Melice

“The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and once for it unswervingly. That is dedication.”– Cecil B. DeMille. Attending college was once for me, a dream - something that would happen only by chance.  But today it is a reality and there is no doubt that I will accomplish all of my aspirations. As the youngest of three girls in a single-parent household, I felt every bit of the struggle my mother faced to send us to school while she always stressed the importance of education and encouraged us to do well. When I began high school, my mother moved to the United States with the hope of finding a better job to support us, leaving the rest of our family in the care of my 18-year old sister.

Knowing that the chances for my success were vastly limited given my family’s financial status, I worked hard to remain focused throughout high school and avoided the pressures of teenage life. I fostered close relationships with the teachers who recognized my potential. I realized very early what my goals were – to become a psychologist and create mentoring programs for underprivileged children.  I want to provide others with a positive role model, as I know first-hand how this resource can change a person’s life.  I never imagined that I would become a Fellow for NYNY, nor did I count on having such a strong network of support, and I am grateful each day to be a part of this remarkable opportunity.

Being an NYNY Fellow is one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had to date. Not only am I given the chance to network with people from a variety of industries, I bask in the company of accomplished individuals who are dedicated to helping me grow professionally with proper feedback and encouragement. Through this program, I was also able to witness firsthand how the actions of one can impact the lives of so many in a positive way. I am encouraged as my career moves forward that I, too, can have a positive influence on the lives of others. I take pride in being a fellow, and this program has set me on the path to success.