This week I spoke with Juella Gumbs of Bronx Community College, which is a 2 year college under the umbrella of the City University of New York (CUNY) school system. The college is located in The Bronx, New York. The CUNY system is one of the largest university systems in the United States and consist of many reputable 2 and 4 year colleges. It is also important to note that it is a very affordable school system, making it a haven for Caribbean Students. The only downfall of the CUNY schools is their lack of on campus housing. Most, if not all of the universities and colleges are commuter schools. Otherwise, it is an excellent school system with renowned colleges such as Baruch College, Queens College, Brooklyn College, York College, LaGuardia Community College, Bronx Community College- just to name a few. Juella will be graduating from Bronx Community College in a few weeks- CONGRATULATIONS!! She will be transfering to one of the top business schools in the nation, Baruch College- which is located in Downtown Manhattan.Below is my interview with Juella:
Ozelle M: Why did you choose to attend Bronx Community College?
Juella G: Initially I had not applied to Bronx Community College. Baruch was my first choice and I had been accepted. However, due to issues with the Math Placement Test I chose to attend Bronx Community College.
Ozelle M: What is your major at BBC?
Juella G: I'm a Business major with a concentration in Marketing
Ozelle M: Okay so we know that BCC is a 2 year college, what are the benefits of attending community college as oppose to going directly to university?
Juella G: There are several advantages you can get by attending a community college despite the stigma attached to them. Not only is the tuition a fraction of the cost compared to 4 year colleges, but class sizes tend to be small enabling students to develop relationships with their professors. Also it provides a smooth transition from high school to a 4 year college. This can be attributed to the small class sizes and the individual attention. Students are able to find out exactly w hat professors expect of them, and are able to correct any mistakes that may prove costly had t hey been at a 4 year college with minimal direction.
Ozelle M: How’s campus life at BBC?
Juella G: I would say the only thing I'm disappointed in with BCC is the campus life; it's practically non-existent. As a commute school, you find many of the students enrolled are part-time versus full-time students who work. You find most people just come for classes and leave once they are done to attend to their other obligations like work or their families. There are activities on campus but in comparison to 4 year colleges, school spirit is considerably lower.
Ozelle M: Is the student population accepting of Caribbean Students?
Juella G: I would say the student population is accepting of Caribbean students. Over the course of my studies at BCC I have come across many students I didn't know were from the Caribbean. From as far north as Jamaica to way down south by Trinidad, we are represented.
Ozelle M: Is there a Caribbean Student Association on campus and are you apart of it?
Juella G: There isn't a CSA present on campus but there have been Caribbean Clubs as well as International Students Clubs active on campus. During my second semester at BCC I was actually the Inter Organizational Council representative for the club from Sping 08 to Fall 08. These clubs have and continue to serve as a sort of retreat to make Caribbean students feel 'at home'.
Ozelle M: Would you encourage Caribbean Students to come to BBC?
Juella G: Of course I would. By no means is it cheap for Caribbean students to pursue an education in the US but with a school such as BCC that provides relatively low tuition and fees, it is worth the investment. It is even more beneficial to us caribbean students if we have family within the city that can provide us with low cost or free accomodation. As far as NY being a distracting city, it is only as distracting as one allows it to be. Most Caribbean students I come across are honor roll students and know how to balance school and the lure of the city life. We also know the value and importance of an education so it all comes down to staying focused and working diligently towards the goals we set forth for ourselves. Also if they have a support system behind them, they will be always be
reminded of their purpose.
Ozelle M: What plans do you have after you complete your degree at Bronx Community College?
Juella G: Well I'm currently in my last semester and I've already been accepted to Baruch for Spring 10 (yaaay!). My plans there are to enter the Zicklin School of Business and pursue my Bachelor's in Advertising and Marketing Communications with a minor in International Business. My long term education goals are to continue on to a Masters in Business as well as attain certification in Fashion Merchandising through a Continuing Professional Studies program at the Fashion Institute of technology.
Juella's interview was very informative and it was my pleasure to speak with her. She provided lots of information about life at a community college and how one can benefit from attending such an institution. For more information about Bronx Community College, please go to www.bcc.cuny.edu and to get more information about other City University of New York schools, please visit www.cuny.edu
Next week:: More information your blogger. Yup, I will invite you into my life (education wise):-)
