NYWICI Foundation - Scholarships: Recipients

2003 NYWICI Foundation Scholarship Recipients Announced:

Meet Our Scholarship Winners

The NYWICI Foundation is committed to giving a helping hand to the next generation of communications professionals. With this goal in mind, the Foundation recently awarded $60,000 in scholarships for the 2003/2004 academic year. This year’s scholarship recipients—chosen on the basis of academic excellence, need and involvement in the field of communications—are an extraordinary group of young women. Please join us in congratulating these nine young communicators.

HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS

KIMBERLY LAST
$10,000

Kimberly Last just graduated from Saint Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan, where she participated in everything from the French Club to the school newspaper to the yearbook, all while ranking in the top 15 in her class. And twice—in 2001 and 2002—she was included in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. This fall, the active 17-year-old plans to attend Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, and major in American Studies. Hardworking, tenacious and modest, Kimberly has always been known for her strong creative drive. She loves all forms of writing, especially poetry, and says she “couldn’t live without a pen, paper and frozen yogurt!” She also enjoys visiting great art museums— “especially The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA”—and renting old movies from Blockbuster on Friday nights. Growing up in Forest Hills, Kimberly was counseled by her father to work hard, play hard and succeed. “I know it's clichéd,” she says, “but my Dad told me this when I was younger and it has stuck ever since.” After graduating from college, Kimberly hopes to pursue a career in journalism. “I’ve always been the ‘grand communicator’ in my family. I see myself working for a respected publication or network, reporting stories that change lives and inspire new thoughts and brave actions. I would love to have the chance to meet Katie Couric, Ashleigh Banfield, Gloria Steinem and Faith Hill—really anyone who is successful in their respective field,” she says. “However, at the same time, I would love to have a balance between work and family life.” If she had a million dollars, Kimberly says she would “travel the world and take amazing pictures, publish my own writing, and donate the rest to charity. I cannot imagine myself not working, even if I were a millionaire.”

Candice Crystal
$5,000

Seventeen-year-old Candice Crystal is dedicated to living life to the fullest. “I have a passion for reading anything and everything, and I love to write poetry,” she says. “Another one of my favorite hobbies is skiing. I race, and I truly enjoy the rush of adrenaline you get when you’re flying down the ski slope.” Candice, who just graduated from Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island, will enter Binghamton University this fall. The aspiring journalist plans to major in communications with the ultimate goal of becoming an investigative reporter for a broadcasting company. Along the way, she would love to meet her role models Diane Sawyer and Connie Chung. While she may be young, Candice is noted for her old-fashioned work ethic. “How do you spell success?” she asks. “W-O-R-K.” In her freshman year in high school, she learned that she was dyslexic. “This word, 'dyslexia,' has caused me pain, hardship, frustration and isolation. My secret was hidden from public view until recently,” she admits. But despite her struggles, Candice took seven A.P. courses in high school. Someday she dreams of starting a program in public schools to assist students with learning disabilities. “They feel lost in the system,” she explains. Candice credits her family for always encouraging her to succeed. “They have contributed so much to the person I am today,” she says. “They guide me whenever I need them and they always pick me up when I stumble or flat out fall on my face. Rather than compete against one another, we are co-competitors and revel in each other’s successes.”

Maria Graves
$5,000

Growing up, Maria Graves vowed that going to school and getting high grades would be her main focus in life. “I was told that without an education you can’t go anywhere in life. This one statement was drilled into my head,” she says. Yet when she didn’t get accepted into the high school she wanted to attend, she felt angry and disappointment. “I tried as hard as I could to make the best out of this but to no avail.” Soon, she was cutting classes. Eventually, she was expelled from one high school and dropped out of another. “I just stopped going,” she says. But one day, Maria had an epiphany. “I realized I didn’t want to live in the Bronx all my life. I didn’t want to be on welfare or have a minimum wage job.” So, she went back to school, doubling up on classes by attending night and summer school. In June graduated from Morris High School in the Bronx. This fall, she will enter Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she plans to major in journalism. Her career goals include working for a magazine or newspaper, writing a novel and giving back to the community by doing some motivational speaking. “I went through a lot of troubles in school. I wish I had had someone to talk to back then,” she reflects. Maria loves to read, especially romances and mysteries, and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Indeed, the aspiring author is never without lots of books, pads of paper and pens. She also likes to play basketball, handball and Double Dutch. “My friends describe me as competitive, assertive, strong-minded and determined,” Maria says. “I’m not proud of the fact that I cut school, but it’s what I did with my mistake that makes a world of difference. I learned that nothing is impossible if I believe in myself, be strong and follow my own path. I may have lost a year and a half of my life, but the lessons I learned will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Daphra Holder
$5,000

