Carol Pope- Cody

I was fortunate to be a part of College Discovery (Jamaica HIgh School) and Project Double Discovery (Columbia University) in 1965. I would say the major impact of both programs on me was getting me out of my comfort zone. I was able to meet students from the five boroughs, I was introduced to the theater, I spent time on a college campus for 3 years, I met college students who became role models. As a result I developed an appreciation for what could be in the future. Prior to the program I lived solely in my neighborhood in Hollis, Queens where everything was familiar and predictable.

I am forever grateful for the guidance counselors who fulfilled their promise at the beginning of the program that we would all be provided an opportunity to attend college.

Following graduation from Jamaica I pursued my childhood dream of becoming a nurse. I have been blessed to work in the healthcare field for more than 50 years as a registered nurse; a healthcare manager and director; an educator at both the community college and University level. I currently work my retirement dream job as a campus nurse two days a week. A major portion of my career was spent on active duty in the US Air Force where I met my husband and had my children. I was able to complete my Masters and Doctoral studies as well as train and work as a Nurse Practitioner while traveling the world. I retired from the Air Force after 22 years, my family and I relocated to the Dallas, Texas area in 1995 and continue to reside in the metroplex.

I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My husband and I have been active in the same church since 1995 where we serve on the Deacon Council, youth ministry, usher ministry and Sunday School facilitators. We are the owners of a commercial construction company for the past 22 years where my husband works full time as CEO. We enjoy time with our adult children and are absolutely in love with our 8 grandchildren. We look forward to continuing our world travels and have recently joined the world of RV ownership with our Winnebago.