Raquel Landero ’10
What have you been up to since graduation?
After graduating MCC, I attended Rutgers University and obtained a B.A. in Sociology. Now I am a Masters of Public Administration student in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers Newark, with just one more class to finish the program. As far as work related: I became Community Integration Coordinator for an Adult Training Program with the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, then Assistance Supervisor in one of its sites and subsequently Social Service Coordinator in partnership with the Perth Amboy Housing Authority. Nowadays, I work as the Housing Program Manager at the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development, helping families to fulfill their dream to become homeowners.
What is one of your greatest achievements since graduating from MCC?
I graduated with high honors from MCC which gave me the opportunity to earn the Dean’s list at Rutgers in my first semester and win the Student Excellence award. This could have not been possible without the right preparation and education I received from MCC.
What is your fondest memory of MCC?
I think going to the Perth Amboy campus for the first time. That day, the day of my orientation, I carefully listened to what the student counselor had to say. I remember being so emotionally and excited because that day I decided that I was going to fulfill one of my biggest dreams: Study in an American Higher-Educational Institution. I came to this country with a hundred dollars and a bag of dreams and MCC helped me to reach one of them!!!
What was your favorite place on campus, why?
I think my favorite place on campus was my way from the parking lot to the classrooms in Edison. I used to meditate every time I had to walk from the parking lot to the classroom, I used to look around the campus and feel the breeze (in the fall) and say to myself “Raquel you are here and you will be there.” I still remember those feelings like yesterday.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professors were Professors: Paula Bell, Angela Lugo, Leslie Cohen and my favorite counselor in the world, Mr. Jose Laureano. All of them gave the knowledge, the motivation and encouragement to keep pursuing my dreams.
If you could offer a current MCC student advice, what would it be?
Take one day at a time to reflect on your capacity; we are all humans with different weakness and strengths and master the art of listening
Why was attending MCC the right decision for you?
MCC prepared me to enter a state university; the level of education acquired at MCC is excellent. I felt confident with the education I received and less intimidated to complete research and projects in my other University. Not to mention that I save a lot of money.
MCC was and will always be my Alma Mater, and when there is a chance for me to advocate for MCC, I’ll be there for it.