Grade/Year/School:
Columbia University '24
Fun fact: 
I migrated from the Dominican Rep. to the US when I was around 13, and though I love NYC’s skyscrapers, nothing can replace DR’s amazing beaches.
What makes you a change-maker? 
I strive to find solutions to issues that need attention. I am conscious of the challenges BIPOC/FGLI/Low-income students face in the NYC school system, especially during this COVID-19 epidemic. Due to this, I try to find creative ways to, not only make students feel represented but also heard and understood, even if it is on a small scale. 
Why do you do this work? 
#DegreesNYC not only allows me to collaborate in projects so NYC students feel represented, but it also enables me to reflect on how and why education is so important to me in the first place. It represents a space where I can learn from and with other students about their own experiences in education and work together towards the betterment of the system.

Grade/Year/School:
City College of New York '21
Fun fact: 
I play the keyboard.
What makes you a change-maker? 
What makes me a change-agent is my belief that human behaviors are influenced by private and public institutions. If we want more students to obtain college degrees then these institutions must play their role in making that easier for them to do. Education policy that is data-informed can more effectively guide institutions on how best to influence and support their students — so I am called to help with the research. 
Why do you do this work? 
I do this work because I am a low-income, first-generation minority student who faced my own set of challenges both in applying to and attending college.

Grade/Year/School:

On a gap year!

Fun fact: 

I love photography, I really enjoy being behind the camera capturing moments in time.

What makes you a change-maker? 

No matter how big or small my role may be, I want to use my skills and passions to help make a positive impact on communities that I am a part of and to make a difference in this world. 

Why do you do this work? 

To uplift and amplify marginalized voices by helping bring youth voices to the table.

Grade/Year/School:
John Bowne High School '21
Fun fact: 
I love to travel.
What makes you a change-maker? 
What makes me a change maker is my ability to inspire others and being adaptable in any given situation and making the best of it.
Why do you do this work? 
I do this job because I take pride in devoting my time for the benefit of others, to know that i can wake up and say to myself that a life has been changed for the better because of me, is a very humbling feeling.

Grade/Year/School:
City College of New York '23
Fun fact: 
I enjoy include embroidery, reading webcomics and manga, and playing videogames with my friends.
What makes you a change-maker? 
I think what makes me a change maker is my passion for equity for all, and the drive to do more than just doing enough or idly cheering on the sidelines but to actively participate in social and political change and help bring ideas to the table.
Why do you do this work? 
There should be no reason that in the 21st century some students still have to beat ridiculous odds stacked against them just to do well in school or to be able to go to college and thrive. Instead of teaching them to beat the odds let's break the barriers together!