STUDENT VOICES
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Meet E.J. Lee of LaGuardia Community College
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Meet Luis Fuentes of Bronx Community College
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Meet Nathaniel Wheeler of Borough of Manhattan Community College
STUDENT SNAPSHOTS
NAADYA ABDOULAYE, Hostos '09
Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Future plan: To study International Affairs at a 4 year college, then to pursue a career with the U.N.
What impact has ASAP had on your education?
ASAP gave me the opportunity to pursue my education full-time. I was scared, because I also work full time. I thought when I started that it was not going to be easy and that I might drop out and not make it, but ASAP gave me a chance to prove myself. ASAP staff and advisors are there for me when I feel stressed, and knowing that people are there to guide and help me makes me glad. I am glad to have taken this chance. Thanks to ASAP, my dreams are coming to pass.
What is the ASAP student community like?
I am 30 years old and from Togo (West Africa). I came to the USA in October 2003. When I first came into the program, being the only African I thought that there might be some discrimination. Not at all; I get along with everybody. We have known each other since the summer program and we are there for each other. I go to them when I have a problem in a subject, just as one of them comes to me when they need help.
Who inspires you?
My mother inspires me a lot. She had me at 18 and after that she struggled to go back to school and succeeded. She always tells me: "Do not let anyone tell you that you can't do it. All you have to do is believe in yourself. Go for your dreams. It is never too late to achieve."
SHYANNE CARPENTER, Hostos '09 Major: Teacher Education
Future plan: To teach math in the NYC school system.
ASAP has affected me in more ways than I thought it would. They have kept me motivated and on track. I used to feel like my education meant nothing to anyone but me. Now, that is not the case; no matter what I need, there is someone-a tutor, academic advisor, career services-to help me out. The ASAP staff is like a second family to me. I'm more than ‘one of their students.' They care for me as a person.
Who inspires you?
My daughter, Shania, inspires me. She makes me want more in life. My mom also inspires me. Even though she never graduated from high school, she never gave up; she got her GED and attended college while raising four children alone.
What are your future career plans?
I plan to teach elementary school or intermediate school math in the New York City public school system. I would like to come back to teach in the communities where I went to school to be a role model for the children.
IVAN MARTINEZ, Bronx '10
Major: Radiologic Technology
Future plan: To become an MRI technician and earn a Bachelors degree in Radiologic science.
Why did you join ASAP?
I was born in the Dominican Republic and have lived in the USA since November 2005. As all new beginnings, a new life in the United States seemed to be very difficult and challenging for me, an immigrant student who did not speak English at all. I have always had clear educational goals in my life. So I decided to attend a GED program in a local high school and take English classes at the same time. It was very challenging, even frustrating at times, that all my classmates were English proficient and I was struggling to understand their words. However, my desire for learning was stronger than all barriers, and I got my GED diploma a few months after I enrolled in the program.
Since I was a high school student in my native Dominican Republic, I felt passion for helping sick people because my mother has Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks body's cells and tissue. For this reason, I decided to apply for admission at Bronx Community College in order to get my associate's degree in radiologic technology. Knowing that most students take around 5 years to complete their associate's degree, I enrolled in the ASAP program that is helping me to graduate by the year 2010. This fall 2008 is my fourth semester at BCC, and my second semester as part of the ASAP radiologic technology program. Being part of ASAP is a privilege for me.
How do you stay motivated?
I attend college as a full-time student, and I also have a part-time job which helps me to support my mother back home. It is not easy to manage my time between work and study, but I try to do my best. It is very important for me to be aware of what my goals are as a student. Sometimes I feel like giving up and I find myself complaining about how difficult it is to work and attend college at the same time. However, I realize that I am investing in my future, and that I have to keep fighting until I see my dreams come true.
What are your future plans?
I want to become an MRI technician and get a BA in Radiologic Science. This will enable me to help health care professionals diagnose and treat sick people, which has always been my passion and primary goal in life.
