Being a student at ASA College, I am sure just like most of you, I struggled. It was very hard for me as I had a full time job and was enrolled as a full time student. The commute from home was over 2 hours away every day.  I had limited time to do assignments, I had sleepless nights worrying about exams and my responsibilities to my family. It was very tiring and tough to continue my education. However, I was determined to reach my personal goal. I tried hard to manage my time with school, family, and participating in school activities. Regardless, I became the President of Peers for Career Club and at the same time, I was a Federal Work Study Employee for Computer Division. Honestly, I can say all these struggles paid off in the end when I received the great news that I was going to graduate. It was a great feeling, not only for me, but for my entire family. Soon after I graduated in June 2014, ASA Career services helped me in my job search; They prepared me for job interviews, and gave me the tools to succeed.  Thanks to Career Services, on July 2014, I was gainfully employed as a Computer Programmer. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in CUNY/CITY TECH in 2017.

During our journey, ASA Career services helped us in an efficient manner; not only training us for actual job interviews but also giving us the needed tools to succeed.  Career Services helped each of us to find gainful employment upon graduation, and we are proud to report we are still employed in these organization. Miriam works for an insurance company in Madison Avenue as an Underwriting Assistant, David works for a private bank in Wall Street as a Financial Analyst, and I work for a real commercial estate company near the Empire State Building as an Accounts Receivable Representative. ASA College contacts us from time to time to make sure things are going great. We genuinely appreciate that because it shows that ASA cares about their students on their path to graduation and beyond!

During my first few semesters, it was extremely challenging.  Having a wife, three kids, working as a Federal Work Study for New York Blood Center, and having a full class load was quite overwhelming. The adjustment did not come easy, and I struggled for the first two semesters. On the succeeding semesters, I received more help and support from my professors and classmates, THIS motivated me to continue.  The encouragement I received from my ASA family motivated me to push forward especially during the time I had a hip replacement surgery. Regardless of the obstacles, I struggled hard and graduated on the honor roll!  Upon graduation from the college, I became an active member of the Alumni Association.  I did this because I believe in giving back to the community, to the students and to the College.

I graduated from ASA with a 4.0 GPA and continued to find new opportunities to learn and grow, by pursuing my Bachelors’ and then my Master’s degree. I eventually went on to pursue my non- profit leadership certificate at Fordham University, and started my non- profit organization for autism awareness in honor of my autistic son. I am now an active Alumni Board member here at ASA College, and a proud ASA Faculty, where I am able to give my students the same determination and hope given to me. It is not easy thing to hold on to hope. That is why president Obama said “the audacity of hope” it requires you to bold and take risk even when you can’t see. I tell my students during our introductions, at the start of the semester that “I am you and you are me” so my outcome will be your outcome, and I dare them to believe me.

The great teachers at ASA saw possibilities and in doing so provided the foundation that I so desperately needed. Their support boosted my confidence to reject the limitations others wanted to impose on me. I want to say, “Your work was not in vain” Albert Pike once said, “What we do for ourselves, dies with us; what we do for others remain and is immortal.” My successes –one of which is my employment as a social worker- a field I am most passionate –are also your successes. As I continue to overcome challenges and to empower others, I would like to also say to the graduating class of 2015, family and friends, greatness is within all of us, because we individually and collectively have the power to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Thank you and congratulation class 2015.