Student Stories
Alif, Athena Cohort
When I entered Hunter College, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in “English Education,” a decision shaped by both the positive and negative experiences I had with English teachers in high school. I came from a public school system that cultivated my love for literature while also leaving me academically underprepared - I had not written a proper essay with guidance and feedback, let alone a research paper, since my junior year of high school. Arriving at Hunter, I quickly realized how wide the gap was between my preparation and that of many of my peers. What could have been discouraging instead became motivating, largely because of the support I received from the Hunter community.
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Nabira, Yalow Cohort
Growing up in a Pakistani immigrant community in Brooklyn shaped my understanding of healthcare access and equity from an early age. I witnessed how language barriers, physician shortages, and systemic inequities affected my family and neighbors. With only a few physicians in the neighborhood compared to the dense population, access to quality healthcare is limited, as the system is strained by long wait times and overworked physicians.
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Lena, Daedalus Cohort
My journey into computer science has been shaped by both personal challenges and the constant support of my mom. Growing up, I struggled with anxiety and confidence, and there were many moments when I doubted myself. Through it all, my mom was always there. She supported me in both big moments and everyday ones, reminding me of my worth and encouraging me to keep going even when things felt overwhelming.
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Anthony, Athena Cohort
My father has been one of the most influential people in my life, shaping not only who I am as a student but also who I am as a person. He supported me in everything I pursued and consistently pushed me to give my best effort, both academically and athletically. As my wrestling coach, he instilled in me the values of discipline, perseverance, and accountability. These lessons were not limited to the wrestling mat. They influenced how...
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Jessica, Yalow Cohort
My journey at Hunter College has been shaped by ongoing reflection, resilience, and the guidance of my older sister, a Hunter alumna whom I deeply admire. Entering college, I initially pursued a career that felt familiar and expected, which was the traditional medical school route. I was influenced by my family's expectations and the reputation that comes with becoming a physician, so...
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Sabrina, Roosevelt & Janovic Cohorts
My interest in political science began early, thanks largely to my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Foster. She pushed me to challenge myself academically and encouraged me to explore subjects that felt unfamiliar at the time. Her belief in my abilities stayed with me long after I left her classroom, inspiring me to work hard and take risks. She has continued to support me through writing mentorship, college applications, and opportunities to speak with her students. Political science resonates with me because it helps make sense of the complex and often overwhelming world we live in. So many systems that affect our daily lives feel inaccessible or confusing, and I believe that understanding them shouldn’t be limited to a select few.
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Safiie, Muse Scholar
One of the biggest challenges I have faced at Hunter College has been navigating my education as a non-native English speaker. In the beginning, I often felt insecure participating in class discussions or expressing my ideas out loud. Even when I understood the material, I worried that my thoughts would not come across clearly or that I would be judged for my language skills. This sometimes made me hesitate to speak up, ask questions, or fully engage in academic conversations.
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Xerxen, Nursing
For me, nursing is not just a career choice - it’s something deeply personal. My mother was a nurse, and from a young age I witnessed her compassion, dedication, and sense of responsibility toward her patients. One moment that stands out clearly in my memory was during a family flight to Las Vegas, when an announcement asked if there was a nurse onboard to assist someone experiencing low blood sugar. Without hesitation, my mother stepped in to help...
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Nora, Yalow Cohort
My academic journey in biological sciences has grown out of both curiosity and lived experience. I have always been drawn to science because it challenges us to ask difficult questions and approach uncertainty with patience, persistence, and humility. Over time, I have come to understand that science, especially in medicine, is not only about experiments or data, but also about responsibility. It requires listening carefully, earning trust, and recognizing the people behind every idea.
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Yaritza, Nursing
The person who has played the most significant role in helping me become who I am today is my mom. She is my role model. As a single mother, she raised me with strength, resilience, and unconditional support, never once allowing me to doubt my potential. She taught me that I never needed to depend on anyone else to reach my goals.
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