<p><span class="p-body">The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies/workplace-learning-innovation-lab/career-pathways-bridge-program.html">NYU School of Professional Studies Career Pathways Bridge Fellows</a> know exactly what it’s like to navigate the surprises, challenges, and opportunities that come with being a first-year college student. As Bridge students and first-year associate degree students at NYU SPS’s Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies (DAUS), there is a lot of change to navigate—changes in learning and social environments, peer and professor relationships, and the balancing of coursework, extracurriculars, internships, and personal lives.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As millions of high school students start researching their own postsecondary pathways, applying to colleges and universities, and making major decisions about their futures, the Bridge Fellows felt it only right to share their own experiences and perspectives, so check out this interview with three first year Bridge students, Fathima, Giavanni, and Ronald.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body"><b>Fathima Ballee</b>, Class of 2026 </span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Associate Degree Student, Liberal Arts</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Graduate of Urban Assembly Charter School for Computer Science, Bronx, NY</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Career Pathways Intern, Event Planning &amp; Marketing</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Hobbies/Interests: Baking, Shopping, Reading</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Clubs/Organizations: Cheese Club</span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Giavanni Espinal</b>, Class of 2026 </span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Applied Associate Degree of Science, Business</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Graduate of Edward R Murrow High School, Brooklyn, NY</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Career Pathways Intern, Event Planning &amp; Marketing</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Hobbies/Interests: Crocheting, Gardening, Video Games</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Clubs/Organizations: Quiz Bowl, Bella Quisqueya, Haus of Violets, West Fourth Stage Company, Queer Union</span></li> </ul> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Ronald Medor</b>, Class of 2026 </span></p> <ul class="p-list"> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Applied Associate Degree of Science, Business</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Graduate of Cobble Hill School of American Studies, Brooklyn, NY </span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Career Pathways Intern, Event Planning &amp; Marketing</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, Watching Movies, Musical Instruments</span></li> <li><span class="p-body">NYU SPS Clubs/Teams: Intramural Basketball Team</span></li> </ul> <p> </p>

<p><span class="p-body"><b>Fathima Ballee:</b> I chose the Career Pathways Bridge Program at DAUS because I was interested in a program that would provide the tools to succeed. I feel so confident in myself and my future with this program because there are so many different support systems we can turn to. I especially appreciate the access to free tutoring, mentorship, and resources at the NYU SPS Wasserman Center for Career Development.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">I chose the School of Professional Studies at NYU because I love the idea of having a career-oriented education. I wanted to gain skills that would not only support my current academic goals but also ensure professional growth that’s applicable to any career I choose to pursue. Additionally, I love the support that we have here at SPS. I always have someone to go to whenever I need help. Recently I had questions about registration and I asked my advisor, who explained everything to me and made sure I knew the steps to complete. It’s so comforting knowing that I have someone who has my back and guides me through processes I don't know how to navigate.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body"><b>Giavanni (Gio) Espinal:</b> I chose the School of Professional Studies because this organization is the most capable of providing individualized learning opportunities. SPS offers career development sessions, academic advising, wellness centers and even financial assistance, which makes me and my peers feel cared for while learning. </span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The Career Pathways Bridge Program appealed to me because it’s heavily committed to every student’s growth. They provide resources like peer mentors, who help us through our NYU journeys. In this program, I’m also exposed to industry professionals with established careers, dedicated career counselors, career workshops, and site visits, like when we visited Wells Fargo. Through these experiences,<b><i> I’m learning about myself, better understanding professionalism and collaboration, and receiving an education that will give me the skills to have a successful transition into the real world.</i></b></span></p> <p><span class="p-body"><b>Ronald Medor:</b> I chose the Bridge Program because of the endless opportunities it has to offer. Seeing the office hours for homework help and the work experiences I was able to be a part of really picked at me and I knew it was an opportunity I had to jump on<i>.<b> In high school, I was always scared about not knowing what career I wanted to go into, so seeing how the Bridge Program can aid in that really stuck with me.</b></i> The reason I chose SPS was because of the community I can be surrounded by. I was able to join community-based clubs and intramural teams, from which I met a lot of diverse people.</span></p>

<p><b>Fathima:</b> A prior work experience that taught me responsibility was when I partnered with representatives from JP Morgan Chase Emerging Leaders Program to brainstorm business strategies that could enhance the company. After conducting thorough research, I created detailed presentations and shared my projects with members of the company. I remember feeling overwhelmed with the workload from school and my internship but I persisted and thought of ways to balance everything. By dividing out my schedule to handle assignments and projects, I developed strong organizational skills. I think this contributed to building up my skills in college because I had to balance multiple things on my plate. Now, it helps me balance school and work but it's a lot easier because of the practice I've had with organizing my time.</p> <p><b>Gio:</b> My experiences during high school taught me a lot about time management. In high school, I often participated in musical theater productions. Rehearsals would often last until 8 PM, which clashed with time to do homework and study. This resulted in me learning how to manage my time and adapt so that my grades wouldn’t fall, while still doing what I enjoy. Whenever I wasn’t needed on stage, I would do homework or make index cards for my next quiz. This experience helped me to realize the importance of adapting to circumstances.</p> <p><b>Ronald:</b> While working during the summertime at a law office in Bay Ridge, I worked alongside this one attorney who gave me countless pieces of advice for college and my future. One thing he told me never to do was say I didn't know the answer to a question. This was probably one of the greatest pieces of advice because it helped me to thoughtfully search for answers regardless of any situation. I see myself using this advice in my school work because it's so easy to give up and say you don't know an answer rather than think about it critically. With this, I see much improvement in my academics.</p>

<p><b>Ronald:</b> I believe students should understand that everything will work out in the end. At NYU, there are countless resources and people available to support you, so knowing that there is a system to guide you through your journey can be incredibly reassuring. One of the most important ways to succeed is by building strong relationships with both your peers and professors. Collaboration is key, and it’s essential to <b><i>never be afraid to ask for help</i></b>. At the end of the day, the only person you’re holding back by staying silent is yourself and you’re hindering your own great potential.</p> <p><b>Fathima:</b> One piece of advice I would give an incoming student about the transition to college is to<b><i> embrace discomfort</i></b>. I was personally nervous about going from high school to college. It can be scary but I think the best way to get past it is by putting yourself out there and understanding that it's okay to feel out of place in a new environment. By going to clubs and events to make new friends and connect with professors, it makes it much easier to feel comfortable in the transition to college. Patience is important because it takes time to adjust but college is all about learning and growing. <b><i>It's normal to feel pressured to figure it all out now, but give yourself the space to find your rhythm and explore new things.</i></b></p> <p><b>Gio:</b> One piece of advice I would give is to be active on campus. NYU offers  resources like career coaching, financial help, food pantries, events, clubs, tutoring and more! There are so many ways to build on college life, but it includes getting involved on campus. Finding your community is important, and helps to balance work and social life. Clubs and events are a great way to find people with common interests and develop meaningful friendships. New students can also establish good relationships with their professors through simple gestures like asking questions, as it demonstrates effort in learning the material. Most of all, the location is perfect for opportunities to meet people around the city, so the possibilities are endless! </p>