St. John’s University student and Peter M. Flanigan Scholar Marlin is studying abroad in Paris. In her first few days, she explored the city and, of course, captured a photo by the Eiffel Tower.
Why did you choose this program and these countries?
Marlin: One aspect of St. John’s University that stood out to me was their Western Europe Semester program. I first heard about this program as a high school senior, when I was deciding which college to attend. I remember reading its description and being enthralled with the idea of having this unique experience.
What do you hope to learn during this program?
Marlin: The prospect of studying in three different European countries sparked my interest, and I was hopeful that I would be able to do so. I’d always wanted to see Paris and other European cities, and this seemed like the perfect way to do so. With that in mind, I packed my bags, left the city I had lived in for most of my life, and embarked on my journey, hoping to learn more about myself and the world around me.
How has it been going so far?
Marlin: One of the things that has impacted me during this trip is the difference in language. Despite the fact that I moved to the United States with my parents when I was three years old, I had never fully experienced the limitations of having a language barrier. I grew up speaking fluent Spanish and English, and those were the only two languages that I had encountered. Even after only a week in this program, I’ve already experienced how difficult it can be to live in a country where you don’t understand the predominant language. Many times on this trip I’ve relied on Google Translate as well as hand signals to convey what I was looking for. It has undoubtedly increased my appreciation for being bilingual. While I’m here, I hope to continue to experience different cultures and languages.
My first week in Paris was jam-packed with new experiences, cuisines, and tourist attractions. So far, I’ve seen the Eiffel Tower (of course!), the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, and many other places. The Eiffel Tower was one of the first spots my friends and I visited, and it still feels surreal. Even looking at my photos at the tower, it doesn’t sink in that I actually went there and it doesn’t feel like I’ll be in Europe for nearly four months. I’m not sure when it will really sink in, but for the time being, I’ll enjoy the surrealness of it all. I am certain this experience will have a lasting impression on me. I can’t wait to see new places and learn more about myself.
What would you recommend to someone coming into this internship?
Elias: To someone who gets the opportunity to participate in this internship, one piece of advice that I would give them is to be outgoing. This is an environment where one might feel shy or doesn’t want to disturb anyone but trust me, ask questions and reach out to people. Willkie Farr & Gallagher prides itself on being welcoming and having an open-door policy. The staff to the chairman are very welcoming, and the only way you get to know people and grow within the firm, or any company, is by doing good work and being available. Be yourself.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in this role?
Elias: The biggest lessons I’ve learned in this internship . . . hmm, there are so many that it’ll be hard to pick. My biggest has been that no matter how busy or stressed you are, people will be there to help you. At Willkie, I have learned that practicing in the Big Law world is a team effort. Willkie has been the best experience ever and I would not trade it for anything. The people that I have met – from supervisors to colleagues – everyone has been amazing.
Jorge: Although this may sound cliché, building relationships is arguably the best and most important aspect of the internship experience. Feeling comfortable around the people you are working with, asking them questions, and getting familiar with the work applies to how you attach yourself to those around you. During the earlier stages of the internship, I found myself shy at times, mainly because I was afraid of approaching others for help. Yet, once they came to me, I felt comfortable asking questions and understanding the work better. It also helped over time; having people you can talk to and share a few laughs here and there with makes the atmosphere less tense and more inviting. I previously heard that being in a job or an environment where you feel comfortable makes it feel like you are not at work at all but instead doing something you love. I had that feeling throughout my summer at CoreVest, which was only possible thanks to the fantastic people I met there.
Makani kicked off her first year at St. Raymond Academy for Girls and was excited to update us on how high school is going! She started our conversation by explaining the summer reading choices and why she chose The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo. “When I got into double-digit chapters, I started to see the characters and their development,” she said. Makani passionately recalled the book’s plot, explaining that the story centered around three high school students who initially believed each of their gifts to be curses. As the arc unravels, the reader gets a deeper sense of the profundity of each character and how their gifts are not curses but desirable. Makani emphasized the satisfaction of understanding every student as complex and gifted.
