While crafting my personal statement for an application, I highlighted how the prospective program could bridge the educational gaps I encountered during my time at a public university. I often harped on the fact that when I say John Jay, I wouldn’t see people’s eyes light up the same way they light up when my sister said she attended Harvard. The disparity in recognition between a CUNY education and prestigious institutions like Harvard often left me feeling that my academic journey might have some voids. However, my perspective shifted significantly during my participation in the Humanities Alliance meeting.
Entering the meeting, I found a reassuring space to articulate my experiences within and beyond the CUNY system. Despite being surrounded by graduate and doctoral students, a shared thread of motivation emerged among us, all stemming from our choice to attend a CUNY institution. The collective emphasis on avoiding substantial student debt resonated with many, reaffirming the importance of affordable education.
During the discussion, I seized the opportunity to share insights into my involvement with the Macaulay Honors Program—a four-year full-merit scholarship that extends beyond financial support to foster connections with professionals and like-minded peers. Additionally, I shed light on the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies, a program that, surprisingly, many participants were unfamiliar with. This unique academic path allowed me to maximize the value of my undergraduate degree and ensured that I would leave college with a qualification I truly cherish.
What stood out to me the most, however, was learning about the experiences of fellow participants in the Humanities Alliance Program. Their stories not only reassured me about pursuing a CUNY graduate program but also highlighted the myriad opportunities available to students within the CUNY community. This seminar provided invaluable insights for individuals like me, teetering on the brink of curiosity and fear, offering a roadmap to navigate the post-undergraduate landscape with confidence.
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