Karen

As a student at Fordham University, I feel like this institution has enabled me to explore the dual aspects of my personality. Fordham is based on the Jesuit tradition of homines pro aliis- “men and women for others.” In other words, Fordham emphasizes serving and helping those who do not have sufficient resources or opportunities. Besides supplementing coursework with service learning programs, Fordham equally supports the arts, allowing me to devote my time between the things I am most passionate about: math, psychology, soccer, and the guitar. It was for this reason that I chose to attend this school. 

I am double-majoring in mathematics and psychology. My interest in astronomy and the origin of the universe as a young girl has directed me to the study of math, because this is the one subject that definitely exercises logic and provides precise answers. On the other hand, I gravitated toward psychology because I felt it would better enable me to help and understand others.
I will continue my success because going to college is not the end of my hard work, but the beginning of my flourishing future. Because of my powerful learning interest, I hope to gain entrance into a noted graduate school in order to obtain a Phd in mathematics or in some field of psychology. If I earn a Phd in mathematics, I hope to work for the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). However, if I earn a Phd in psychology, I intend to become a counseling psychologist. In achieving either of these career options, I would be able to help others in some way. For instance, if there is a breakthrough in mathematics, it will help students and teachers alike, possibly even altering the educational system on a global scale, as new information is discovered. If I pursue my counseling psychologist dream, it would directly involve people because I can help people find their strengths and overcome their personal difficulties.

Although this is a long road, the New York Needs You fellowship will help me grow and gain several insights about myself and others. "Who am I and what do I want to do in life?" is a question that many people are still trying to figure out, myself included. The process for this varies from one person to another, and I believe that the NYNY fellowship is a great start. From this fellowship, I hope to gain a strong networking opportunity. Although I seem to have specific areas in which I am interested, I am open-minded about meeting new people, such as mentor coaches, and learning about their different career paths, which may ultimately affect my own professional endeavors. I also hope to gain knowledge and advice from my Mentor Coach and then expand this knowledge to others. My wish is to one day, maybe even now, be able to positively influence others as I know my mentor-coach will influence me. I know I will acquire meaningful skills and learn valuable life lessons during my two years as a participant in this fellowship. I am an NYNY fellow because I am ambitious and the fellowship will help me connect this ambition to opportunities that are not really available to me because of my financial status, race, and ethnicity. I am utterly grateful and honored to be in this program as I know others are.