This MONTH'S HIGHLIGHT

Khemani Gibson from Orange, New Jersey
Alumnus of Drew University (2014)
Current Occupation: PhD Student
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was accepted into Drew's EOS program upon applying to Drew and became involved that way.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
The six week summer program prepared me for the academic expectations on the collegiate level. Moreover, the workshops and networking events put on by the program exposed me the various professional opportunities available to me.
Share a memory of EOF.
One of my fondest memory was running to the EOS office immediately after receiving news that I got accepted to the history PhD program at NYU and being able to cry tears of joy with the staff there.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
Twannah Ellington was a major influence and mentor for me while at Drew. She would push me to be my best academically, professionally, and socially. She was always there as a shoulder to cry on and as someone who I could share a joke with.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
Trust the process. It may seem hard, especially during the summer, but the EOF program is designed to bring the best out of you.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I think my EOF experience at Drew was amazing from my relationship with my fellow EOF scholars to the staff. I wouldn't change anything.
Alumnus of Drew University (2014)
Current Occupation: PhD Student
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was accepted into Drew's EOS program upon applying to Drew and became involved that way.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
The six week summer program prepared me for the academic expectations on the collegiate level. Moreover, the workshops and networking events put on by the program exposed me the various professional opportunities available to me.
Share a memory of EOF.
One of my fondest memory was running to the EOS office immediately after receiving news that I got accepted to the history PhD program at NYU and being able to cry tears of joy with the staff there.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
Twannah Ellington was a major influence and mentor for me while at Drew. She would push me to be my best academically, professionally, and socially. She was always there as a shoulder to cry on and as someone who I could share a joke with.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
Trust the process. It may seem hard, especially during the summer, but the EOF program is designed to bring the best out of you.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I think my EOF experience at Drew was amazing from my relationship with my fellow EOF scholars to the staff. I wouldn't change anything.
An interview with Brenly Tolentino from Bayonne, New Jersey,
Alumnus of Hudson County Community College (2014)
Current Occupation: Real Estate Developer
Alumnus of Hudson County Community College (2014)
Current Occupation: Real Estate Developer

How did you get involved with EOF?
I got involved with EOF when an EOF staff member approached me as I was walking to my next class and told me about the program. She invited me to the EOF office and taught me who they are and what they do and I immediately joined.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
EOF has helped me grow academically. Their teachers were passionate about teaching and through their resources, it made my school education and materials affordable. EOF has also helped me professionally by allowing me to host workshops where I teach students' lessons on real estate development and how to create financial freedom through real estate investing.
Share a memory of EOF.
One memory of EOF that I'll never forget was when I first applied for the program, Ms. Rosie was always available to help out and made sure all my paper work was complete. She helped me understand whenever I felt confused and we called who ever we needed to call to make sure all the paper work went to the correct person. Her level of passion always fascinated me. She and I always had great and long conversations and I felt like we had a genuine connection.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
One of the people who made a pinnacle impact on me was Mr. Lowe. Mr. Lowe is a professor at HCCC and he is very studious. He continues to earn degrees on top of degrees only because he enjoys the art of learning. He is a humble, hard working family man and was available to help me out when I requested assistance of any kind. Mr. Lowe always opened doors for me, gave me advice, guided me in the right direction and supported me in anything that I did. I envision him as a mentor and I am grateful to have met him and I hope I can return the favor one day.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
One piece of advice that I would give to an incoming EOF college student is to take advantage of their amazing programs and to get involved as much as they can. Getting involved will open career opportunities in the future and lifelong relationships.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I could do it all over again I would've volunteered in more EOF programs and would've done more to help the organization grow. I believe EOF is an amazing opportunity and I would've loved to contribute to it's growth so that young students who are looking to learn can continue to have an affordable education.
I got involved with EOF when an EOF staff member approached me as I was walking to my next class and told me about the program. She invited me to the EOF office and taught me who they are and what they do and I immediately joined.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
EOF has helped me grow academically. Their teachers were passionate about teaching and through their resources, it made my school education and materials affordable. EOF has also helped me professionally by allowing me to host workshops where I teach students' lessons on real estate development and how to create financial freedom through real estate investing.
Share a memory of EOF.