Since October is National Book Month, we asked Makani about her favorite books. If she could recommend any books to a fellow SSP student, among them would be the second book in the Hocus Pocus series, The All-New-Sequel. Makani said, “this book is best if you like fantasy, sci-fi, or horror. It’s a little creepy.” She is an avid manga reader and her favorite books are The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and How To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Makani shared her long-term goals, saying she intends to go to college for engineering and minor in business. As a backup, she stated, “I would study psychology and dedicate myself to culinary arts.” However, her life post-high school may evolve, and we look forward to seeing an SSP student so devoted to her future.
She hopes to find camaraderie at St. Raymond Academy. She is also deciding on joining the volleyball team, band, or student council. She wishes to be a part of student council because of her desire to understand her community. “I would love to be a voice for the students,” she explained.
It’s just the beginning for Makani, and we’re excited to be along for the journey!
We had some of our SSP team members answer why they have chosen their current roles and the question: what woman inspires you? Keep reading to get to know them and why they do what they do!
Anna Cantirino, Engagement Manager
“My entire life I have felt called to work in some realm of education. I have been a classroom teacher, and a school counselor. I have also realized that half of the schools I have worked in were nonprofit schools. SSP is an educational non-profit and this stuck out to me, as it related my passions: educational work, and working for advancement of students within my native city, NYC.”
“I have always looked up to Mother Teresa as a role model for my work in education. While there are many other women who I admire who were more in the forefront of the public eye, her work was different. Seemingly ‘behind the scenes’ work that was a dedicated quiet service to others, when done consistently, had monumental impact on the lives of those served and later, the world. Her statement of ‘doing small things with great love’ is a saying I have tried to live by. She was such a strong, brave, and loving woman who dedicated her entire life to her chosen work; seeking no recognition but the impact it had on those on the receiving end.”
Fun fact: “I am fluent in French, and have traveled to over 11 countries outside the United States.”
Mary Faddoul, VP of Programs & Corporate Partnerships
“My drive is to be a part of change. I started my career as a journalist and was inspired by those at the frontlines of creating change and raising awareness about issues impacting people and communities across the nation and globe. I felt connected to the mission of Student Sponsor Partners because of the power of education to provide opportunity and help students reach their goals, and the extension of that to support their families for generations to come.”
“There are many women throughout history who have paved the way for us, so I don’t think there’s just one I can name among the leaders, authors, advocates, and educators. Besides those known to all, my mother is a constant inspiration to me and engrained in me the drive to help people in the community and to follow my goals.”
Fun Fact: “I love collecting postcards from places I visit along all my travels, whether right here in NYC or across the world.”
Juliet Estremera Lacey, Programs Associate
Programs Associate | (646) 783-2753 | jlacey@sspnyc.org
“I have always been a student who loves many disciplines. My interests naturally range from playing guitar, to reading and writing, to learning about science and going on long hikes. I think of all I’ve ever wanted to learn, how to be kind has been a priority. It is mostly my luck to be able to work as a support for the programs team at SSP: I get to write often, learn many different areas of how non-profits work, and spend time with colleagues I believe are sincerely kind people. I love our mission because of my connection and passion to education!”
“Many women have inspired me throughout my lifetime. The many women of my family, my mother most importantly, and the women writers who I look up to: Gloria Naylor, Grace Paley, Jamaica Kincaid, Kirsten Valdez Quade, and Carmen Maria Machado.”
Fun Fact: “I love the color light blue!”
Tiara Habeebullah, Marketing and Communications Manager
“I chose to work for this organization because of SSP’s devotion to youth and community. After a day of work, I feel fulfilled knowing that I am helping an organization change a child’s life and future.”
“My grandmother, Brenda-Jean, god rest her soul, is my biggest inspiration. She was our matriarch, and family was the most important thing to her. I remember going to church with her as a child. She was the first person to teach me about community and compassion. She poured resources and love into her family, so I live to make her proud.”
Fun Fact: Played women’s professional football for Phoenix Phantomz.
All summer, SSP has been hosting virtual mentorship kickoff sessions to prepare each mentor and mentee for their new meaningful relationship! These kickoff sessions include a presentation detailing the qualities for forming valuable connections as well as the resources and events created by SSP to help foster mentorships.
We decided to take a closer look at a new pair, what they look forward to, and what mentorship means to them. We asked Lizmarie (mentee) and Victoria (mentor) to let us in on how they felt about meeting each other for the first time. Check out their quotes below:
Lizmarie:
“I am very happy and excited to be part of the SSP program. I feel happy with my mentor Victoria. From our Zoom meeting, I felt not rushed and understood. I love that SSP offers this opportunity to have a mentor because not many kids have this chance.
