Tell us about your path to GS.
I moved to the suburbs of New Jersey in the early 2000s following my husband's employment. As an immigrant, my perspectives were limited. I worked as a preschool and kindergarten Montessori-certified teacher for 12 years in mostly private schools.
After being let go in September of 2016, I decided to change my life’s trajectory by pursuing a degree rather than looking for other teaching opportunities, getting an AAS degree in elementary education from Bergen Community College. As a mother of four children I felt it was important to be a positive role model for them, to set goals and to work towards [them]; that has no age limitations. Upon graduation with a cum laude from Bergen Community I was honored with being accepted to Columbia University’s School of General Studies and I decided to pursue sustainable development as my major.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at Columbia?
Working side-by-side with and meeting some of the smartest people in the industry.
Who is someone who contributed greatly to your Columbia experience?
My academic advisor; Dean Kristy Barbacane, has been the greatest support and the best academic advisor anyone can ask for. She is caring, understanding, and empathetic. Thank you Dean Barbacane!
What are your plans for after graduation?
My experience at GS and my choice of major of sustainable development gave me the opportunity and confidence to pursue becoming an urban farmer, where I can continue to use my 12 years of educational experience while combating climate change and food insecurity.
I have established a small urban farm business with my husband to grow, sell, and educate members of my community in the Mercer County area about how consuming healthy, nutritious food is a right and not a privilege, and to help educate the public about small-scale organic local farming while using renewable natural resources wisely. In our farm we grow microgreens for direct consumption.
What advice would you give to a student who's about to start their GS journey?
Please make use of all the amazing resources that are available to all students. And even if you are a commuter student, try to embrace and enjoy the beautiful campus at Morningside; It has a lot of history.
