Bergen Community College

A.S.

I am presently a teacher for Twin Parks Riverside Montessori School in NYC and am a part-time student at Bergen Community College. I also work in the Henry & Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center where I am on staff as a writing and ESL tutor for the College. I was awarded the 2005 Dean’s Award in Creative Non-Fiction for a biographical piece I wrote about my father’s experiences as a hurler in Ireland titled “A Powerful Tradition.” I have a strong fondness for teaching and hope to pursue a degree in education at both the baccalaureate and, later, the doctoral level.

It is extremely convenient to be able to attend college in my hometown. So proximity was a big factor in deciding upon Bergen. Bergen also offered the opportunity to explore my creative side through many extracurricular activities that emphasize creative thinking and artistic talent.

If you are uncertain as to your future in this world, Bergen is a great place to start. I cannot stress enough that if you need direction, there are plenty of people who are able to help you find it at this College. With the multitude of great professors and staff that work here, a student will never feel that he or she is alone. For non-traditional students who are returning to school after an extended absence—much like myself—I can offer you what I have found to be the best advice: Use your years of life experience to your advantage! While studying at the college level may seem insurmountable at first, it will begin to all make sense after you become adjusted to being a college student again. What’s more is that your years of real-world wisdom will allow you to act as a mentor to the younger students.

I have loved every minute that I spent participating in the Theatre club, here, at the College! Prof. Jared Saltzman pushed me towards getting involved with theatre, and for that, I cannot thank him enough. After listening and speaking with him about theatrical performance, I was sold in wanting to get involved. I can honestly say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I tried out for the play, “Ah, Wilderness…” and was given the role of Norah, a character that I fell in love with. It was during this time that I met Prof. Ken Bonnaffons. Ken is one of the most talented, versatile, and pleasant people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He truly helped me to find myself on stage, and I am very thankful to him for that.