Daphra Holder, just graduated from the Nightingale-Bamford School, an all-girls private school on the Upper East Side. As president and founder of the Nightingale forensics team, she participated in numerous local and national debates. Indeed, Daphra thrives best when challenged. “I find pleasure in anything analytical, philosophical, interpretive and controversial,” says the 18-year-old soon-to-be Princeton University freshman. Daphra, a self-described “idealist dreamer,” would love to be the CEO of her own business someday. She would also like to become the editor of a syndicated news/literary publication, and may even write a novel someday. To achieve her dreams, she plans to major in political science, international relations or economics. “My career goals revolve around my interest in public policy and the dissemination of information to people,” she says. “I model myself as a global citizen and would like to work in the international community.” Daphra was born in Grenada, West Indies, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 5. “I am forever indebted to my mother, who gave up her dream of pursuing an education to allow me to pursue mine,” she says. “My mother has always been a strong believer in the pursuit of dreams even in the face of adversity.” Daphra, who describes herself as goal-oriented, opinionated, independent, fun-loving and personable, enjoys badminton, reading, ceramics and being introduced to new things. She also says she would be lost without three things—her family, her friends and a tall caramel frappacino from Starbucks! “I know it sounds like a cliché,” she says, “but if I had $1 million I would donate portions back to programs—like Prep for Prep and NYWICI—that help others like me attain their goals by creating pathways and paving inroads.”

UNDERGRADUATE WINNERS

Allison Kapner
$10,000

Allison Kapner, a 21-year-old senior at Ithaca College, is a self-described dork. “School always come first with me,” she says. Last semester, she took 18 credits while working 20 hours a week. Indeed, Allison has always been a hard worker. Back in the 7th grade, she started babysitting after her dad was laid off from his job. “While my friends went to the movies and to the mall, I changed diapers and rocked babies to sleep,” she recalls. “I didn’t have to ask my parents for money, and I felt proud. To this day, I pay for everything.” Allison is majoring in Organizational Communication, Learning and Design, and has a double minor, Public Relations/Advertising and Sociology. She plans to pursue a career in public relations and/or events planning, and this summer she’s getting a head start on her career by interning with U.S. Paralymics (a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “I look forward to embracing the high pressure, dynamic environment that a communications career has to offer. It’s such an open field,” she says. Nonetheless, Allison knows you don’t necessarily need a degree from a fancy school to be successful. “My mom never went to college, but she spent 10 years working as a journalist and editor. Now she’s opening her own business,” she says with pride. Always enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic, Allison relishes her private time. “It’s so hard with my schedule,” she says, “but I try to find time to read and shop.” She also loves spending time with her family, friends and her most cherished possession—her stuffed koala bear. “I never want to close myself off from anyone or anything,” Allison says. “My biggest goal is just to be happy.”

Rima Abdelkader
$5,000

Rima Abdelkader, an 18-year-old freshman at Pace University, describes herself as persistent, tenacious, motivated. Rima, an Arab-American (“There’s equal emphasis on both sides of the dash,” she emphasizes), grew up on Staten Island but lived in Jerusalem from ages 9 to 11. “Watching people—babies, children, mothers and fathers—on the brink of war was not a Kodak moment. From that moment on, I decided to make constructive changes to the world around me in order for us to live in a peaceful environment,” she states. At Staten Island’s New Dorp High School, Rima was active in many clubs and community service organizations, including Rotary International, was listed in the Who’s Who Among High School Students and still managed to graduate with a 97.1 GPA. After the World Trade Center tragedy, she took part in a quilt giveaway. “It felt good when I sent two beautiful handmade quilts to some relatives who had suffered financially as a result of 9/11,” she recalls. Rima looks up to News Channel 4 anchor Maurice DuBois, whom she met during a summer internship. “He encouraged me to be the best,” she remembers. A marketing major and communications minor, Rima plans to pursue a career as a marketing correspondent. “My biggest dream,” she says, “is to be able to help others achieve all the benefits gained from my success.” But no matter where life may take her, she knows she will always remain close to her family. “They have allowed me to be the best I can be. My mother especially has taught me the inner core of becoming a leader.” In her spare time, Rima enjoys playing golf and listening to the music of Frank Sinatra. Her favorite tune? “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.”

