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Ronald J. Oliva, Academic Program Director
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Science in Communications: Media Studies. CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts, Cinema and Media Studies.
What college success tips do you have? When I was a CSI student I always felt that I was being "annoying" by asking questions. This is not true. Asking questions shows that you are proactive and care. Never stop asking questions.
Favorite Quote: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky

Mary Quezada, Associate Director
Education: CUNY Baruch College, Bachelor of Business Administration: Finance. CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts, Liberal Studies.
What college success tips do you have? Participate! Just showing up is a great start but the more active you are in class, the more information you will retain.
Favorite Quote: There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. – General Colin Powell

LaToya Dubery, Associate Director
Education: CUNY BMCC Associate of Science in Human Services. York College Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and Hunter College M.S. Ed. in School Counseling
What college success tips do you have? Be present and embrace the opportunities. In other words, show up as your authentic self and be willing to receive the energy, knowledge and resources that you are surrounded by. College isn't just about theoretical framework; it's also about meeting people in similar or different circles while stiving for your degree(s).
Favorite Quote: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. - Maya Angelou

Lauren Merenda, Associate Director for Collaborative Strategies
Education: University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Business Minor. Central Connecticut State University, Master of Science in Counselor Education: Student Development in Higher Education. CUNY Hunter College, Doctor of Education Instructional Leadership EDD (in-progress)
What college success tips do you have?Get involved on campus! It is a great way to explore current interests, learn something new, and meet other students. Getting involved can also introduce you to potential careers and is a great addition to a resume.
Hobbies/Interests:I enjoy running and being outdoors.

Michael Lepore, Assistant Director of Recruitment
Education: St. John’s University, Bachelor of Science in Business: Management; St. John’s University, Master in Business Administration.
What college success tips do you have?
Get involved on campus! Effective time management will be key during your time in college as well. Giving yourself enough time to complete your course work will open the opportunity to make connections and network during your free time. Meet as many people as you possibly can – professional connections are everlasting.

Samantha Berger, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Baruch College, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management, Minor in Communications. CUNY Baruch College, Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Administration (in-progress).
What college success tips do you have? Find an organizational system that will help you keep track of your assignments, exams, and deadlines. I love using a planner or even Google Calendar. This will help you carve out time to complete assignments, study for exams, and prepare for presentations. You want to use your time as effectively as you can, while still being mindful that you need for you too!
Favorite Quote: You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. – Maya Angelou

Javier Brown III, Academic Advisor
Education: Millersville University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and West Chester University and Master of Science in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs.
What college success tips do you have? Take advantage of opportunities! There are so many opportunities on campus to get involved, build your skills, expand your network, and continue growing personally and professionally.
Favorite Quote: There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone. - Christina Williams

Agnes Dixon, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Hunter College, Bachelor of Arts in Woman Studies and CUNY School of Professional Studies, Master of Arts in Youth Studies.
What college success tips do you have? Remember to be open and determined to learn, grow, make mistakes, and be stretched. You will become a better, wiser, and stronger individual as a result but you must not give up. You are embarking on your very own metamorphosis. You don't have to be perfect for no one is. Self-advocate, take notes, have a system of organization, and be curious. Be unstoppable.
Favorite Quote: The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. - Amelia Earhart

Damany Higgs, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Lehman College, Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies.
What college success tips do you have? College is a journey. On a journey no person knows the actual final destination; nobody knows who they will be when they finish the journey. Explore your capacity for change. Explore your capacity for all things.
Favorite Quote: Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. – Langston Hughes

Damaris Hipolito, Academic Advisor
Education: New York University (Undergraduate) and Teacher's College-Columbia University (Graduate).
What college success tips do you have? Always ask questions! Growing up, I was always afraid to ask questions, but if you don't ask questions, how would you know the answer. It is okay to be curious, and learning how to find the right answer. In a class, if you are not understanding a professor, or if the content is too difficult to understand, or simply if you want to learn more information, it does not it hurt to ask.
Why did you decide to work in Higher Education? My passion for higher education grew after my experiences with the Alternative Breaks Community Service Program at NYU where I was a participant and a Site Leader. I travelled to Ecuador and Costa Rica to serve underrepresented populations and to fully understand the influences of other diverse cultures. In addition, as a former NYU HEOP student brought up in a Puerto Rican, single-parent, low-income household, my aspiration was to become a role model to others and help them strive for excellence in order for them to obtain an education as their golden ticket to overcome struggles that stood in their way.

