What Education Means to Me: Reflections from Directors of College Counseling at TYWLS

The CBI Class of 2022 is ready to begin writing a new chapter in the story of their education and post-secondary lives! As we celebrate the potential and possibilities that lie ahead for the next generation, our directors of college counseling (DCCs) at our five The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) reflect on the ways that education shaped their story – and offer their hopes and advice for the Class of 2022.

Sade Ortiz-Lucin – TYWLS Astoria

Sade and two seniors stand in front of a board that displays all of the colleges the Class of 2022 will be attending.

My role as a DCC at TYWLS is directly tied to my own personal experiences and I strive to help the young people I work with see opportunities they may not see for themselves. I am the firstborn child of Dominican immigrants and was raised in the South Bronx. My parents always instilled in me the importance of education. Because of their encouragement, I always tried to take advantage of the opportunities presented to me in school. It allowed me to try new things (like playing the tuba!) and learn new things (like crocheting!).

I attended a tight-knit, all-girls high school, very similar to TYWLS Astoria, but did not recognize how empowered that experience made me until I started college. I distinctly remember when I realized that there were young men in class with me and how my initial reaction was to shrink. However, my immediate next thought was to continue to bloom. I carry that lesson with me to this day–never let anyone dull your light!

I graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies and continued my education at New York University where I received a Master’s degree in Bilingual School Counseling. I was the first in my family to go away to college so I have first-hand knowledge of how to have conversations with family and loved ones to dispel college myths. I continue to be motivated by my students! My hope is that the Class of 2022–and all the students I work with–can see how bright their light shines! Always let your light shine. Do not dim your light because of others.

Jennifer Polanco-Calderon – TYWLS Bronx

TYWLS Bronx Class of 2022 is ready to take on the next chapter in their lives.

I have worked in the college access field for 15 years in different settings and roles, but working at TYWLS Bronx in the same neighborhood I grew up in has been my favorite. As a graduate of an all-girls’ high school myself, I understand the value of a girls’ education. Moreover, I love working in the community that helped me and molded me into the person I am today.

I graduated from St. John Fisher College with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature then received my Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo. As the first in my family to go to college, I understand students’ struggles to understand the college admissions and financial aid processes. That is where my passion for helping others stems from. It is what drives me and motivates me to help my students. I understand the importance of higher education and believe that education is the greatest equalizer. I know the importance of a college degree and how it can change the trajectory of a person’s life and, therefore, their family. I know it, I experienced it, I am proof of it.

I want students to know that if I did it–coming from the same neighborhood and similar family dynamics– they can also do it. The road is not easy, but it’s doable, and it’s worth it. I look forward to continuing the work of helping students get into the right colleges here at TYWLS Bronx and changing lives for the future.

My hope for the Class of 2022 is to know they can do hard things and to remember one of my favorite quotes: “Go in the direction of your dreams. Always remember you are braver, stronger, and smarter than you think.”

Diamond Joseph – TYWLS Brooklyn

The Class of 2022 celebrates their college decisions at their annual college decision day event.

I have a strong background in and passion for education. I started my career in New York City Public High Schools and the nonprofit sector as a High School Educational Counselor. It is there that I learned how influential education and support can be for any youth development and programming space.

Later on, I took advantage of an opportunity overseas as the first local Director of the Confucius Institute of Antigua and Barbuda, a Chinese Language program led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

With a Master’s degree in Education from SUNY Buffalo State and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the City University of New York- Hunter College, I have an excellent sense of how youth, education, and knowledge can open endless opportunities.

As the current DCC at TYWLS Brooklyn, I am reminded of the importance of post-secondary readiness, awareness, and success. I started in this role in February 2022 and what I will remember most about the Class of 2022 is how caring they were to each other and me as their new DCC. It has indeed been an honor to build unique relationships with each student. I have enjoyed my experience this year and my biggest hope for this class is that they go into this next phase of their journey having the courage to learn, grow, and have fun. I hope they are unapologetic about their role in society and always aim to be their best selves. To the Class of 2022, you have successfully overcome a truly unique time in your high school experience. Please, do not forget the strength and support you received to be triumphant; never be afraid to tap into that network when you experience difficult times.

Angelique Figueroa – TYWLS East Harlem

Angelique checks in with seniors about college applications and postsecondary decisions.

I was born and raised in East Harlem, so it’s both exciting and rewarding to work at TYWLS East Harlem, a school I walked past every morning before going to high school. Working in the community that I grew up in and that shaped me into who I am today is a dream come true.

When I headed off to Syracuse University as the first in my family to go to college, I struggled to adjust on all levels– academically, socially, and mentally–so much so that I almost came back home after my first year.

I vowed at that moment that when I graduated, I would return to my community and help students with a similar background navigate a system that has no clear roadmap. Four years later, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and started working for a nonprofit organization in Central Harlem that helps students transition from high school to college.

After working in the college success field for seven years, I was eager to get back into direct service because I wanted to be on the front line helping our future leaders understand and work through the complexities of the admission and financial aid process. Being side by side with our youth and guiding them in designing their post-secondary life is what gets me up every day in the morning! While I didn’t necessarily have a DCC, I am committed to using my own experience and knowledge to help students pivot towards believing, achieving, and creating their future.

My advice for the Class of 2022 is this: Remember every moment is an opportunity to learn from everyone around you, no matter their title.

Neonne Ameer – TYWLS Queens

Neonne (seen in center) and her students are excited for the next chapter and the possibilities that lie ahead.

I graduated high school in three years and attended CUNY Lehman College, where I studied history and education. I taught social studies, was a debate coach for years, and worked in various nonprofit organizations that supported underserved communities in their educational endeavors.

I graduated from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies in 2020, where I obtained my Master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy in Urban Studies.

During my time in graduate school, I started a project on reproductive health and the need for feminine hygiene products. This has allowed me to focus my attention on those who are in need of products and services to get them through each month, while also connecting with female-led organizations.

My connection to TYWLS Queens started in 2018 when I directed the first all-girls debate tournament and connected with Principal Mala Panday to plan this event. This led me to truly appreciate seeing an all-girls public school in action, and learning that there were platforms that existed for girls who looked like me. It was a heartfelt experience, where I saw myself as a leader, an organizer, and an advocate for girls’ education and programming. I am looking forward to an incredible journey and programming that I can work on in collaboration with the amazing students of TYWLS Queens.

My biggest hope for the Class of 2022 and for future classes is to see an overhaul of changes to make way for a better work/life balance.

Early College & Career Awareness at TYWLS

Students at TYWLS receive access to a CBI director of college counseling as early as 6th grade and are provided with opportunities to interact with professionals from a variety of career fields. And, our approach works. Nearly 100% of our TYWLS graduates enroll in college and moreover, complete a degree in STEM-related fields at nearly twice the rate of young women nationally. Learn more about TYWLS and how our Whole Girl Education framework is changing the face of leadership and closing the gender gap.