BA '08
I started at Long Island University, and I went to Birmingham Community College and realized I didn't want a two-year degree. I wanted to transfer that over and go somewhere to get my four-year degree. Then 9/11 hit, and I couldn't see myself going back to BMCC because it was so close to the site. I took a little bit of time off and I said, 'I want to go back to school. I want to concentrate on journalism, but I don't want to go far away.' I started at CCNY. We had our own little radio show, and it was amazing. Professor Angela Harden was one of the most amazing women on the radio station. The professors helped shape my communications career. I worked for three years at the Bronx District Attorney's Office. I worked in the press office for a few years. Now I work for the New York City Emergency Management Department. CCNY helped shape a large part of my adulthood. I remember the day I picked up my degree; I will never forget it. That was the day that President Obama was inaugurated. When I put my degree in my hand, it was such a momentous occasion. When I walked a couple of steps towards the building, I broke down crying because it took so much for me to get that piece of paper in my hand. In the process of my career, I'd lost my mom. I started a new job. I was a new mother, and it meant everything to get to show this to my daughter. I earned it while my father was still alive, so that meant the world to me. I've made lifelong friends that have helped me and still help me. I always go back to my time at CCNY and everything that I learned there. I use it in my life. I've used it to help shape my daughter. Harlem means something to me. My family was born and raised in Harlem. It had the biggest piece in my heart, and I was so proud to be part of the community.