Priya Shah
$5,000

Priya Shah, a 19-year-old junior in the Honors College at Baruch, has a passion for learning. Growing up in Queens, Priya learned from her mother that “when one stops learning, in many ways they stop growing.” Priya maintains a 4.0 GPA while volunteering at the Children’s Aid Society and participating in the Big Sister Program. She has also carved out the time to create an academic column for her college newspaper, interned at J.P. MorganChase and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and was elected Vice President of Corporate Relations for the American Marketing Association. But her days are not just filled with work. She enjoys attending Broadway plays and learning new languages; she already speaks four—English, Spanish, Hindi and Gujarati. “I love meeting new people, asking questions and learning about new cultures. I think this teaches me more about myself,” says Priya, who plans to pursue a career in broadcast media. “I realize the need for women in this industry who are sensitive to our culturally diverse society. A career as a news anchor will enable me to reach out and touch many people.” If there’s one famous person Priya wishes she could have met, it’s Princess Diana. “The work she did, especially with children, was powerful. It took a lot of courage,” Priya says. Like the People’s Princess, Priya is sensitive yet strong-willed, passionate yet humble. Is there one thing Priya couldn’t live without? “My photo album of family and friends,” she says. “I’m very family-oriented. I need them in my life. No matter what else I do, I will always strive for a happy, healthy family life and never forget where I came from.”

GRADUATE WINNERS

Stephanie Riesenman
$10,000

Stephanie Riesenman, a graduate student in the Science and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University, is a native of California. She was hit by the news bug while interning at the CBS affiliate in San Diego, and two years ago, she decided to pack her bags and move to New York—where she knew no one—to attend NYU’s Department of Journalism. In December, the 26-year-old will graduate with an M.A. in Journalism and a certificate in science writing. “My goal,” she says, “is to work as a medical correspondent for a local television station, and maybe make it to the network one day. As a medical reporter, I can empower individuals to make healthy decisions and navigate the labyrinth that is the U.S. healthcare system.” In between her classes, Stephanie works as a medical reporter for Reuters Health and enjoys reading, creative writing, running and working out, visiting the ocean, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. “The best advice I ever received was from my mother,” she says. “She encouraged me to run for student government my freshman year of high school. Thankfully I won the election, and that changed my life, because the experience made me more outgoing and helped me discover my talents. It was the match that lit my fire and ambition to succeed, which has enabled me to achieve all that I have today.” Stephanie has a wide range of interests and says she would relish the chance to interview President Bush. “I wish I could have met Princess Diana, and Einstein would have been interesting too,” she adds. Her friends describe her as intelligent, with a great sense of humor and a talent for getting people to open up. “My biggest dream,” Stephanie says with a laugh, “is for NBC to call up at the end of Katie Couric’s contract and offer me her job!”

Arlette Daluz
$5,000

Arlette Daluz, who received her B.S. in Communications Arts from St. John’s University in May, was the first member of her family to attend college. “Being the first generation college student has been both a privilege and a responsibility,” she reflects. “My parents left the small country of Senegal and traveled to the U.S. in search of opportunities and better living conditions. When I think of all the sacrifices they made, I am inspired to keep on striving to reach my goals.” Arlette is continuing on with her education. In May 2004, she will receive her M.A. in Sociology, also from St. John’s. After completing her graduate work, Arlette would like to work for an advertising agency in New York, helping clients develop brands. Eventually, she sees herself as an account executive at one of the nation’s tope entertainment companies. Her long-term goals will require her to go back to school again. “ I would eventually like to become an entertainment lawyer and someday teach entertainment law,” she says. “When I hear my younger siblings say ‘I want to go to college,” it encourages me to keep on setting a good example. I know they look up to me. Therefore, I want to achieve all of my goals—not only for myself, but to make my family proud and to show the younger people in my family that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.”

