Jennifer

On November 28, 1991, a 26-year-old woman gave birth to her third child whom she named Jennifer. Amidst the joy and excitement that filled the room, the woman sat there concerned about the journey that awaited her - will her child be successful or a failure? Will her child be a leader or a follower? Despite her concerns she raised Jennifer in the Bronx for 19-years. Through her African disciplinary views, the woman molded the child into a selfless, hardworking and determined college-educated individual. Because of her efforts that child will become a successful entrepreneur and speech pathologist. That child is me and it is because of the guidance of my mother, family and friends that I am who I am today.

When I was a freshman in high school, two of my friends committed suicide to relieve the pain that was brought on by their personal issues. Their deaths made a profound impact on my life. It was their inability to communicate their feelings that made it unbearable for them to live. Witnessing the importance of communication on the life of an individual, I have decided to pursue a career in speech pathology as a means if allowing people, who otherwise cannot respond to the general public because of hearing and/or verbal disabilities, the chance to do so. As a result, I went to Bronx Community College to enhance my educational knowledge and pursue a speech pathology associates in arts degree. My college experience has made me  become a more independent, honest and knowledgeable individual. 

I hope to graduate from BCC in 2012, then transfer to Lehman College to obtain a Master of Speech Language Pathology (MSLP) degree. Acquiring an MSLP degree will not be an easy task, but I am prepared for the challenge. As an NYNY Fellow, I will be able to obtain the type of resources that I need to become successful. Being apart of this program can help me expand my horizons and be my guide toward the industry I choose. NYNY will help me reach my fullest potential.