One memory of EOF that I'll never forget was when I first applied for the program, Ms. Rosie was always available to help out and made sure all my paper work was complete. She helped me understand whenever I felt confused and we called who ever we needed to call to make sure all the paper work went to the correct person. Her level of passion always fascinated me. She and I always had great and long conversations and I felt like we had a genuine connection.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
One of the people who made a pinnacle impact on me was Mr. Lowe. Mr. Lowe is a professor at HCCC and he is very studious. He continues to earn degrees on top of degrees only because he enjoys the art of learning. He is a humble, hard working family man and was available to help me out when I requested assistance of any kind. Mr. Lowe always opened doors for me, gave me advice, guided me in the right direction and supported me in anything that I did. I envision him as a mentor and I am grateful to have met him and I hope I can return the favor one day.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
One piece of advice that I would give to an incoming EOF college student is to take advantage of their amazing programs and to get involved as much as they can. Getting involved will open career opportunities in the future and lifelong relationships.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I could do it all over again I would've volunteered in more EOF programs and would've done more to help the organization grow. I believe EOF is an amazing opportunity and I would've loved to contribute to it's growth so that young students who are looking to learn can continue to have an affordable education.
Previous HIGHLIGHTs

Deandrah Cameron from Trenton, New Jersey
Alumna of Rutgers University (2018)
Current Occupation: Post Graduation Student
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was an EOF Student and later became the EOF Student Organization president.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
I have academically benefited from the supplemental programs offered, both the Math Immersion Program and the Pre-legal program helped me in my undergraduate career. From general member to Treasurer and President of two years I have grown and developed professionally and made great connections with many influential people who have become role models.
Share a memory of EOF.
I remember differing my acceptance to Rutgers because of military training and while I was in training my counselor and I emailed back and forth to make sure everything was in place to start Rutgers. This was a foreshadowing of a support system that was to be unmatched.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
My counselor surprised me by showing up at my Seton Hall pre-legal graduation. But I should have known. This has been the kind of relationship between me and my counselor throughout my undergraduate career. Ms Simone Mack-Bright has always asked the questions people don't normally ask. My favorite is "how are you feeling?". She has provided me with a wealth of resources to get me ahead and catch up if I was falling behind. She remains the best testament that access without support is not opportunity.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
Be prepared for people to take a deep interest in your life, your growth and development in way that no one else has, and blossom.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Speak up sooner! My counselor always had the key to helping me out of my struggles. She always had an email, a number or an office I could visit etc. Sometimes I would forget that.
Alumna of Rutgers University (2018)
Current Occupation: Post Graduation Student
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was an EOF Student and later became the EOF Student Organization president.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
I have academically benefited from the supplemental programs offered, both the Math Immersion Program and the Pre-legal program helped me in my undergraduate career. From general member to Treasurer and President of two years I have grown and developed professionally and made great connections with many influential people who have become role models.
Share a memory of EOF.
I remember differing my acceptance to Rutgers because of military training and while I was in training my counselor and I emailed back and forth to make sure everything was in place to start Rutgers. This was a foreshadowing of a support system that was to be unmatched.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
My counselor surprised me by showing up at my Seton Hall pre-legal graduation. But I should have known. This has been the kind of relationship between me and my counselor throughout my undergraduate career. Ms Simone Mack-Bright has always asked the questions people don't normally ask. My favorite is "how are you feeling?". She has provided me with a wealth of resources to get me ahead and catch up if I was falling behind. She remains the best testament that access without support is not opportunity.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
Be prepared for people to take a deep interest in your life, your growth and development in way that no one else has, and blossom.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Speak up sooner! My counselor always had the key to helping me out of my struggles. She always had an email, a number or an office I could visit etc. Sometimes I would forget that.

Charles A. Brown from Newark, New Jersey
Alumnus of Raritan Valley Community College (2003) & Rutgers University (2005)
Current Occupation: Assistant Dean for Diversity Programs at Rutgers University
How did you get involved with EOF?
My Brother-in-law suggested I apply to the program for funding assistance when I pursuing higher ed.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
If not for EOF, I know for certain I wouldn't be where I am today. EOF literally changed the entire course of my life and ultimately the lives of generations to come. EOF gave me an opportunity to escape poverty by providing funding for my education. As an African American male in foster care and growing up in the heart of the inner city, the odds were stacked high against me but programs like EOF can be that glimmer of light and hope that many young people like my self search for. I'm forever grateful for this program and will continue to be an EOF ambassador! I'm positive proof of the power of this monumental program!
