2021 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report

10 WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE 11 STATE OF THE COLLEGE 2021 HONORS STUDENT PROFILE I came to the U.S. as an exchange student for my sophomore year in high school. I loved this country so much that I decided to return to the U.S. for college. I took a job as an au pair with a family in Westchester to acquire personal inde- pendence and to observe a child’s development first-hand as a practical introduction in pursuit of my career goal in clinical child psychology. How- ever, since I was receiving no financial support frommy family, affording a university’s tuition was out of the question, so I looked at Westchester Community College. The international student advisor recommended I apply for the Honors Col- lege. I was so determined for this opportunity that I spent four months on my application. During my interview, Dr. Mira Sakrajda said she had never seen such a lengthy, thorough application. Once accepted to WCC, I could not have been supported any better. While I owe a special level of gratitude to Dr. Sakrajda and Tiago Macha- do, I cannot thank enough all the people at the college that were so generous with their time and thoughtfulness. I called the Helpdesk many times, and I decided to pay it forward by working there answering the same questions I asked when I first started. I also serve as a new student orientation leader, mentoring students over Zoom and advis- ing them to take advantage of the many resources WCC offers. I remind them that everyone at the college is here to help them. As I near graduation, my eyes are fixed on my goal of becoming a child psychiatrist and helping chil- dren who have been mistreated or suffered other forms of trauma. WCC has nurtured a growth mindset in me that has led me to apply to the Ivy League schools, as well as several excellent local ones. Wherever I continue my academic journey, I will always remember the important role WCC played, in developing my educational foundation as well as becoming my ‘community’ so far from my native land.” “ “Without the support and the commitment of my advisors and faculty to my growth, both academic and personal, I could not have made it as far as I have.” BIANCA BRAUN Bianca Braun Honors College OPPORTUNITY STUDENT PROFILE W hen I graduated from Lincoln High School in Yonkers, I was not particu- larly interested in going to college, but I looked into it because I thought it would be beneficial. I originally wanted to go to Mercy College, but the cost was too high so I looked at Westchester Community College. When I attend- ed the orientation I really liked the enthusiasm of the faculty and others. My first semester was difficult for me, and my GPA showed that. I joined the Black and Hispanic Male Initiative, where I met Professor Simmons. He made sure I received the help I needed, including the proper academic counseling and guidance. He referred me to the right people for whatever issues I had – financial aid, academic help and so on. This past year was difficult because of the pan- demic. The change in the remote learning was a challenge and an adjustment but WCC was there for me, especially in providing me with much needed financial assistance. With one semester left, my GPA is now up to 2.8. When I first got here I didn’t care about my grades, but now I get upset if I don’t get an A. I am hoping to get my bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems.” “ Daniel Verlus Black and Hispanic Male Initiative “I lacked confidence in my academic ability, especially during my first semester. But being a part of BHMI provided the boost I needed and made me more sure of myself, more motivated and more committed to my academics.” DANIEL VERLUS