Nico

I grew up in Spring Valley, New York, a neighborhood considered by many to be home to the uneducated, poverty-stricken, and unsuccessful. Even so, I am proud to have grown up in a place that is considered a “bad neighborhood” because it has taught me that through perseverance I can amount to anything I set my mind to and not become just another statistic. I am the son of two immigrant parents. My mother emigrated from Argentina to break free from the chain of poverty, seeking a better life in the United States. My father was forced to flee El Salvador, which was engulfed in civil war, abandoning his dream to obtain his college education. My parents met in New York and decided to start a family in the United States, where their children could build a better future, a future that could not exist in El Salvador or Argentina. Although I did not encounter the same struggle, I remember their courage and it has inspired me to be courageous in my own endeavors just as they were. I owe much to my parents, for they have taught me how to be strong even in the toughest situation, and how to never give up. Their support has been invaluable in my growth.

I am a rising junior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of CUNY Baccalaureate, and have a double area of concentration in Juvenile Delinquent Psychology and Latino Cultural Studies. Although my areas of study are very specific, I am interested in philosophy, world politics, international relations, human rights, and cultural studies that stretch all around the world. Being at John Jay gives me the ability to explore multiple areas of interest in an excellent academic setting. Even though this is my first year of college, I have had amazing experiences. I joined the CUNY Debate Team, going to multiple tournaments and placing second at one of them. I am currently a Research Assistant and am working toward creating my own research project.  Also, I have received various honors in the classroom, including an award for my achievements in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and was inducted to the Honor Society.

My dream is to work with adolescents and young adults who are in detention centers, prisons, or in alternative programs to incarceration, such as The Osborne Association. After obtaining by degree, I plan to go to graduate school. I want to extend my knowledge and receive an advanced degree in an area that deals with violence and/or trauma. I also plan to one day obtain my Ph.D. in psychology and become a licensed psychologist. With these degrees I feel I will be better equipped to effectively work with individuals in the criminal justice system. The road that lies ahead won’t be an easy one, but helping others is a true passion I have, and I won’t stop until I reach my goal. The field I have selected to work in is a difficult one, but I know that being part of change and helping those who need it the most will always keep me motivated and   With NYNY will have the opportunity to hone my skills as an individual both on a professional and personal scale. Most importantly, NYNY will help me grow as an individual and be better equipped to face the obstacles that await me on my journey.