From Syria to NYC: Reem Aliessa’s Journey in International Studies and Social Responsibility
Reem Aliessa ‘14 was born and raised in NYC to Syrian immigrant parents. Her passion for International Studies was shaped in large part by her family’s Arab-American identity and nurtured by the resources and opportunities at the Colin Powell School. Today, she works as the Vice President and Senior Program Manager at Citi Volunteers, where she leverages her education and experiences to make a positive social impact. Her journey from CCNY to a leadership role… Read More »
Crossing Horizons: Anson Cheuk-Hin Chung's Journey in Political Science
Anson Cheuk-Hin Chung, a 2022 graduate of CCNY in Political Science and History, is currently pursuing an MA in Political Science at the University of Toronto.
Where are you from, and what is your background story? Please share your details from the period before you arrived at CCNY.
I was born and raised in Hong Kong and immigrated to New York City when I was fifteen. Before my migration in 2016, Hong Kong had experienced several social movements, including the 2014… Read More »
Nushrat Bushra: A Personal Journey to Mental Health Advocacy
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I am a first-generation college student, born and raised in Bangladesh. I moved to the USA at the age of 12, entering a completely new environment. Initially, adapting was challenging due to the cultural and religious differences. It took some time to feel comfortable here, especially without any friends and having left my brother and relatives back in Bangladesh. Language was another significant hurdle. Although I could… Read More »
Steven Fernandez
Major: Economics and Business
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I'm currently a graduating senior at the Colin Powell School, majoring in economics with a concentration in finance. I was born in the beautiful Dominican Republic and spent my early years in the rural countryside (i.e., “campo”). In 2007, when I was six, my family and I moved to New York. We settled in the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Inwood and Washington Heights. Our years in upper Manhattan have brought about their fair share of… Read More »
Sumaiya Rashid
Major: Psychology
Minor(s): Anthropology & International Studies
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I am a child of two extremely hardworking Bangladeshi immigrants who came here to pursue opportunity and a chance for education. I am a first-generation college student, born and raised in Queens, where I was always immersed within a deeply diverse community. Due to my upbringing, I gained an extremely culturally conscious lens that I apply to my personal, professional, and academic career. … Read More »
Ziné Ebersohn
Majors: Psychology and Philosophy
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I grew up in a small town in South Africa with parents who worked extremely hard to provide a life of love and opportunities for my brother and me. From a young age I have always been interested in listening to other people’s stories and I found my way to the stage and performing. After high school I got a scholarship to study acting in New York and that was the start of my scholarly intimacy with human behavior and the bigger questions… Read More »
Kazi Tejwar
Majors: Political Science and Government; Sociology Minor: Legal Studies
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I was born and raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn, and I’m a proud son of two Bengali immigrants. My story always starts with my parents. They’ve sacrificed their entire lives to come to America to give their three children the best possible lives they can lead. I will never forget their sacrifice.
Growing up, I’ve seen the devastating effects our economic and political… Read More »
Alivya Barry, BA/MA program in Research Psychology with a minor in anthropology.
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I grew up in a mission-oriented family. When I was 7, we started fostering kids out of the fostercare system, which exposed me to many levels of trauma, I saw the impacts of poverty, cognitive disabilities, and physical/emotional/sexual abuse. My parents dedicated most of my childhood years to their non-profit which aimed to create safe homes and spaces, as well as fill other gaps within the… Read More »
Aravdeep Kaur, a senior majoring in Economics, was raised by Punjabi immigrant parents in Queens and discovered her passion for Finance and Analytics while attending CCNY. Kaur underscores the pivotal role of the Colin Powell School in providing opportunities for professional growth, including fellowships and internships.
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
I was born and raised in a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, to Punjabi immigrant parents. I attended P.S. 108, M.S. 137, and then Brooklyn Technical… Read More »
Bridging Dreams and Determination: Jesus Villegas' Journey from East Harlem to Economic Impact
Jesus Villegas, a first-generation college student from East Harlem, is pursuing a BA in Economics with a concentration in Finance. Villegas’ motivation stems from his family's sacrifices and his own experiences, including a transformative period of injury and recovery during the pandemic.
Please share a little about your background — what’s your story?
My name is Jesus Villegas (He/Him), born and raised in East Harlem, New York. Growing up in this… Read More »
Last Updated: 01/31/2020 15:52