Earning my degree in Business Administration with a minor in Healthcare Management represents much more to me than completing a college education. It represents perseverance, sacrifice, growth, and the fulfillment of a journey that began long before I entered Berkeley College.
My passion for healthcare and service began when I was 16 years old. From the ages of 16 to 18, I volunteered at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. That experience introduced me to the importance of healthcare and, more importantly, the importance of compassion, service, and being present for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. I did not know then exactly where my career would take me, but I knew that I wanted my work to have a meaningful impact on others. That early experience became the foundation for the professional path I continue to pursue today.
I currently serve as a Program Manager for LGBTQ Family Support Services at a nonprofit organization, where I oversee the overall productivity and implementation of a three-year grant serving more than 150 youth between the ages of 16 and 25. My role has allowed me to combine my passion for healthcare, community service, leadership, and advocacy. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with young people, connect them with resources, support their development, and help create opportunities that can positively influence their futures.
Throughout my professional journey, I have also been fortunate to take on leadership opportunities beyond my primary role. I currently serve as Chairperson of the NJPAC Advisory Council and as Co-Chair of Community Engagement for the Passaic NAACP Chapter. These experiences have challenged me to grow as a leader while strengthening my commitment to community engagement and advocacy. They have taught me that leadership is not simply about holding a title; it is about being willing to listen, take responsibility, build relationships, and use your position to create opportunities for others.
My journey has not been without challenges. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is how to balance my passion for helping others with the reality of limited resources. When you care deeply about the people you serve, it can be difficult to accept that you cannot always solve every problem or provide every resource someone needs. I have had to learn that doing the best I can with the resources available to me is sometimes enough. That realization has helped me understand that effective leadership is not about perfection. It is about showing up, remaining committed, and continuing to make a difference with what you have.
Education also carries a deeply personal meaning for me. Earning my degree represents the sacrifices made by my parents and my ancestors. It represents the hard work, compromises, and opportunities that made it possible for me to reach this point. When I walk across that stage and receive my degree, I will know that I am not standing there alone. I am carrying with me the sacrifices of those who came before me and the hopes they had for what future generations could accomplish.
For me, education is a form of validation. It validates the sacrifices that were made, the obstacles that were overcome, and the countless hours of hard work that went into reaching this moment. My degree will serve as a reminder that the sacrifices made on my behalf were not in vain.
Being inducted into the National Honor Society means so much to me because it represents another form of validation. It recognizes the hard work, dedication, and commitment I have demonstrated throughout my journey at Berkeley College. My college experience was not always easy. There were moments when balancing school, work, leadership, and personal responsibilities felt overwhelming. However, I continued to move forward.
Looking back, I can honestly say that although the journey was challenging, it was worth it.
This achievement reminds me that perseverance has a purpose. It reminds me that the moments when I questioned whether I could keep going ultimately helped shape the person I am today. Most importantly, it motivates me to continue pursuing opportunities that allow me to serve, lead, and create positive change.
As I look toward the future, I want to continue using my education and experiences to strengthen communities and create opportunities for others. I want the work I do to leave an impact that extends beyond me.
My journey began as a teenager volunteering at a hospital in Passaic. Today, I am completing my degree, serving my community, and stepping into leadership opportunities that allow me to influence the lives of others. I am proud of how far I have come, grateful for those who helped me along the way, and excited for what lies ahead.
This degree is not just the end of my college journey. It is the beginning of what I intend to do with everything I have learned.
