Bergen Community College

A.S.

I am a 1998 graduate of Fort Lee High School and began attending Bergen Community College in fall 2006. My GPA of 3.9, at 60 credits, has enabled my entry into Phi Theta Kappa. I am taking Honors Biology and Honors Mass Communication classes to provide myself a chance to graduate with a 4.0 in May 2008 with a degree in Criminal Justice. My main goal in life is to become a local police officer anywhere in New Jersey. While attending school, I have worked as an electrician, and will take the state licensing examination to be fully certified in this area.

I chose Bergen because I heard nothing but great reviews about its Criminal Justice program. The school is local, which enables me to study and work where I want; the tuition is reasonable. Since I am an avid golfer, the fact it is sandwiched between two golf courses enables me to play multiple rounds during my long breaks throughout the week.

It is never too late to begin college. I decided to go to college at the age of 25, eight years after graduating high school. Had I chosen to attend college earlier, I would not have excelled nearly as much as I have. The reality of the working world makes you appreciate the value of an education.

Visiting the observatory with Professor Roger Opstbaum, along with some members of the Astronomy Association during public sessions was a thrill. These observatory nights are fun activities and can be a learning experience for all – including children to the senior members of society. Personally, my favorite object is the largest, brightest, most detailed celestial object that fills the night sky: the moon. I enjoyed seeing it through the telescope so much that I invited my friends and family to join me on my second trip.

I am a member of the Honors Association and am looking forward to the challenges of my Honors classes and all the benefits of my membership. I am also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, for which I have numerous hours of community service. Even after my day at Bergen is done, I find time for other things. I have been a volunteer firefighter in Fort Lee for nine years. I am currently a trustee and an ex-engineer. I have also volunteered as the head pitching coach for the Fort Lee High School Baseball team for the last two years.