Honors College Graduate & Dual Transfer Scholarship Winner, Carolina Mendoza When Carolina was accepted into the WCC Honors College, with her education paid for, she felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She could now focus purely on her studies. As an Honors College student, Carolina had access to exciting opportunities like a two-week study abroad program at Cambridge. During her time at SUNY WCC Carolina excelled and this year, not only was she awarded a PepsiCo S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship of up to $50,000 over two years but she was also one of only 60 community college graduates across the nation to win the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (JKCF). The highly selective JKCF scholarship is for the country’s top community college graduates and contributes as much as $55,000 per year for two to three years toward a bachelor’s degree at any accredited four-year undergraduate institution. The intention of both scholarship programs is for students to complete their undergraduate studies with as little debt as possible and both offer mentoring and other growth-promoting experiences, including access to large networks of past, welcoming scholarship winners. Carolina is currently studying architecture at Savannah College of Art & Design and hopes to attend graduate school to study sustainable architecture and eco-friendly practices for low-income neighborhoods. “We’ve all had exceptionally different journeys, yet we have all arrived here together. Be present in this moment and remember how you feel today.” Lotus Taylor Dr. Miles and Honors College Director Dr. Miroslawa Sakrejda gave Carolina the good news about her Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Award. “SUNY Westchester Community College provided opportunities and support that have transformed me into the person I am today. I will never forget this generosity.” Carolina Mendoza Lotus was accepted to several four-year colleges and attended one briefly. But she wasn’t quite ready, and overwhelmed by the experience, she left, returned home, and took a break to figure out what she wanted to do. Her mother was from Westchester and knew about SUNY WCC and she encouraged Lotus to consider SUNY WCC’s Honors College. Lotus applied, was accepted, and with her college expenses covered, she felt free to dedicate herself to the full college experience, and that she did! Lotus made the most of her time at SUNY WCC, including serving as Student Government Association President, leadership experience that will serve her well both personally and professionally. Lotus is off to study psychology at SUNY Binghamton. Honors College Graduate & Chancellor’s Student Excellence Winner Award, Lotus Taylor SUNY WESTCHESTER NEWS COMMENCEMENT 2024 For our full 2024 annual report with more student stories, visit www.sunywcc.edu/annual-report-2024 7
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