Message to our Graduates: On behalf of the College Discovery Program, a big congratulations for reaching this part of your educational journey. We really want to stay connected, and hear about the amazing things that are next to come. Stay connected by completing this Alumni Form. We look forward to hearing great things.
Here are updates from some of our College Discovery alumni.
Alex Chen
Year of graduation: 2016
Major: Liberal Arts
Advice for students: “Whatever you want to do, go in full speed. Don’t stop, keep going. There will always be a way. Learn from every mistake made and make no excuses. If you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying. And if you aren’t trying, you are not really living.” – Alex Chen
Update: Alex earned a B.A. in History from Binghamton University. In the summer of 2017 he had an internship at the NYC Mayor’s Office. He is now an AmeriCorps member serving with City Year and considering graduate schools. Alex credits College Discovery with setting him on course to a successful future with one-on-one tutoring, personal counseling, and extracurricular activities that helped him emotionally and academically. His goal is to make a positive contribution to communities, whether in the private or public sector.
Ruben DelValle
Year of graduation: 2012
Major: Computer Information Systems
Advice for students: “Ask for help when you need it and help others when you can. It makes all the difference
in the world.” – Ruben Delvalle
Update: Ruben was the first in his family to attend college and had to learn a lot on his own just to apply to BMCC. Once he joined College Discovery, he was able to get the support he needed. After his graduation from BMCC, he had to decide between a four year college,cwork and internship opportunities, or deployment to Afghanistan as a member of the armed forces. After discussing his options with Dr. Pérez, Ruben transferred to Utica College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cybersecurity. Ruben is currently a graduate student in NYU Tandon and a full-time Information Security Engineer. He aims to become a Chief Information Security Officer in the near future and is considering moving abroad.
Yara Tavarez-De La Fuentes
Year of graduation: 1993
Major: Early Childhood Education
Advice for students: ““No matter your hardships and struggles, DO NOT give up. There will be difficult times. Plan for them and surround yourself with people that will help uplift you. We are all meant to reach greatness!” – Yara Tavarez-De La Fuentes
Update: Yara’s loving parents are both hard working immigrants who encouraged her towards higher education. College Discovery provided her with the same support. After BMCC she transferred to CCNY, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Bilingual Education. She also attended Bank Street College and graduated with an Educational Master’s degree from the Principals Institute in Educational Leadership. Now in her 5th year as an Elementary Principal of a Title I school, she feels rewarded by working closely with children and advocating for their futures. She credits Dr. Pedro Perez for his commitment to getting to know her story and fostering her belief in herself. Yara plans to mentor new educators in the same way the counselors and professors at BMCC helped her.
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Contact
Fill out our Alumni Form and send it as well as a photo (jpg format preferred) to cdp@bmcc.cuny.edu to be featured on our CD Alumni page.
