For Ramapo @ PCCC Alumna 2+2 Adds Up to Success
“It was smooth sailing,” said Destiny Garcia, describing her college journey as one of four PCCC alumni who previously received their Associate in Science degree in Human Services, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree this past spring through the Ramapo @ PCCC 2+2 program. Now all four are enrolled, with advanced standing, in the Master of Social Work degree program at Ramapo College of New Jersey.
“I’m already taking summer courses toward the master’s,” said Destiny. “I didn’t want to waste any time.”
Ramapo@PCCC is an innovative initiative that enables students who earn their associate’s degree at PCCC to continue on toward a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College of NJ while remaining on the PCCC campus. Students in the 2+2 option take junior and senior year classes in the Ramapo curriculum, with Ramapo professors, while remaining on the PCCC campus for another two years of their college education. They also save significantly on tuition costs.
“It was a smooth transition from PCCC into the bachelor’s degree program with Ramapo,” said Destiny. “The Ramapo class schedules were very convenient, and I liked being able to stay on the PCCC campus I was familiar with and still be with my friends here.” In fact, she and her three 2+2 classmates have formed a tight bond over the years. “We’ve shared our classes, received our associate and bachelor degrees together, and learned a lot from each other.”
Destiny chose to begin her college journey at PCCC, because it was her most affordable college option and close to home. “I didn’t want to start at a four-year college. A community college felt more comfortable to me and with the financial aid I received, I did not have to pay any tuition.”
Congratulations to the four PCCC alumni who earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree through the Ramapo@PCCC 2+2 program and are now enrolled in Ramapo’s Master of Social Work program: (l to r: Destiny Garcia, Evelyn Estevez, Anthony Dominguez, and Dahiana Cabral with Nora McCarthy, Ramapo’s Transfer Specialist/PCCC Coordinator.
The Clifton resident enrolled at PCCC in Fall 2019 with plans to become a math teacher, but by the end of her first semester. Destiny had a change of heart. “I explored career options with my PCCC advisor and counseling seemed to be the best fit for me, so I changed my major from math to Human Services.”
Destiny discovered that PCCC offered her the sense of community she wanted from college. “The smaller classes and amount of one-on-one time students could have with their professors made it easier to ask questions and learn. Also, when I wanted to change majors, I felt my advisor really listened to me and worked with me to find the career that suited me best.”
Lacking that kind of advisor in her earlier school years inspired Destiny’s goal. “I want to work in a school setting, preferably middle school or high school, because I feel more connected to kids and teens.”
Being the eldest of five sisters, gives Destiny insight into the academic and social experiences of her younger siblings. She feels that middle school students grow up too fast and should “put their phones down and enjoy their youth,” while teens need guidance to prepare for adult life. “I didn’t really have someone to guide me like that in my high school, so I want to be that guide for others.”
The future counselor gained valuable professional experience through three internships. The first, completed for her associate’s degree, was at a Paterson high school’s after-school program where Destiny provided emotional support to students and assisted with workshops. For her bachelor’s degree, Destiny completed two more internships: One at a Paterson elementary school, providing both academic and emotional assistance to K-3 students and another at a Clifton middle school where she counseled students while also planning events and activities.
“The internship opportunities gave me a chance to grow my skills through hands-on experience and to work with students of different age groups,” said Destiny.
Also, Destiny participated in PCCC’s Peer Mentoring program where she mentored a new student who planned to enter the 2+2 program. “I enjoyed answering her questions about the program and providing guidance to someone who had goals similar to mine.”
Now attending graduate classes on the Ramapo campus in Mahwah, Destiny feels she has grown personally and professionally through the 2+2 program and felt the professors and staff at Ramapo, like those at PCCC, have also been very helpful and supportive of their students’ success.
“I would definitely recommend the 2+2 program to others. I feel well prepared for a career, saved money, and whenever I need support or information, I have two caring college communities I can turn to.”
By Linda Telesco
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