Priscilla’s journey faced many challenges. In high school, she was diagnosed with childhood cancer. With her determination and the support of hospital teachers, she graduated high school while in remission. But this experience left her feeling lost and unsure of her path. She decided to attend various Liberal Arts Community Colleges but still could not find her place.
Her decision to attend Monroe was influenced by memories of living on Fordham Road and attending Monroe family events with her uncle, a Monroe alumni. These experiences made Monroe feel like a perfect fit.
Priscilla's resilience and determination allowed her to accomplish her goals of becoming a bi-lingual teacher. She had previously earned an Associate in Early Childhood Education degree and wanted to further her education.
From the moment she stepped onto the campus, Priscilla felt a sense of belonging. The tight knit community and supportive atmosphere made her transition seamless. The School of Education provided an environment where help was always within reach. The hands-on learning approach and opportunity to interact closely with classmates and professors, ensured she was not just another number. The professors prepared the students for diverse classroom environments and engaged them in a way that taught them how to be culturally responsive educators.
Priscilla thrived in this setting and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as both her Teacher and Bilingual Extension Certifications. She secured a bilingual (Spanish and English) teaching job at Cardinal McCloskey Charter School. She also decided to continue her studies and is now pursuing a Master's Degree in 1st-6th Grade Education with a Certification in Special Education at Monroe.
Her advice to others is to take your classes seriously, maintain open communication, and utilize available resources. "Hold yourself accountable," she advises.
