Year graduated from BCC: 2019
Year graduated from John Jay College: 2021
Major at John Jay College: Criminal Justice
Current Job: Special Agent with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

I was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States at 13, settling in the Bronx, New York, after a brief stay in Florida. During my time at Bronx Community College, I participated in the ASAP program, which provided crucial resources and support that fueled my academic success. I built strong connections with my professors, shared my vision for the future, and gained opportunities and guidance that profoundly shaped my path.

After earning my associate degree, I transitioned to John Jay College, where I completed a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in 2021. While at John Jay, I secured an internship with the Social Security Administration, which helped launch my professional career. Upon graduation, I transitioned to the U.S. Department of Labor, serving as a Wage and Hour Investigator in New York City for two years.

My lifelong dream was to become a Criminal Investigator/Special Agent, a goal that required hard work and resilience. In April 2024, I achieved that dream by joining the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General as a Special Agent in Long Beach, California. I graduated from the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers in August 2024, solidifying my role as a Federal Agent. I reflect on how my journey began at Bronx Community College, where I gained the tools, inspiration, and foundation to succeed and become the person I am today.

Advice to current BCC students:
To my peers at BCC, my advice is to stay consistent. The path to success is rarely a straight line; there will be challenges and setbacks. What truly matters is having a vision and sticking to it. Keep putting in the work, even when it feels like progress is slow or uncertain. Success isn’t about always feeling motivated; it’s about showing up every day, taking small steps toward your dreams, whether they’re personal, spiritual, or professional.

There were many times I doubted myself and questioned if I would ever reach my goals. But I stayed the course, even during moments when it seemed impossible. That’s where the magic happens—with resilience. If I can do it, I have no doubt that you can too. Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey!