Public Employee Press

Dreams come true
New CNR students follow their dreams
Brooklyn Parent Coordinator recommends taking that first step of enrolling

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Parent Coordinator Martin Young enrolled at the College of New Rochelle for a couple of reasons, the most important being to serve as an example for the students that he works with at the Cultural Academy for Arts and Sciences in Brooklyn. "I'm always encouraging them to hit the books," Young explained. "So I thought they would take me more seriously if I did too."

Young's area of concentration is communications, and he has completed his first semester. The fact that the DC 37 campus of CNR offers six credits per class was another incentive for Young to enroll. "That's a huge advantage," Young explained. "I don't know too many colleges that offer that."

The Local 372 member started in the Dept. of Education as a School Aide at the Brooklyn school back when it was called Fort Tilden High School. A veteran of the Iraq War who did an eight-month tour of duty, Young enjoys getting parents and students involved in their education. Recently he helped students at the East Flatbush school start their first student newspaper.

But Young also decided to return to school because he enjoys learning. "I'm having a lot of fun," said Young, who cited American Experience as his favorite class. Like most students with a full time job and family responsibilities, college work can be a load. "The main challenge is time management," explained Young. "You have to be focused."

Despite the extra work, the term papers and the stress, Young recommends taking that first step and enrolling at CNR. "Even if you register for just one class per semester, the credits start accumulating and before you know it you're on your way to a degree," he said.

Stephen Greenfeld, campus director of DC 37, is especially impressed with the new students at CNR. "Martin and Vivian are fine examples of the academic caliber of our students," he said. "We're very happy to have them."