Class of 2008
Political Science
School of Arts & Sciences
The College of New Rochelle

Where are you from, Araba?
I am from Randolph, Massachusetts.

How did you hear about The College of New Rochelle?
I heard about CNR from a postcard that they sent to me. I looked it up on collegeboard.com, liked what I saw and read about.  I applied and was thrilled that they accepted me.

What other colleges did you consider and why did you pick CNR?
I  considered Virginia Union, Virginia State University and Spelman College. I picked The College of New Rochelle because when I first visited the campus everyone was so welcoming. Also,the laptop that they gave me free had a lot to do with my coming here. It really cut down on the cost of my education.

What is your major at CNR?
My major is political science.

When will you graduate?
I will graduate in May of 2008.
 
Tell us about some of your favorite professors.
I have many fine teachers at the College, but my favorite is Dr. Daniel Garcia, Assistant Professor of History. Dr. Garcia is one of those teachers who is always forcing you to think “outside the box” and look at issues and events from many points of view. We always have such exciting discussions in his classes. I look forward to his classes every week. Also he is interested in students as individuals and is very encouraging to all the students. He sees potential in us when sometimes we don’t think we can achieve very much.

What clubs or organizations are you involved with as a student?
I am involved in the Model United Nations. That is my main interest on campus. We go the United Nations in New York City for events, and recently we went to Philadelphia for a UN student conference. It was great!

You recently had  an internship in Albany, New York?
That’s right.  I was an intern at the New York State Assembly office thanks to the help of Terri Eberle, Director of Government Relations for The College of New Rochelle. While at the State Capital, I had the opportunity to meet many political leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Patterson. It was awesome. And because of that experience of working in Albany I began to think about going to law school after I graduate from CNR. Ms. Eberle has been encouraging me to think of studying law as she, too, has a law degree.
 
Do you go into New York City often?
No, not often. Mostly I am studying in the library or involved in activities with our campus ministry organization. On the weekends I often visit my aunt who lives nearby in the Bronx. However, I have gone into the City to see plays. Most recently I saw The Color Purple on Broadway. It was fantastic!

Do you have a job on campus?
Yes, I work at the library. And working in the library has helped me to learn how to use the resources that are available in our recently renovated Mother Irene Gill Library. For example, every morning, I stop by the library just to read The New York Times. Reading the Times has improved my reading comprehension, and it keeps me up to date with what is happening in the world. Often when you live on such a beautiful campus like ours here at CNR, you can forget that there is a world beyond these peaceful lawns.

What are plans after you graduate, Araba?
Well, after I graduate, I’m headed for law school. My dream is to become a judge and perhaps run for public office in my home state of Massachusetts. You might say I have been bitten by the political bug.