How did you hear about CNR?
I am from Binghamton, New York, and I heard about The College of New Rochelle from my guidance counselor at my high school, Seton Catholic Central.   He knew I was interested in studying nursing and suggested CNR because of its excellent program and because of the state scholarships offered for students. Growing up in a small town, I always dreamed of one day having the opportunity to live near a big city. Now, because of TAP, my dream has come true.

What other colleges did you consider and why did you pick CNR?
I considered attending Broome Community College for two years and then making the transfer, and also Binghamton University and Oneonta University.  I chose CNR because the campus was beautiful and I love the small class sizes. I was also attracted to the College because of its close proximity of New York City. And on top of that there is the fact that all incoming freshman in the School of Arts and Sciences and School of Nursing get a new laptop. However, the only problem was that my family could not afford the tuition.  My mother is a single mom and we did not have enough money to pay for a private college.  I applied to CNR despite the tuition cost in the hopes that something would come up to make this dream possible.  When I received my financial aid package, I was thrilled to find that enough of the tuition was being paid for through scholarships, grants and loans that I could afford to come to CNR.  Had it not been for TAP financial aid, I would definitely not be here at the College of New Rochelle.

Tell us about some of your favorite professors.
Some of my favorite professors include Dr. Lisa Paler, Assistant Professor of Psychology; Professor Christina Brewer, Instructor in Mathematics; and Dr. Rebecca LaFleur, Associate Professor of Psychology.  I currently have Dr. Paler for Psychology Colloquium and love that class. Dr. Paler puts everything into perspective and I am able to relate the subject matter to other topics. Professor Brewer was my math professor last semester and going to her class was great fun.  She taught in a way that was extremely easy to understand. I never had trouble, and if I or any other students were struggling with a problem, she always made time to meet with us outside of class. I always felt welcome in her office for any type of help I needed. Dr. LaFleur taught General Psychology.  General Psychology is an extremely difficult course, and Dr. LaFleur understood that and made sure her students understood everything before moving onto a new topic.

What clubs or organizations are you involved with as a student?
I have volunteered extensively through the Campus Ministry program, participated in the CNR Service Day by working with children at the Hale House in Harlem, and helped with the Midnight Run and the Lord’s Pantry to provide food for disadvantaged people.  I love volunteering because it allows to me help those less fortunate than myself while also helping me to appreciate how very lucky I am.

I have applied to be a Resident Assistant as well as a Student Orientation Staff member.  Hopefully next semester I'll be greeting CNR's incoming freshmen and helping all of our students adjust to dorm life at CNR!

Do you have a job on campus this year?
Yes, I have a work-study job, at the computer helpdesk. This is great fun because I get to help other students and in doing so, I learn a lot about computers.