Empowering Lives: Berkis Cruz-Eusebio’s Impact at CUNY’s Hostos Community College
At CUNY’s Hostos Community College, more than half of the student population is Hispanic, making it crucial to have dedicated staff members who understand and can relate to the challenges these students face. Berkis Cruz-Eusebio is one such staff member, a career specialist who goes above and beyond to guide students towards successful futures. Her work is part of the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP), a program designed to remove barriers to pursuing higher education.
Guiding Students Towards Success
Berkis Cruz-Eusebio’s role as a career specialist at Hostos Community College involves preparing students for transferring to senior colleges or entering the workforce. While her job title may suggest she focuses solely on career development, Cruz-Eusebio sees her role as much more than that. She views herself as a catalyst for positive change in students’ lives, providing tough love when needed and offering unwavering support and guidance.
Cruz-Eusebio’s own background as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic allows her to connect with students on a deeper level. She understands the struggles and obstacles many of them face, which enables her to tailor her support to their specific needs. Through ASAP, Cruz-Eusebio helps students access financial aid, transportation assistance, textbook stipends, and wraparound services like academic advising to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
Transforming Lives Through Education
One of the most rewarding aspects of Cruz-Eusebio’s work is witnessing the transformation of students’ lives. She recalls a young mother from Guatemala who enrolled in a language immersion program at Hostos, determined to break free from a life working in a bakery. With the support of ASAP and Cruz-Eusebio’s guidance, the student not only learned English but also earned her bachelor’s degree from Lehman College. Today, she is pursuing her master’s degree, working as a full-time staff member in ASAP, and has even purchased her own home in Connecticut.
Cruz-Eusebio’s commitment to helping students break the cycle of poverty is evident in her approach to her work. She sees the challenges faced by students in one of the poorest zip codes in the Bronx not as obstacles but as opportunities to make a real difference. By empowering students to pursue higher education and secure meaningful employment, she is helping them build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Inspiring Hope and Encouraging Exploration
For students like Steven Perryman, the guidance and support provided by ASAP, particularly from mentors like Berkis Cruz-Eusebio, are invaluable in shaping their future prospects. Perryman emphasizes the importance of having someone like Cruz-Eusebio who can offer practical advice and perspective as students prepare for interviews and opportunities in the workforce.
During a recent session with students, Cruz-Eusebio led a presentation on applying for jobs with international companies, exposing them to a world of possibilities beyond their immediate surroundings. Her dedication to broadening students’ horizons and encouraging them to explore new opportunities is a testament to her unwavering commitment to their success.
Cruz-Eusebio’s motto of “why not?” encapsulates her approach to life and her work with students. She believes in showing people that there is more to life than they may perceive, and she is dedicated to helping them realize their full potential. Through her guidance, support, and unwavering belief in their abilities, Berkis Cruz-Eusebio is empowering lives and making a lasting impact at CUNY’s Hostos Community College.
