Quesia Cruz, an immigrant from Mexico City, is an example of self-improvement and perseverance.
“I had never imagined going back to school at 28 years old,” Cruz said.
Cruz arrived in the country when he was 13 years old.
She says that she loves children and that she started working as a nanny just before Leena Yaneth, her only eight-year-old daughter, was born.
In 2021, he entered CUNY and since then Cruz has been working part-time to balance his personal life, work, and his studies in early childhood education.
“I thought that having a daughter was going to be an obstacle for me, but thanks to Jehovah and thanks to the fact that the school gives me a ‘center’, I can take my daughter to the ‘center’ when I am in class,” Cruz added. .
Quesia is one of 3,700 students benefited by CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, which has made available 3.1 million dollars to support -during the summer- those who study and in turn raise their children.
About working with and for children, Cruz says:
“I would like to have an impact on them and let them know from a young age that everything is possible when they reach adulthood.”
Quesia knows perfectly well that there will always be obstacles and challenges along the way. Still, she looks forward to receiving her diploma so she can open her own kindergarten.
“I would like to open my own ‘daycare’ so that I can help those parents who have to go to work or go to school knowing that their children are safe with me and yes, teaching the children for the rest of my life. life”.
If you wish to receive more information about CUNY and the aid they offer, you can go to the page Cuny.edu or call 1-800-286-9937.
Quesia’s graduation is scheduled for 2023. Until the expected day arrives, she will continue working as a nanny and studying to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher.
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