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Roshnee Vazquez

Delta Chapter, The College of New Jersey

Pledged Fall 1997 

As a first generation college student my transition to college was somewhat rocky. While I had love and best intentions from family, there were certain challenges that they could not relate to and could not offer the support I sought. During my first year at TCNJ I began to explore avenues that could provide me with the foundation I needed to help me succeed and thrive. During that journey I met women who were interested in Chi Upsilon Sigma and attended my first interest session. The next semester I began the new member process and became a Sister.

At first glance I felt that I had found the grounding I yearned for. I found women who like me came from humble beginnings but dreamed beyond the barriers that were imposed on us as Latinas of lower socioeconomic upbringings. What I realize now is that I did not just find a group of women to help me through my college years, but I found a family that has been along side me during times of celebration, times of grief, and times of growth. I am the woman I am today because of the lessons we taught each other and the support that I am eternally grateful for.

Today I am a Doctoral Candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a young girl from Union City, New Jersey entering the EOF program at The College of New Jersey I never imagined I would be working on a PhD at an Ivy League institution. C.U.S. taught me to work hard, push myself, and always be proud of who I am and where I come from. I still carry these values with me and they have helped me clarify who I am, what is important to me, and what my contribution will be to my professional field and mi comunidad. 

What keeps me involved with C.U.S. is my belief in the sisterhood. If I can help another young woman with an academic issue, transitional struggle, or “growing up” questions, I am not only showing my gratitude of what was done for me but I am fulfilling my duty of carrying on the legacy. There are the fun times of hanging out with sisters, partying and traveling that bring a smile to my face. However, there is something deeper, more valuable that I have gained and could not imagine myself without it. Thank you hermanas de mi corazón!