Michael Hourahan, Academic Advisor
Education: Bachelor of Art in Law & Society: Macaulay Honors College at John Jay College. Master of Business Administration: University of Texas System.
What college success tips do you have? Build community on campus – with other students, professors, and advisors. Get involved and stay involved in communities that catch your interest. Success depends not only on your own efforts but also on the extent to which you allow others to support your efforts. The ASAP|ACE Program and the College of Staten Island provide many resources at no cost – like tutoring, personalized advising, and career services – so make sure you use them and the relationships they inspire to your advantage! Enjoy your time here and stay connected to your community as you build it. Work hard for yourself and for others.
Favorite Quote: Each of us is responsible to all for all. - Fyodor Dostoevsky

Linsy John, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts in English: Writing, CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Science in Education.
What college success tips do you have? Remember to self-care. While you attend classes, work on assignments and handle other responsibilities, set some time for yourself to unwind, rest and relax. Get enough sleep, eat healthier, drink water and exercise. Keep your mind and body strong, to help you stay focused on your academic journey.

Agnes

Brittany Jost-Sinodinos, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Macaulay Honors College (College of Staten Island), Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Gender Studies. Queens College, Master of Library Science (MLS) (in-progress).
What college success tips do you have?: College is a time to explore and ask questions! Be open-minded in your classes because you never know what new information will inspire you. Take advantage of all your resources from classmates to professors to advisors. The more you open yourself up to new relationships and opportunities, the more prepared you will be to take new steps into jobs, internships, and graduate school.

Tara Lao, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Science in Communications: Corporate Communications. SUNY Stony Brook University, Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration.
What college success tips do you have? Practice having a growth mindset and believe that abilities and skills can be developed with time, effort, and perseverance. Learn to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. Stay focused on your own college journey and personal growth, rather than comparing yourself to others.

Natasha Lauriston, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY Brooklyn College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Sociology and CUNY Brooklyn College , Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
What college success tips do you have? I wish more students knew more about the benefit of seeking help. In the case of my work, I am here to help. Also, the resources available on campus are there to help you. Independence and pride are great qualities, but don’t let them discourage you from attending your advising sessions, career employment sessions, campus life events and other opportunities. Yes, we live in a digital world where you may find it simpler to get advice and information online, but simpler isn’t necessarily better. The impact of communicating with people who are here to help is far greater than trying to do it all on your own.
Why did you decide to work in Higher Education? I believe there is a true value in taking the influence you’ve earned and sowing it back into the ground you came from. This is why I work in higher education. I look forward to being a great source of support and encouragement during my student’s proud and challenging moments.

Judy Lotfy, Academic Advisor
Education: University of California, Riverside, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Concentration: Accounting. University of Southern California, Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs.
What college success tips do you have? Getting involved on campus (joining clubs, taking on leadership positions, working on campus, attending campus events) and building relationships with your professors and peers can help you feel more connected to your college experience, while also opening doors to greater opportunities after you graduate.
Why did you decide to work in Higher Education? As a first-generation college student, I found navigating college to be a challenge, so I wanted to become a resource for others who might feel lost or unsure of where to find help, access resources, or succeed in college.