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		\| Scholarships \| Application \| Recipients \| \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \|

		2003 NYWICI Foundation Scholarship Recipients Announced: Meet Our Scholarship Winners The NYWICI Foundation is committed to giving a helping hand to the next generation of communications professionals. With this goal in mind, the Foundation recently awarded $60,000 in scholarships for the 2003/2004 academic year. This year’s scholarship recipients—chosen on the basis of academic excellence, need and involvement in the field of communications—are an extraordinary group of young women. Please join us in congratulating these nine young communicators. HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS KIMBERLY LAST $10,000 Kimberly Last just graduated from Saint Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan, where she participated in everything from the French Club to the school newspaper to the yearbook, all while ranking in the top 15 in her class. And twice—in 2001 and 2002—she was included in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. This fall, the active 17-year-old plans to attend Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, and major in American Studies. Hardworking, tenacious and modest, Kimberly has always been known for her strong creative drive. She loves all forms of writing, especially poetry, and says she “couldn’t live without a pen, paper and frozen yogurt!” She also enjoys visiting great art museums— “especially The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA”—and renting old movies from Blockbuster on Friday nights. Growing up in Forest Hills, Kimberly was counseled by her father to work hard, play hard and succeed. “I know it's clichéd,” she says, “but my Dad told me this when I was younger and it has stuck ever since.” After graduating from college, Kimberly hopes to pursue a career in journalism. “I’ve always been the ‘grand communicator’ in my family. I see myself working for a respected publication or network, reporting stories that change lives and inspire new thoughts and brave actions. I would love to have the chance to meet Katie Couric, Ashleigh Banfield, Gloria Steinem and Faith Hill—really anyone who is successful in their respective field,” she says. “However, at the same time, I would love to have a balance between work and family life.” If she had a million dollars, Kimberly says she would “travel the world and take amazing pictures, publish my own writing, and donate the rest to charity. I cannot imagine myself not working, even if I were a millionaire.” Candice Crystal $5,000 Seventeen-year-old Candice Crystal is dedicated to living life to the fullest. “I have a passion for reading anything and everything, and I love to write poetry,” she says. “Another one of my favorite hobbies is skiing. I race, and I truly enjoy the rush of adrenaline you get when you’re flying down the ski slope.” Candice, who just graduated from Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island, will enter Binghamton University this fall. The aspiring journalist plans to major in communications with the ultimate goal of becoming an investigative reporter for a broadcasting company. Along the way, she would love to meet her role models Diane Sawyer and Connie Chung. While she may be young, Candice is noted for her old-fashioned work ethic. “How do you spell success?” she asks. “W-O-R-K.” In her freshman year in high school, she learned that she was dyslexic. “This word, 'dyslexia,' has caused me pain, hardship, frustration and isolation. My secret was hidden from public view until recently,” she admits. But despite her struggles, Candice took seven A.P. courses in high school. Someday she dreams of starting a program in public schools to assist students with learning disabilities. “They feel lost in the system,” she explains. Candice credits her family for always encouraging her to succeed. “They have contributed so much to the person I am today,” she says. “They guide me whenever I need them and they always pick me up when I stumble or flat out fall on my face. Rather than compete against one another, we are co-competitors and revel in each other’s successes.” Maria Graves $5,000 Growing up, Maria Graves vowed that going to school and getting high grades would be her main focus in life. “I was told that without an education you can’t go anywhere in life. This one statement was drilled into my head,” she says. Yet when she didn’t get accepted into the high school she wanted to attend, she felt angry and disappointment. “I tried as hard as I could to make the best out of this but to no avail.” Soon, she was cutting classes. Eventually, she was expelled from one high school and dropped out of another. “I just stopped going,” she says. But one day, Maria had an epiphany. “I realized I didn’t want to live in the Bronx all my life. I didn’t want to be on welfare or have a minimum wage job.” So, she went back to school, doubling up on classes by attending night and summer school. In June graduated from Morris High School in the Bronx. This fall, she will enter Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where she plans to major in journalism. Her career goals include working for a magazine or newspaper, writing a novel and giving back to the community by doing some motivational speaking. “I went through a lot of troubles in school. I wish I had had someone to talk to back then,” she reflects. Maria loves to read, especially romances and mysteries, and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Indeed, the aspiring author is never without lots of books, pads of paper and pens. She also likes to play basketball, handball and Double Dutch. “My friends describe me as competitive, assertive, strong-minded and determined,” Maria says. “I’m not proud of the fact that I cut school, but it’s what I did with my mistake that makes a world of difference. I learned that nothing is impossible if I believe in myself, be strong and follow my own path. I may have lost a year and a half of my life, but the lessons I learned will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Daphra Holder $5,000 Daphra Holder, just graduated from the Nightingale-Bamford School, an all-girls private school on the Upper East Side. As president and founder of the Nightingale forensics team, she participated in numerous local and national debates. Indeed, Daphra thrives best when challenged. “I find pleasure in anything analytical, philosophical, interpretive and controversial,” says the 18-year-old soon-to-be Princeton University freshman. Daphra, a self-described “idealist dreamer,” would love to be the CEO of her own business someday. She would also like to become the editor of a syndicated news/literary publication, and may even write a novel someday. To achieve her dreams, she plans to major in political science, international relations or economics. “My career goals revolve around my interest in public policy and the dissemination of information to people,” she says. “I model myself as a global citizen and would like to work in the international community.” Daphra was born in Grenada, West Indies, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 5. “I am forever indebted to my mother, who gave up her dream of pursuing an education to allow me to pursue mine,” she says. “My mother has always been a strong believer in the pursuit of dreams even in the face of adversity.” Daphra, who describes herself as goal-oriented, opinionated, independent, fun-loving and personable, enjoys badminton, reading, ceramics and being introduced to new things. She also says she would be lost without three things—her family, her friends and a tall caramel frappacino from Starbucks! “I know it sounds like a cliché,” she says, “but if I had $1 million I would donate portions back to programs—like Prep for Prep and NYWICI—that help others like me attain their goals by creating pathways and paving inroads.” UNDERGRADUATE WINNERS Allison Kapner $10,000 Allison Kapner, a 21-year-old senior at Ithaca College, is a self-described dork. “School always come first with me,” she says. Last semester, she took 18 credits while working 20 hours a week. Indeed, Allison has always been a hard worker. Back in the 7th grade, she started babysitting after her dad was laid off from his job. “While my friends went to the movies and to the mall, I changed diapers and rocked babies to sleep,” she recalls. “I didn’t have to ask my parents for money, and I felt proud. To this day, I pay for everything.” Allison is majoring in Organizational Communication, Learning and Design, and has a double minor, Public Relations/Advertising and Sociology. She plans to pursue a career in public relations and/or events planning, and this summer she’s getting a head start on her career by interning with U.S. Paralymics (a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “I look forward to embracing the high pressure, dynamic environment that a communications career has to offer. It’s such an open field,” she says. Nonetheless, Allison knows you don’t necessarily need a degree from a fancy school to be successful. “My mom never went to college, but she spent 10 years working as a journalist and editor. Now she’s opening her own business,” she says with pride. Always enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic, Allison relishes her private time. “It’s so hard with my schedule,” she says, “but I try to find time to read and shop.” She also loves spending time with her family, friends and her most cherished possession—her stuffed koala bear. “I never want to close myself off from anyone or anything,” Allison says. “My biggest goal is just to be happy.” Rima Abdelkader $5,000 Rima Abdelkader, an 18-year-old freshman at Pace University, describes herself as persistent, tenacious, motivated. Rima, an Arab-American (“There’s equal emphasis on both sides of the dash,” she emphasizes), grew up on Staten Island but lived in Jerusalem from ages 9 to 11. “Watching people—babies, children, mothers and fathers—on the brink of war was not a Kodak moment. From that moment on, I decided to make constructive changes to the world around me in order for us to live in a peaceful environment,” she states. At Staten Island’s New Dorp High School, Rima was active in many clubs and community service organizations, including Rotary International, was listed in the Who’s Who Among High School Students and still managed to graduate with a 97.1 GPA. After the World Trade Center tragedy, she took part in a quilt giveaway. “It felt good when I sent two beautiful handmade quilts to some relatives who had suffered financially as a result of 9/11,” she recalls. Rima looks up to News Channel 4 anchor Maurice DuBois, whom she met during a summer internship. “He encouraged me to be the best,” she remembers. A marketing major and communications minor, Rima