Deborah A. Frink-Shabazz

During the years that I attended the City College Of New York, I lived in Harlem right on 135th Street in Broadway. I was a mother and wife, my husband and I were raising four children. For my family, I needed to be close to home. CCNY was it. CCNY had an excellent reputation in academics and curriculum. I loved everything about CCNY, the faculty, staff, students, and the college community. CCNY was very diverse and I loved that. CCNY had people from all over the world, and that was very impressive to me. I loved the campus and the ambiance of the community where it was located. Everything that I needed was there, student and financial support, counseling, and tutoring. There were professors there by the name of Dr. John Gillespie, who was my English and writing teacher; Dr. Leonard Jefferies and Dr. James Smalls, Black history professors; Dr. Carole Berotte Joseph, Education Department advisor; and Dr. Jason Finkelstein, advisor for the CCNY Mentoring Program for students. These professors and advisors left an special impression in my heart. They were inspiring, nurturing, and understanding. I majored in education. I did very well in that department and I excelled in my studies. I graduated cum laude in May 1992. I was accepted into Teachers College, Columbia University for my first graduate degree in September 1992. CCNY prepared me very well for my future endeavors. After graduating from CCNY I taught the GED program for three years at CCNY. I was blessed to gain a teaching position at a public school right in the Harlem community. I taught there for 23 years and loved it. The things that I learned and experienced at CCNY had a great influence and impact on my teaching career. I do not regret a day going to CCNY. If I had to do all again, I would. CCNY was perfect for me. I will never forget CCNY. It was an exciting and wonderful place to be.