Student Success Stories
Debra Rozier, B.A. Health Services Administration
Debra’s bachelor’s in health services administration is opening career opportunities for her in upper management. “I wanted to go to college and I just felt inadequate. But there always was a burning inside of me saying I can do better, I can do more,” says Debra. Her time at Lehman inspired her to desire more – pushing her to apply to master’s degree programs and take her career even further.
Michelle Velez, BLIS Graduate
Michelle, a first-generation Dominican American from the Bronx, came to Lehman after a ten year break and designed her own major, “Understanding Latino Culture and Health” to address health disparities in her community. As a mother, she earned her degree not just for herself, but for her children as well. Velez now intends to go on to earn her master’s degree saying, “Lehman has grown my confidence to pursue opportunities.”
Lauren Graham, B.A. Anthropology, B.S. Biology & Chemistry
Lauren Graham graduated from the adult degree program with a degree in Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry. She has been accepted into Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Worchester for an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program with a $60,000 scholarship based on her academic achievements. “Getting my degree after all of these years was such a good feeling. After years of working all of my random jobs, it made it feel like a blip because at the end of it I finally got what I wanted. For anyone who wants to do this, I’d say stop waiting and do it.”
Jose Vargas, B.A. Spanish
Jose earned his B.A. in Spanish through ADP – an experience made even more special by the fact that he was able to graduate alongside his 22-year-old son, who was also enrolled in Lehman at the same time. Jose has now gone on to pursue his master’s degree in education, working towards his dream of becoming a teacher. “Knowing you can benefit from all the work you’ve done in your life, that helps you move faster in your journey to your college degree. I hope more people take advantage of this program.”
Diandra Brown, B.A. Business Administration
Diandra’s decision to go back to college positively impacted not only her, but also the people around her, inspiring her sisters to pursue their degrees and her son to strive to be on the honor roll at his school. Diandra earned her degree in Business Administration with a minor in Health Services Administration. She credits ADP’s Prior learning class with helping to build her confidence and communication skills. When asked what advice she’d give prospective students, Diandra said “Go for it! It seems impossible but once you start you realize you have the support you need and are not alone.”
Cheryl Mashack, B.A. Sociology
Cheryl selected Lehman’s ADP for the flexibility and resources it offered, such as weekend classes, and prior learning classes designed specifically for adult students. She earned her degree in Sociology and says that her degree has helped her when interacting with parents and children in her current job in pediatric radiology. When asked what advice she’d give prospective students, Cheryl said “It’s easy to get frustrated and say, “I don’t have time for this.” Just hang in there and use Lehman’s resources and fight through it. Once you get through the door, don’t stop until you get it done.”