plans to pursue a career as a marketing correspondent. “My biggest dream,” she says, “is to be able to help others achieve all the benefits gained from my success.” But no matter where life may take her, she knows she will always remain close to her family. “They have allowed me to be the best I can be. My mother especially has taught me the inner core of becoming a leader.” In her spare time, Rima enjoys playing golf and listening to the music of Frank Sinatra. Her favorite tune? “Luck Be a Lady Tonight.” Priya Shah $5,000 Priya Shah, a 19-year-old junior in the Honors College at Baruch, has a passion for learning. Growing up in Queens, Priya learned from her mother that “when one stops learning, in many ways they stop growing.” Priya maintains a 4.0 GPA while volunteering at the Children’s Aid Society and participating in the Big Sister Program. She has also carved out the time to create an academic column for her college newspaper, interned at J.P. MorganChase and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and was elected Vice President of Corporate Relations for the American Marketing Association. But her days are not just filled with work. She enjoys attending Broadway plays and learning new languages; she already speaks four—English, Spanish, Hindi and Gujarati. “I love meeting new people, asking questions and learning about new cultures. I think this teaches me more about myself,” says Priya, who plans to pursue a career in broadcast media. “I realize the need for women in this industry who are sensitive to our culturally diverse society. A career as a news anchor will enable me to reach out and touch many people.” If there’s one famous person Priya wishes she could have met, it’s Princess Diana. “The work she did, especially with children, was powerful. It took a lot of courage,” Priya says. Like the People’s Princess, Priya is sensitive yet strong-willed, passionate yet humble. Is there one thing Priya couldn’t live without? “My photo album of family and friends,” she says. “I’m very family-oriented. I need them in my life. No matter what else I do, I will always strive for a happy, healthy family life and never forget where I came from.” GRADUATE WINNERS Stephanie Riesenman $10,000 Stephanie Riesenman, a graduate student in the Science and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University, is a native of California. She was hit by the news bug while interning at the CBS affiliate in San Diego, and two years ago, she decided to pack her bags and move to New York—where she knew no one—to attend NYU’s Department of Journalism. In December, the 26-year-old will graduate with an M.A. in Journalism and a certificate in science writing. “My goal,” she says, “is to work as a medical correspondent for a local television station, and maybe make it to the network one day. As a medical reporter, I can empower individuals to make healthy decisions and navigate the labyrinth that is the U.S. healthcare system.” In between her classes, Stephanie works as a medical reporter for Reuters Health and enjoys reading, creative writing, running and working out, visiting the ocean, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. “The best advice I ever received was from my mother,” she says. “She encouraged me to run for student government my freshman year of high school. Thankfully I won the election, and that changed my life, because the experience made me more outgoing and helped me discover my talents. It was the match that lit my fire and ambition to succeed, which has enabled me to achieve all that I have today.” Stephanie has a wide range of interests and says she would relish the chance to interview President Bush. “I wish I could have met Princess Diana, and Einstein would have been interesting too,” she adds. Her friends describe her as intelligent, with a great sense of humor and a talent for getting people to open up. “My biggest dream,” Stephanie says with a laugh, “is for NBC to call up at the end of Katie Couric’s contract and offer me her job!” Arlette Daluz $5,000 Arlette Daluz, who received her B.S. in Communications Arts from St. John’s University in May, was the first member of her family to attend college. “Being the first generation college student has been both a privilege and a responsibility,” she reflects. “My parents left the small country of Senegal and traveled to the U.S. in search of opportunities and better living conditions. When I think of all the sacrifices they made, I am inspired to keep on striving to reach my goals.” Arlette is continuing on with her education. In May 2004, she will receive her M.A. in Sociology, also from St. John’s. After completing her graduate work, Arlette would like to work for an advertising agency in New York, helping clients develop brands. Eventually, she sees herself as an account executive at one of the nation’s tope entertainment companies. Her long-term goals will require her to go back to school again. “ I would eventually like to become an entertainment lawyer and someday teach entertainment law,” she says. “When I hear my younger siblings say ‘I want to go to college,” it encourages me to keep on setting a good example. I know they look up to me. Therefore, I want to achieve all of my goals—not only for myself, but to make my family proud and to show the younger people in my family that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.” [ TOP ]


	New York Women in Communications, Inc. Foundation