being a part of the UMass Boston community has enriched me in so many diverse ways. Having phenomenal resources at my fingertips here at UMass Boston has truly furthered my passion and educational dreams. I am grateful every day that I transferred here.