Share a memory of EOF.
I remember graduating from Arts High School in Newark NJ on a Thursday evening in late June of 2000. That following Monday I began making the transition from HS to college via EOF programming. I remember dedicating my entire summer to the program and as a result I fell in love with higher ed. and instantly knew that I wanted to dedicate my career and life to youth development and student services.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
At RVCC Maria Rodriguez was my EOF Counselor. She was so patient with this young kid from Newark who honestly lacked the social capital to stay afloat in a higher ed setting. Maria and her team helped to bring me up to speed and made me feel like I could compete.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
I would encourage incoming students to fully embrace all that the program has to offer. That transition from HS to college can be daunting and in my current role at RU, I see everyday how programs like EOF prepare students to tackle their education rather than drown in a sea of unpreparedness.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Growing up in Newark with the fear everyday that I would be shot down in the streets by some stray bullet, that I'd be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or that trouble would somehow find me and take my life, was at time torture. Without this program there would have been no escape for me. EOF provided an escape and that escape allowed me to transcend my socioeconomic status and even some cultural barriers. I would have never imagined my life being what it is not. I'm so grateful and because of this, even if I could, I wouldn't change a thing about my journey except work twice as hard.
Alumnus of Raritan Valley Community College (2003) & Rutgers University (2005)
Current Occupation: Assistant Dean for Diversity Programs at Rutgers University
How did you get involved with EOF?
My Brother-in-law suggested I apply to the program for funding assistance when I pursuing higher ed.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
If not for EOF, I know for certain I wouldn't be where I am today. EOF literally changed the entire course of my life and ultimately the lives of generations to come. EOF gave me an opportunity to escape poverty by providing funding for my education. As an African American male in foster care and growing up in the heart of the inner city, the odds were stacked high against me but programs like EOF can be that glimmer of light and hope that many young people like my self search for. I'm forever grateful for this program and will continue to be an EOF ambassador! I'm positive proof of the power of this monumental program!
Share a memory of EOF.
I remember graduating from Arts High School in Newark NJ on a Thursday evening in late June of 2000. That following Monday I began making the transition from HS to college via EOF programming. I remember dedicating my entire summer to the program and as a result I fell in love with higher ed. and instantly knew that I wanted to dedicate my career and life to youth development and student services.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
At RVCC Maria Rodriguez was my EOF Counselor. She was so patient with this young kid from Newark who honestly lacked the social capital to stay afloat in a higher ed setting. Maria and her team helped to bring me up to speed and made me feel like I could compete.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
I would encourage incoming students to fully embrace all that the program has to offer. That transition from HS to college can be daunting and in my current role at RU, I see everyday how programs like EOF prepare students to tackle their education rather than drown in a sea of unpreparedness.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Growing up in Newark with the fear everyday that I would be shot down in the streets by some stray bullet, that I'd be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or that trouble would somehow find me and take my life, was at time torture. Without this program there would have been no escape for me. EOF provided an escape and that escape allowed me to transcend my socioeconomic status and even some cultural barriers. I would have never imagined my life being what it is not. I'm so grateful and because of this, even if I could, I wouldn't change a thing about my journey except work twice as hard.

Enmanuel Mercedes from Caldwell, New Jersey,
Alumnus of Seton Hall University BA (2002) MA (2005) and PhD (2013)
Current Occupation: Psychologist
How did you get involved with EOF?
Thanks to the Upward Bound Program at Essex County College, which guided me through my college application process and informed me about EOF.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
It was my foundation, providing me access to financial, academic, and social resources to complete my first degree. Then, it provided me with the opportunity to be an EOF counselor and use my training and experience to help students who, like me, needed guidance. And finally, it has provided me with the network and social capital to expand my career as a clinician and a speaker. EOF has never left me stranded.
Share a memory of EOF.
