She Picked the Path of Service and Support

Evelyn Estevez, ’22, began her PCCC education with a nursing career in mind, but when she learned about social work, Evelyn changed direction. “I realized social work was more aligned with the work I want to do.” That work is to help vulnerable populations that are affected by medical issues, natural disasters, and environmental hazards, a goal Evelyn developed when she witnessed the hardship these occurrences caused all over the country, including in the local area.

“Some that really stood out to me were the chemical fire that happened in Passaic in 2022 and the Canadian wildfires which affected the air quality in many states including New Jersey.”

 Evelyn places a high value on support systems. She feels drawn to helping others during stressful times in their lives, and she believes that by doing so, “more people who need help will feel encouraged to ask for it.”

During her years at PCCC, Evelyn developed a close friendship with three other students who were also majoring in Human Services. The four of them maintained a support system for each other that continues to this day.   All four earned their Associate in Science degree in Human Services in the Class of 2022 and elected to continue their college education toward a bachelor’s degree through the Ramapo@PCCC 2+2 initiative.

Ramapo @ PCCC enables PCCC alumni who earned an associate’s degree to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) at significant cost savings.  Additionally, students in the 2+2 program remain on the familiar PCCC campus for their junior and senior years, completing the RCNJ bachelor’s degree curriculum in classes with RCNJ professors, and paying a special tuition rate.

Holding down a retail job throughout her college years, Evelyn jumped at the opportunity offered by Ramapo @ PCCC.  “I chose the 2+2 program because it was convenient for my travel time, and I was able to earn my degree at an affordable price. My credits transferred over without any issues and the staff members were helpful and supportive throughout the entire process.”

Evelyn appreciated the smaller class sizes in the 2+2 program and the strong support she received from the professors and her advisor, Nora McCarthy, the Ramapo@PCCC Transfer Specialist.

 “Having only a few classmates was beneficial when learning the material and allowed me to make the most out of each class,” said Evelyn.  “I have felt very comfortable at school with the relationships I was able to build along the way.”

This past spring, Evelyn and her three fellow PCCC alumni once again graduated together, earning their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. What’s more, the four of them all enrolled, with advanced standing, in a Master’s of Social Work degree program at RCNJ over the summer.

Keeping focused on her long-term goal to work in disaster relief, Evelyn plans to start in a more conventional role. “I look forward to beginning my career journey by working as a social worker in a hospital or medical office.”

Now pursing her master’s degree, Evelyn thrives on the experience of sharing her college education, both undergraduate and graduate, with her fellow PCCC alumni. “I am very grateful for the three friends that I have gone through the 2+2 program with. Having classmates there to check up on each other and remind one another about homework and school events was a great help.

The Human Services to Ramapo@PCCC program has been very supportive and encouraging of my success, and I am glad I was able to experience it.”

by Linda Telesco