Lissette

As a Latina who migrated to the United States in quest of a better future, I have never forgotten the many struggles that my mom has dealt with in order to propel me to a place where I can truly achieve my dreams. I grew up in a low-socio-economic neighborhood in the Dominican Republic. Despite my surroundings, my desire to become a better individual was more powerful than anything. These qualities combined with my parent’s determination to provide their children with an education served as my motivation. 

 A product of my strong passion for education was being awarded a merit scholar from the ambassador of the Dominican Republic in New York City while attending to High School. From this accomplishment I learned that if I want to be successful I must keep working hard and focus on my studies in order to accomplish goals. Throughout my matriculation in the school of Public Administration at Medgar Evers College, I have served as the recording secretary of the Medgar Evers College Society of Public Administrators (MECSPA) as well as the pre-law society at Medgar Evers College.  I have also actively been engaged in registering individuals to exercise their fundamental right to vote. I take pride in this attending an institution named after the civil rights leader slain for his work fighting intolerance and bigotry of young people to vote.

While living in the South Bronx I have observed that the world is hungry for change, the American people are hungry for change, and my neighborhood in the South Bronx is particularly hungry for change. The South Bronx is in need of more effective policies to set a foundation in for economic and educational growth can take root. For example, it is plagued by a high crime and poverty rate. My plight is so intertwined with the people of the South Bronx that I have decided to major in Public Administration with a concentration in public policy.Upon graduation I will attend to law school being able to attend to law school will provide me with the necessary knowledge and credential to serve the larger community through the development of public policy to reflect peoples’ needs and most importantly create policies that help to shape a more sustainable economy and environment for my community.Attending the New York Needs You fellowship program is an important step in this quest for positive change in the world and in my personal development to address the pressing problems in my community. I am particularly motivated to improve my leadership and communication skills to compliment my community sensitivity and cultural experience to make more informed decisions as an effective public steward.