There are so many, but one that sticks out. During my junior or senior year I had received an award for "Outstanding Improvement" but the day of the ceremony I did not show up. The EOF Program at Seton Hall had an award program that recognized their students' progress. It was a big event, and a big deal. It was held at the Marriott at the Newark Airport and everyone dressed up for the occasion. The students and their families attended and it brought great sense of pride for those receiving a recognition. When I received notice of the award, I accepted the invitation. However, the fact that it was an "improvement" award meant that I was not doing so well and lets just say I became embarrassed to receive the award! The day of the award ceremony, I decided to not attend. I simply talked myself out of going convince myself that it was not a big deal. I regretted it almost immediately. Long story short, the director of the program at the time, Dr. Carroll McMillan-Lonesome, called me afterwards and asked to meet with me. I was afraid of her reaction. I knew that I had cost the program money and also felt irresponsible for not attending after making a reservation for me and three guests! I though she was going to scold me. Yet, in true EOF fashion, she simply asked me what happened, and rather than make me feel ashamed for not keeping my word, she taught me a lesson about personal branding! As you see, EOF for me was not only about academics, but also about character building! I didn't realize it at that time, but Dr. McMillan-Lonesome saw something in me that wouldn't let her give up on me. Upon my graduation she offered me my first job, as an EOF counselor, and the rest is history!
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
There are too many people to be named, but I'll say this- There was not a single person in my EOF experience that did not contribute to my growth. And many of them continue to cheer me on 20 years after starting as an EOF journey.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
The greatest mistakes I made (and I made quite a few) happened when I struggled in an aspect of my life and I failed to seek help. I bought into the idea that if I asked for help or guidance, or simply made it clear that I did not know what to do, it meant that I was some how flawed. #internalizedoppression . And because I felt that I did not belong, I often hid my insecurities and struggles. It took me a long time to recognize that successful people ask for help, and do so often! Advise- Don't do it alone. Ask for guidance, even if you think you know.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
There is a lot that I would want to do differently: not take out as many school loans, invest on Facebook, back-up my computer hard-drive so I wouldn't lose three months of work, not work for abusive bosses, etc.- The list is eternal. But the truth is, today, I am able to help so many people in part because I am able to relate to their mistakes and teach them some of the lessons I have learned along the way. So, I wouldn't change a thing!
Alumnus of Seton Hall University BA (2002) MA (2005) and PhD (2013)
Current Occupation: Psychologist
How did you get involved with EOF?
Thanks to the Upward Bound Program at Essex County College, which guided me through my college application process and informed me about EOF.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
It was my foundation, providing me access to financial, academic, and social resources to complete my first degree. Then, it provided me with the opportunity to be an EOF counselor and use my training and experience to help students who, like me, needed guidance. And finally, it has provided me with the network and social capital to expand my career as a clinician and a speaker. EOF has never left me stranded.
Share a memory of EOF.
There are so many, but one that sticks out. During my junior or senior year I had received an award for "Outstanding Improvement" but the day of the ceremony I did not show up. The EOF Program at Seton Hall had an award program that recognized their students' progress. It was a big event, and a big deal. It was held at the Marriott at the Newark Airport and everyone dressed up for the occasion. The students and their families attended and it brought great sense of pride for those receiving a recognition. When I received notice of the award, I accepted the invitation. However, the fact that it was an "improvement" award meant that I was not doing so well and lets just say I became embarrassed to receive the award! The day of the award ceremony, I decided to not attend. I simply talked myself out of going convince myself that it was not a big deal. I regretted it almost immediately. Long story short, the director of the program at the time, Dr. Carroll McMillan-Lonesome, called me afterwards and asked to meet with me. I was afraid of her reaction. I knew that I had cost the program money and also felt irresponsible for not attending after making a reservation for me and three guests! I though she was going to scold me. Yet, in true EOF fashion, she simply asked me what happened, and rather than make me feel ashamed for not keeping my word, she taught me a lesson about personal branding! As you see, EOF for me was not only about academics, but also about character building! I didn't realize it at that time, but Dr. McMillan-Lonesome saw something in me that wouldn't let her give up on me. Upon my graduation she offered me my first job, as an EOF counselor, and the rest is history!
