Where are you from, Natasha?
I'm from Guyana, a very small country in South America that is sandwiched between Suriname and Venezuela.

Did you go to high school in the United States?
Yes, I attended Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx.

How did you hear about The College of New Rochelle?
I guess the first time I heard about the college was when I was studying at the Helene Fuld School of Nursing. I was thinking then of getting my bachelors degree and CNR was mentioned to me as a good college.

Besides The College of New Rochelle, what other schools did you consider attending?
It came down to The College of New Rochelle and Columbia University. I decided on CNR.

Why did you pick The College of New Rochelle over Columbia University?
Well, I guess it was because when I had my first meeting with Dr. Jane Slagle, the program coordinator at the School of Nursing, she just convinced me to attend CNR. She made the registration process very easy and inviting and after meeting her, I knew I would be happy at this college.

What are you studying in the School of Nursing?
Since I am a registered nurse, I am working on my bachelors degree. This is my last semester. I will graduate from CNR this coming May.

Who have been some of your favorite teachers in the School of Nursing?
I have had some amazing teachers. A few of my favorite professors are Marie Serina, Director of Health Services; Dr. Marie Santiago, an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing; and Dr. Joan Arnold of the School of Nursing. They are all wonderful and supportive women who care so much about all of us, not only as students but as human beings.

Besides your classes, what other activities have you been involved with at CNR?
I have been fortunate enough to participate in two Intersession service projects at the Ursuline border missions in Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico. These Plunges, as they are called, are arranged by the College’s Campus Ministry and for me they have been wonderful opportunities to service others. These have been truly rewarding experiences, not only for me, but for all of us lucky enough to go on the service trips.

Are you working now, Natasha, while attending college?
Yes, I work full time in Columbia Presbyterian Emergency Department in New York City. It’s a busy time for me.

Looking back at your college career, Natasha, what has been the best thing that you have done as a student?
I have had some great times here over the last few years, but I guess I would have to say it was participating in the two Plunges in Texas and Mexico. On those trips, I was able to represent The College of New Rochelle as a nurse and as a student by doing health teaching in these two poor communities.

Where do you live?
I live in Rockland County and I commute into New York City everyday to work, and, of course, I come here to New Rochelle for my college classes. It’s a busy time in my life, but it’s worth all the effort and sacrifices I have to make because this May I’ll graduate with my degree, and that is something no one can take away from me. The College of New Rochelle has helped me prove that I can do more with my life than just have a job, and I am very grateful to all the professors in the School of Nursing for giving me the opportunity to make a success of my life. It has been a amazing period of my life. I will miss The College of New Rochelle; it has been like a second home for me.