To say that Bronx Community College student Alicia Leon is beyond her years is an understatement. In November, 2022, just two months into her first semester at BCC – after migrating from the Dominican Republic to live with her aunt in the Bronx, where she says she came to find opportunities and discover herself – her aunt was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  She juggled rigorous courses while caring for her aunt until her aunt passed away seven months ago. 

By the time she graduates this December with an Associate Degree in Psychology, Leon will have published a book, written more than 20 songs and produced a short film – all about her life-shaping journey of being by her aunt’s side. Additionally, she has become proficient in Italian, a language she said would never have been on her radar to study in the DR.  

“My Cinematography professor, Professor Carlorosi, has become a guiding figure in my life. I’ve had the privilege of taking three classes with her, and each one has been transformative. From the start, she has been my lifeline, always kind, patient, and supportive. Her advice has shaped me, helping me see that I’m capable of so much more than I ever imagined,” Leon said. 

Inspired by Professor Carlorosi, Leon has fallen in love with Italian culture, the food, the people, the language. In 2023, she traveled to Italy for a week with Carlorosi through the Study Abroad program. “When she invited me to join, the opportunity felt like something out of this world. I couldn’t help but wonder, why me and not someone else?” said Leon, who this past August returned to Italy to spend a month at an Italian school in Carlorosi’s hometown, Scuola Dante Alighieri, Campus L’Infinito, in Recanati, Marche. “It was the best experience of my life.” 

“Mostly, I love Italian coffee,” Leon quipped. “Castroni coffee from Rome is my favorite. I always say, ‘La vita è come un caffè Castroni’ (Life is like a Castroni coffee) because, like the coffee, life is good, even if it sometimes feels complicated.” 

When Alicia’s parents joined her here in the Bronx to help care for her aunt, all she wanted to do was make them proud. She knew education was the key. She began taking Honors classes in spring, 2024, and has been earning an A+ in all her classes. Leon plans to transfer to a four-year undergraduate program in fall 2025. In the meantime, with an interest in cinematography, Alicia will continue her passions for music, film and the Italian language. She just recently received a scholarship from the BCC Foundation and produced this short film to express her gratitude.  

Though she describes herself as shy, Alicia’s charm is easily seen in her smile. “Caring for my aunt and witnessing her passing taught me many things about life, how fleeting it is, and how much I now appreciate the small moments” Leon said.  

As for the future, Alicia’s multiple talents could take her in numerous possible directions. 

Nearly all of Alicia’s current work (her music and her films) are now in Italian, her language of preference, and she has a home studio where she produces all of her music and videos. You can find many of her songs here on Spotify and when you don’t see Alicia singing in Italian or working on a film, you can find her at a cafe having an espresso or dreaming about being in Italy.