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
There are too many people to be named, but I'll say this- There was not a single person in my EOF experience that did not contribute to my growth. And many of them continue to cheer me on 20 years after starting as an EOF journey.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
The greatest mistakes I made (and I made quite a few) happened when I struggled in an aspect of my life and I failed to seek help. I bought into the idea that if I asked for help or guidance, or simply made it clear that I did not know what to do, it meant that I was some how flawed. #internalizedoppression . And because I felt that I did not belong, I often hid my insecurities and struggles. It took me a long time to recognize that successful people ask for help, and do so often! Advise- Don't do it alone. Ask for guidance, even if you think you know.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
There is a lot that I would want to do differently: not take out as many school loans, invest on Facebook, back-up my computer hard-drive so I wouldn't lose three months of work, not work for abusive bosses, etc.- The list is eternal. But the truth is, today, I am able to help so many people in part because I am able to relate to their mistakes and teach them some of the lessons I have learned along the way. So, I wouldn't change a thing!

Merylou Rodriguez from Elizabeth, New Jersey
Alumna of Rutgers University BA (2012), Ed. M (2007)
Current Occupation: Director, Scholarships, Housing & Student Engagement at Rutgers University DRC
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was involved with EOF as an undergraduate student at Rutgers University-NB at the School of Arts and Sciences. I participated in the Educational Opportunity Program Student Association as well as Chi Alpha Epsilon. I was able to contribute to advocacy efforts in Trenton sharing the impact the program has had on my academic success.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
EOF was imperative to my success as an undergraduate student. As a graduate of an urban school district, I didn’t feel prepared academically. As a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to attend a 4-year college, I lacked the social capital to understand what attending college entailed and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Starting with the summer institute, the impact of the program became evident. Living on campus and getting the hands-on support of my amazing counselor Dr. Robinson and the rest of the EOF staff from the very beginning helped me academically, socially and ultimately professionally. Navigating such a large campus where many people don’t look like you or have common upbringings, EOF always provided a home base. Through the workshops, personalized advising and other resources exclusively available to EOF students, I rose beyond my circumstances and made the most out of my collegiate experiences.
Share a memory of EOF.
A fond EOF memory that I can recall was during my fall semester of my first-year. I remember having friends from the summer institute live on the same floor as me in a particular living learning community. Those late night conversations about managing school, our family history, and just the personal challenges we all dealt with made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Being first-generation and first to attend college comes with a host of challenges, but at that moment in particular, it felt as if everything was going to work out because these people no matter how they would be active in my life where there at that moment.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
Someone who’s had an amazing impact on my educational experience is a professional staff member who worked at Rutgers while I was an undergraduate student. I’m one of MANY students that she’s impacted along the way but for me in particular, she exposed me to a role model I hadn’t previously had in my life. As a Dominican first-gen EOF student herself, she was paving the way for Latinas in higher education. I was very out of touch with finding the students of color on campus until I found a flyer for one of the initiatives this staff member led for women of color, and in that space I felt like I’d found out so much about myself because of her. I found strength in her confidence, I found inspiration in her overcoming her own challenges, and I found a mentor I could always go to for support and guidance. To this day, she continues to not only inspire me but other women that she’s interacted with her ambition, commitment to social justice and mentorship of other women of similar upbringings.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
I would tell them to be as intentional as possible in all that they do, academically, socially and professionally. You never know where you path may lead, what networks you’ll tap into for future opportunities and how today’s decisions will impact where you end up tomorrow. From the moment you enter the summer institute take every opportunity to learn about the resources afforded to you as an EOF student. Seek mentors for all different aspects of your life because these people will help offer perspective at the most difficult moments in your future. Obtaining and cultivating relationships with your peers now will also be helpful to your future. You will be undergraduate students together facing similar challenges. Supporting others will help build a network for you now that will help you throughout your time at Rutgers and hopefully beyond. And finally, I would say to find ways of giving back. For me, college access and equity has always been important. Because of programs like EOF I know I wouldn’t be who I am today. So even to this day I give back through my support of the Rutgers SAS Alumni Association as well as supporting the events of EOFSAA. Find a social issue that you’re passionate about and find time to be active in that cause. Even though as EOF students we’ve come from disadvantaged backgrounds we are still obtaining a higher education which is a privilege within itself. Remember to lift others as you climb.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
No I wouldn’t. As cliché as it may sound, I’ve learned my greatest lessons through the most trying times. Sometimes you don’t know how strong you are until you have to be. So whether you had a hard time in a class, or your dealing with issues with your family, finances, whatever the case may be, your circumstances are temporary. It WILL get better and all the hard work you’ve put into whatever you’ve set your mind to will pay off. My experiences have made me who I am and I wouldn’t change them for the world.