Matthew Navarria, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and CUNY College of Staten Island, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.
What college success tips do you have? The key to success in college is preparation, hard work, love of learning/open mindset and utilizing all of the resources available (especially advisement and career related services). Its important to balance both day to day items ( studying, tutoring, attending classes etc) while also keeping in mind the "big picture" and long term academic/ career planning. Set realistic, short term and long term goals--- work hard and consistently to achieve them. Take advantage of resources, support services and extracurricular opportunities as well. Lastly, it's very important to have a personal support system ( family, friends, peers etc) to provide motivation and encouragement during challenging times.
Favorite Quote: An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin

Ayman Naquvi, Academic Advisor
Education: Barnard College, Bachelor of Arts in Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures; New York University, Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
What college success tips do you have? Be resourceful. That means a lot of things: take a campus tour, learn about what organizations and centers exist around campus, take advantage of free workshops and information, talk to your professors so they get to know you, always try to make at least one friend in every class. With those resources, you will be in the best position to advocate for yourself, which is what it takes to succeed in college and later in life.

Melissa Scafiddi, Academic Advisor
Education: Arizona State University: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentrations in Business and Asian Studies.
What college success tips do you have? Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't wait until it's too late. The CSI staff and professors have all been in your shoes at one point. Even if you are not having difficulties in your class, you should still attend the tutoring centers. The centers not only help you to review class material, but they also offer workshops and opportunities to further develop the skills you already have. It is also important to communicate with your professor if you don’t fully understand something in class.
Favorite Quote: Only do what your heart tells you. – Princess Diana

Christen Trapani-Kern, Academic Advisor
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor of Arts Psychology. CUNY Brooklyn College Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Human Relations.
What college success tips do you have? A tip that I can offer students for college success is to ask for assistance when you are unsure about something.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy cooking and baking.

Sheila Harris, PhD. Financial Aid Specialist
Education: CUNY York College, Bachelor of Arts; New York Institute of Technology, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration; St. John's University, Doctor of Philosophy.
What college success tips do you have? Know the tools you need for your success in school. Understand your Financial Aid requirements. Know your academic requirements, and most importantly, know the people in those areas who you can go to for advice. Never be afraid to ask, and never assume anything.
Why did you decide to work in Higher Education? To pay it forward. I use to tell students in my caseload, "It is your job to do well in class, knowing I am working behind the scene trying to make sure your financial aid is sound". I love to see the students that struggle semester by semester financially finally graduate; to watch the joy on their families faces.

Akeem James, Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator
Education: CUNY College of Staten Island, Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and minor in Philosophy. CUNY School of Professional Studies, Master of Arts in Youth Studies (In-Progress).
What college success tips do you have? Time management and prioritizing are major functions of achieving academic success in college, this comes along with making sacrifices which can help get you closer to your desired goals in both college and within life. I think it’s important to know what courses/tasks deserves critical attention, and for others which might need less. Lastly, it’s always important to establish connections to help foster relationships with faculty, staff and other students, these relationships can last a lifetime, and be very impactful.

Caitlin Garcia, Coordinator for Student Engagement and Persistence
Education: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in International Criminal Justice, Interdisciplinary Studies Minor.
What college success tips do you have? Connect with your professors! Professors not only teach your class but are professionals and experts within their field. Having conversations with them can not only help you better understand your course but strengthens your network as a student. Networking can happen organically and is very useful as you continue your journey after graduation.

Phil Cameron, Career Specialist
Education: CUNY Kingsborough Community College, Associate of Applied Science: Liberal Arts. Stony Brook University, Bachelor of Arts: English. CUNY Brooklyn College, Master of Arts: English.
What college success tips do you have? Talk to people. Ask questions. Network. Take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that CSI and CUNY have to offer!

JeanaMarie Ventrone, Academic Program Coordinator
Education: LIM College, Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising.
What college success tips do you have?Don’t procrastinate! If you have the time, complete the task. College and daily responsibilities are on-going, and can be fast moving. Don’t let the work and projects build up to avoid burnout.

Betzaidi Perez, Administrative Assistant
Education: Monroe College, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Health Services Administration.
What college success tips do you have? Stay organized and manage your time wisely. Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments, exams, and deadlines. Breaking tasks into smaller steps helps reduce stress and keeps you on track throughout the semester.
Favorite Quote: Believe you can and you’re halfway there. — Theodore Roosevelt

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