Diane Northern

I graduated in the top ten of my high school class, and my parents couldn't afford to send me to college. While searching for employment, I met a job counselor. She looked at my grades and said, 'Why are you not in school with grades like this? I can get you in a program. Would you consider going to school?' I said, 'Yes.' She put in an application for me at CCNY. My grades demonstrated my ability to excel, so I was accepted into the SEEK program. I got into college through that program. I ended up becoming an English major and getting a BA in English. After graduating, I became a human resource assistant at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Years later, I became an English and music teacher in the New York City Public Schools. I relocated to Virginia and worked as a curriculum specialist in middle school, an assistant principal, a principal of two elementary schools, and an adjunct instructor for English at the college level. I was a compliance specialist for my entire K-12 school division. I now work as a retired educational contractor and consultant for the Virginia State Department of Education and Cognia/AdvancED, recommending accreditation status for schools. After graduating from CCNY, I continued to study music at Carnegie Hall and pursued my career as a professional gospel singer under the mentorship of Dr. Chauncey Scott Northern and Dr. Jennifer McCarroll Johnson. God blessed me to achieve in this career path and to earn the degree I acquired at CCNY, which contributed to my professional accomplishments. CCNY served as a great foundation in my pursuit to excel because I have taught both English and music in every realm of education, from elementary to middle school, high school to college. I have always appreciated CCNY giving me a well-rounded educational platform that led to opening windows of great opportunities. I will always be grateful and thankful for the experiences afforded to me via CCNY.