Alumna of Rutgers University BA (2012), Ed. M (2007)
Current Occupation: Director, Scholarships, Housing & Student Engagement at Rutgers University DRC
How did you get involved with EOF?
I was involved with EOF as an undergraduate student at Rutgers University-NB at the School of Arts and Sciences. I participated in the Educational Opportunity Program Student Association as well as Chi Alpha Epsilon. I was able to contribute to advocacy efforts in Trenton sharing the impact the program has had on my academic success.
How has EOF helped you grow academically and professionally?
EOF was imperative to my success as an undergraduate student. As a graduate of an urban school district, I didn’t feel prepared academically. As a first-generation college student and the first person in my family to attend a 4-year college, I lacked the social capital to understand what attending college entailed and had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Starting with the summer institute, the impact of the program became evident. Living on campus and getting the hands-on support of my amazing counselor Dr. Robinson and the rest of the EOF staff from the very beginning helped me academically, socially and ultimately professionally. Navigating such a large campus where many people don’t look like you or have common upbringings, EOF always provided a home base. Through the workshops, personalized advising and other resources exclusively available to EOF students, I rose beyond my circumstances and made the most out of my collegiate experiences.
Share a memory of EOF.
A fond EOF memory that I can recall was during my fall semester of my first-year. I remember having friends from the summer institute live on the same floor as me in a particular living learning community. Those late night conversations about managing school, our family history, and just the personal challenges we all dealt with made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Being first-generation and first to attend college comes with a host of challenges, but at that moment in particular, it felt as if everything was going to work out because these people no matter how they would be active in my life where there at that moment.
Can you talk about someone in EOF or your education experience who has had the most impact on you?
Someone who’s had an amazing impact on my educational experience is a professional staff member who worked at Rutgers while I was an undergraduate student. I’m one of MANY students that she’s impacted along the way but for me in particular, she exposed me to a role model I hadn’t previously had in my life. As a Dominican first-gen EOF student herself, she was paving the way for Latinas in higher education. I was very out of touch with finding the students of color on campus until I found a flyer for one of the initiatives this staff member led for women of color, and in that space I felt like I’d found out so much about myself because of her. I found strength in her confidence, I found inspiration in her overcoming her own challenges, and I found a mentor I could always go to for support and guidance. To this day, she continues to not only inspire me but other women that she’s interacted with her ambition, commitment to social justice and mentorship of other women of similar upbringings.
What advice would you give to an incoming EOF college student?
I would tell them to be as intentional as possible in all that they do, academically, socially and professionally. You never know where you path may lead, what networks you’ll tap into for future opportunities and how today’s decisions will impact where you end up tomorrow. From the moment you enter the summer institute take every opportunity to learn about the resources afforded to you as an EOF student. Seek mentors for all different aspects of your life because these people will help offer perspective at the most difficult moments in your future. Obtaining and cultivating relationships with your peers now will also be helpful to your future. You will be undergraduate students together facing similar challenges. Supporting others will help build a network for you now that will help you throughout your time at Rutgers and hopefully beyond. And finally, I would say to find ways of giving back. For me, college access and equity has always been important. Because of programs like EOF I know I wouldn’t be who I am today. So even to this day I give back through my support of the Rutgers SAS Alumni Association as well as supporting the events of EOFSAA. Find a social issue that you’re passionate about and find time to be active in that cause. Even though as EOF students we’ve come from disadvantaged backgrounds we are still obtaining a higher education which is a privilege within itself. Remember to lift others as you climb.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
No I wouldn’t. As cliché as it may sound, I’ve learned my greatest lessons through the most trying times. Sometimes you don’t know how strong you are until you have to be. So whether you had a hard time in a class, or your dealing with issues with your family, finances, whatever the case may be, your circumstances are temporary. It WILL get better and all the hard work you’ve put into whatever you’ve set your mind to will pay off. My experiences have made me who I am and I wouldn’t change them for the world.
Previous articles/posts
Get Your Mind Right - Tips & Tricks on Reducing Stress
By Sheena L. Davis, MSW, LCSW
National Mental Health Awareness Month
By Sheena L. Davis, MSW, LCSW
By Sheena L. Davis, MSW, LCSW
National Mental Health Awareness Month
By Sheena L. Davis, MSW, LCSW