Sabrina

I am a sophomore at New York University, where I am double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Media Studies on a full scholarship from the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. One of five children, including a twin sister, my parents had little money to support us; without the funding of both organizations, my dream of attending NYU would not be possible.

As a California native, I traded in the beautiful weather of San Francisco for the excitement of New York City, upon which I quickly fell in love with my new ever-changing environment. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the piano and water polo for the women’s team at NYU. 

I aspire to someday be a reporter and to change the world through truth and knowledge. A year ago, I found myself the victim of a sexual assault: attacked and violated by a stranger. In a second my voice was gone, lost somewhere with my once embodied strength and assurance. It took me a year to find these again, to rediscover who I am, and to revive the strength I once possessed. Nothing I could do could restructure circumstance, but by raising my voice I can impact it. As a journalist, I will let my past drive my future and reach a vast network of people.  I will make every word count, and every story will be an opportunity to help someone.

New York Needs You is a dream come true and an opportunity to better myself in unparalleled ways. What NYNY has taught me is invaluable: that every conversation is an occasion for knowledge, and that our NYC community is more inextricably connected than we credit. NYNY is the catalyst I need for success in all aspects of my life.