Shirley Belval
Heading to St. Joseph's college
I am a college freshman at St Joseph's college, going in with an intended major in Therapeutic Recreation. My favorite subjects are math and history. The appeal of math comes from the certainty in which you are given a problem and the difference between you getting the answer right is based on knowing the skill to answer it and how you attempt the question, in relation to the memorization of a fact. This might sound a bit contradictory to history, but I like history because I love learning about different cultures as well as my own history and how that impacts life today.
I LOVE Jesus. Faith has driven almost every decision that I've made in life and is the reason I am where I am today. In my free time, I enjoy watching YouTube, reading my Bible, and browsing Pinterest for fashion inspiration. I learned how to sew in the summer of 2019, so I am constantly looking for new projects to take on, to perfect my craft in sewing and tailoring clothes. I come from a lovely Haitian family, which means I am blessed enough to constantly eat Haitian food, which is one of the BEST cuisines out there.
Marsonise Fils
Heading to Marymount Manhattan Colleg
As a first-generation college student, I find it very difficult, especially living in a household where you have many responsibilities, to exhibit my full potential. The responsibilities sometimes supersede the academics; and, not having the resources to support my college pathway at home makes it even more burdensome. Nonetheless, my commitment and determination to succeed is where my motivation comes from. I love extracurricular activities because many of them focus on early college access. I have learned the importance of being a goal-oriented person and how to remain focus and attentive. I learned over the years that there is no such thing as perfection; you can only give life your best self. I am a lifelong learner and I enjoy learning new things. I love reading, listening to music, drawing, SFX makeup and being creative.
I look forward to attending Marymount Manhattan College in the fall where I will major in Psychology. My lifelong goal is to strive for financial freedom and build generational wealth which, in return, will help me to inspire others to live their blessed life.
Chidera Uwakwe
Heading to Hamilton College
Coming from a minority based school, I understand the struggle unrepresented students have in finding a voice and having access to certain things. Through my experience as a Youth Leader working with Make the Road NY (an organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and the transformation of systems and power structures impacting communities), I was able to communicate student concerns to school officials and advocate for greater equity among schools in terms of college access.
When it comes to educational opportunities, there aren't many resources available to students at my school. Students lack the knowledge needed in preparing themselves for post-secondary education and my school lacks resources to help with such, which is where I come in. I believe that everyone should have equal access to higher education and understand that their voice matters too. I help support them through the college application process and help them explore their options.
Cora Dubious
Heading to St Francis College
My name is Cora DuBois, and I am a graduate of the class of 2020. Throughout my high school career, I have managed to maintain an amazing average hence I am a representative of the National Honors Society. I have also met the certification requirement of Medical Assistant as well. As I get older, I would love to excel within the medical field on the road to my future career. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, traveling, reading and exploring new things. When I engage in these activities, it helps me stay at peace. As an upcoming college student, I can't wait to see how my new chapter unfolds. I know it will be special towards my upcoming path of success.