Photo by South Bronx United at the 2022 graduation celebration.
On May 19th, 2022, I celebrated turning 24 years old, as well as my last day of being a program assistant for Friends of Crown Heights @M.S. K394, an afterschool program. I am always excited for my birthday because I know that with age comes new experiences and exciting changes. However, this year, I was particularly enthusiastic because I was embarking on a new endeavor as a fellow for Future Leaders in Action (FLIA). I was accepted to work with their partner organization, South Bronx United (SBU), a nonprofit organization that uses soccer as a tool for social change to unite a diverse group of individuals toward common positive goals. I knew that through this opportunity I would grow personally and professionally.
On May 23rd, 2022, I started my fellowship, which included a full onboarding process, meeting with other fellows and staff from my partner organization, and attending insightful meetings and workshops that would prepare me for my project this summer. I also got to attend a retreat where I officially met everyone from my fellowship cohort face-to-face.
“By offering college prep services, SBU ensures that more students have the opportunity to complete higher education, thus providing a pathway to career advancement and financial security.”
I have taken the lead to meet with all of the rising seniors at SBU academy, which consists of about 40 students, and their parent(s)/guardians to go over any concerns and collect necessary documents for the college application process this upcoming Fall. However, I am getting involved in SBU in other ways too. The past five weeks, I have assisted and attended their events, like the Graduation Celebration and End of Year BBQ. I will also be building connections with the students by teaching an elective about life skills called “Game of Life'' at the Summer Scholars Program that SBU hosts every summer. This is beneficial because I plan to stay with SBU after the fellowship ends on August 14th. My supervisor, Jessica, the Coordinator of College Access, went on maternity leave this week and won’t be back until November. She asked me to stay on until she returns since I would already have met with all the students. My work will contribute to the ongoing success of SBU’s College Access Program.
This work is highly important, not only to me, but to the organization, students and families. I will help eliminate the anxiousness and stress many feel when applying to college and be a resource for students to know what options they have. By offering college prep services, SBU ensures that more students have the opportunity to complete higher education, thus providing a pathway to career advancement and financial security.
Photo by South Bronx United at the 2022 graduation celebration.
As an African Studies major, I am well aware that people have different obstacles based on race, class and gender. I have seen first hand and understand that certain groups do face disadvantages and I want to ensure that there is equity for everyone. My volunteer work in non-governmental organizations, public research interest groups, the diversity office at SUNY Cortland, and many other experiences helped me realize that there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that students get the proper mentorship they need; especially when transitioning to college. I am committed to be a continuing resource they can turn to.
“I know that I will be one step closer in ensuring these students are closer to achieving their dreams.”
SBU is open to everyone, the majority of those enrolled are students of color who live in the South Bronx area. Students of color, especially from low economic communities like the South Bronx, are more likely to experience disparities in education. Of the 16.6 million total undergraduate students enrolled in the Fall of 2019, Black students made up 2.1 million students of the undergraduate population (12.7%), but they were not equally represented at different institution types (PNIP, 2022). The participation of underrepresented students of color decreases at multiple points across the higher education pipeline including at application, admission, enrollment, persistence, and completion (Stone, 2021). These educational disparities among race, class and gender can be attributed to a lack of resources, mentors, knowledge on how to make college affordable, and much more.
At SBU, I am working to eliminate the diversity gap in higher education that will yield numerous dividends. A Forbes article, “Diversity Confirmed To Boost Innovation And Financial Results”, highlighted that diversity and inclusion can drive results (Levine, 2020). It can also yield key socioeconomic benefits for affected individuals as they prepare to enter the workforce. Diverse environments help promote teamwork and performance, lead to better outcomes for businesses, and improve the economy (Stone, 2021).
My work will help combat these challenges by providing the necessary tools and guidance needed in a complex process, like applying to college and scholarships. I can help students identify schools suited to their needs and wants. I have seen what that means to them and their families by attending the SBU end of year graduation celebration. With the help of SBU’s supportive staff, I intend to give the Class of 2023 the same results to make a difference in their lives. I know that I will be one step closer in ensuring these students are closer to achieving their dreams.