Vanita Dotson
After graduating, I was accepted to Queensborough Community College. However, I chose to pursue nursing and enrolled at Beth Israel School of Nursing, now known as Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing. I completed my studies there and graduated as a registered nurse.
Following graduation, I began my career at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica, where I worked full time for approximately 38 years. During my time at Mary Immaculate, I worked in several departments, including Orthopedics, but I spent most of my career in the Intensive Care Unit and the Coronary Care Unit. While working there, I earned my certification in Critical Care Nursing.
After the hospital closed, I worked for about five years with a private company conducting chart reviews for the state. I later retired at the age of 65 and became a full-time caregiver for my mother, who is now 97 years old.
My involvement with the College Discovery Program began when I attended Jamaica High School, which I entered directly from elementary school. I am not sure how I was selected for the program, but I was very grateful to be chosen. Jamaica High School was a very large school, and it was easy to feel lost both socially and academically.
The College Discovery Program provided structure, support, and encouragement, which helped me gain confidence and motivation. As the oldest of six children, I was the first in my family to pursue higher education. The program played an important role in helping me succeed in the classroom and adjust to academic life.
I especially appreciated the sense of togetherness and support within our classes. Without the College Discovery Program, I truly believe I would have felt lost. It made a lasting difference in my life and helped guide me toward my future.