Alumni Voices: Peer Leader Gives Back to Help Others Succeed
Ermina C. is a Peer Leader with Student Leadership Network, where she supports the journeys of CollegeBound Initiative alumni in their first year at select CUNY senior colleges and community colleges. We asked Ermina to share about her own transition from high school to college life, and what inspired her to take on this role.
My journey to becoming a Peer Leader began when I was a freshman at Hunter College, feeling like I had no direction whatsoever. I was part of the first graduating high school class to transition to college during COVID. Going to college after years of virtual classes had quirky moments, like writing on real paper instead of using a laptop for exams, but also stressful adjustments. Throughout my first semester, I struggled to manage my time well. I had several assignments piling up, unlike my high school routine, and I had no outlet for my frustrations. I was in desperate need of structure.
Bridge Through College
When Student Leadership Network emailed me about the Bridge Through College program, I signed up because I was open to new experiences. Coming from a girls’ school in the Bronx with a graduating class of less than 70, I was longing for a community. Stepping into college was already nerve-racking enough, but I was interested to learn more about this opportunity.
I was first introduced to my Peer Leader, Janna Chowdhury, when she set the initial meeting with her cohort, and I am so glad that I joined! We met up on campus and connected while sharing burrito bowls for lunch. Throughout our many conversations, I realized Janna was a well established student and was someone I looked up to. I was able to confide in her and have many conversations that didn’t necessarily involve school.
Our similar experiences being Bangladeshi American students helped me realize that I wasn’t alone and that we, as Student Leadership Network students, are in the same boat. We all have similar challenges, and it’s nice knowing that I wasn’t alone this whole time in trying to adjust to college and the changes in my life. I learned the importance of communication and having a strong community to support you and your interests. The people you surround yourself with make a difference in the way you see yourself and help bring value to your life!
Peer Leader Experiences
Over time, I have learned to balance school and career exploration with making time to take care of myself. I can definitely say improvement is a forever journey, and I am so glad I had Janna see my potential in school.
Having the ability to become a Peer Leader, in turn, is a rewarding experience, and I am so grateful for this role. I am constantly learning how to help others advocate for themselves in their first year of college and it’s inspiring to see how many ambitious and amazing people I’ve met since then. I am certain that my students will succeed in their college journeys, and I am happy to support them in any way I can!
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Alumni Services: The Growth of Bridge Through College
Our Peer Leaders are the cornerstone of Bridge Through College’s work with our first-year students. Alumni who are in their junior or senior years of college serve as peer mentors to first-year alumni at nine CUNYs across the city.
