I am a widow and the proud mother of three sons, but my family is much larger than that. Over the years, so many people have called me ‘Mom,’ and I welcome that title. It comes from the empathy I learned to embrace—an empathy that was nurtured during my years in College Discovery. What was given to me then shaped how I showed up for others throughout my life.

I spent 32 years as a civil servant, and everything I learned during my time at Jamaica High School and in the College Discovery Program stayed with me. I passed those lessons on to countless clients, always trying to treat people with care, dignity, and respect. When I retired in 2005, I thought that chapter was complete. But even years later, former coworkers told me that clients were still coming back, asking for me—because I cared. And I cared because people once cared deeply about me.

Today, I am the mother of three sons and the grandmother of five granddaughters—but I am also connected to so many others whose lives have touched mine and who still reach back to me. College Discovery was eye‑opening. It was community, family, and self‑work all rolled into one. I met people I now call lifelong friends and family, and I am still in touch with many of them.

I am grateful—deeply grateful—to have been a part of College Discovery, because it is now a part of me.

Thank you.