I look forward to learn and excel in high school. I look forward to engage in all the opportunities SSP has to offer.”
Victoria:
“I believe having a mentor is an important component to any transitional point in one’s life, but especially in the formative years of high school. I chose SSP because of their dedicated approach to fostering the relationship between student and mentor during a pivotal time in a student’s life. I was excited to meet Lizmarie, learn about some of her goals and focus areas, and look forward to watching her grow in the months ahead.”
Mentee’s mother, Fiordaliza:
“I am very proud for my daughter to be part of SSP. I feel blessed to be part of a program that not only helps students and family financially but also provides mentorship. I believe having a mentor – someone outside the home – is very important and helpful. I feel my daughter will have a stronger support system. Someone who is on her side. Being a teenager is a hard and crucial point in life . . . it sets the tone of your life as an adult, and teenagers think sometimes parents do not know much or are too protective. With a mentor, they can have other perspectives that lead back to what mom and/or dad said, which is great! That’s what I love and I am excited about.
Also I see the mentorship and other benefits the program has as a pot of soup. All together (different ingredients, perspectives) would make an awesome and tasty soup – a brilliant, alert child.”
Every year, we invite juniors who have demonstrated academic excellence to apply for our Peter M. Flanigan Scholarship. This honor affords select students the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funds toward college tuition and a network of support. This year, we selected six Flanigan Scholars – noted below.
Melody, Cathedral High School
“My name is Melody. I am 16 years old, Bronx born and raised. I go to Cathedral High School where I am the senior representative on the Student Council. My favorite color is blue, and I love cooking, eating, and making friends. SSP has been so helpful to me; I enjoy speaking with my mentor and getting tips on how to excel in high school. I love the programs SSP offers to keep us ahead of the game all the time, and I love recommending SSP to others. I can’t wait for this senior year – it’s going to be epic! I am excited to make new memories and get into college. My dream is to get into an Ivy League school and become a pediatric surgeon. More than anything, I hope to find joy and happiness in everything that I do, and I am grateful to SSP for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!“
Ashley, The Mary Louis Academy
“My name is Ashley, and I am a senior at The Mary Louis Academy. My passions lie in speech and debate, writing/storytelling, graphic design, and coding. As a result of these multiple interests, I can see myself pursuing various career goals in the future, such as journalism, screenwriting, architecture, and animation. I plan on utilizing my time in college next year to really pinpoint what my heart truly desires to do, but for now, I plan on applying to colleges that have a mix of almost all my interests. I am looking forward to not only enjoying my last year as a kid, in some sense, but I am also excited to prepare for the next big chapter of my life during my senior year. Without SSP, I would not be able to truly hone my interests at TMLA, as well as take advantage of opportunities that will ultimately help me grow in my bright future. SSP has allowed me to mature as a person and become vocal about the change I want to bring to the world.“
Alessandra, The Mary Louis Academy
“My name is Alessandra and I’m a senior at The Mary Louis Academy. So far, my SSP experience has been great! I love spending time at the TMLA piano room learning new music. I’ve taken advantage of opportunities that SSP has sent out which have helped further my academic career. I’m looking forward to the senior privileges and my classes this year. My career goal is to be a neurosurgeon/study neuroscience and work at the best hospital/research center. I am excited for college and the opportunity to make connections in the medical field.“
Daniel, Monsignor McClancy High School
“My name is Daniel and I currently attend Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School. My SSP experience has been a blessing and an amazing journey. Everyone I have met has been helpful and encouraging in my path to success. I have been given many opportunities for college goals and throughout high school that are blessings in my life. Now that I am entering my senior year, I look forward to learning and experiencing new challenges that can be beneficial for my future. I know that some obstacles may be difficult to overcome but my plan is and will always be to never give up. For college, I look forward to growing as an adult and a working citizen. I feel that going through college will help me prepare to face obstacles in the world. The quote “dreams without goals are only dreams” really hits home for me. I want to be a civil engineer and with motivation and a strong drive, I can achieve this dream and make it a reality.“
Aaliyah, Cathedral High School
“My name is Aaliyah and I’m a senior at Cathedral High School. Receiving this scholarship is truly a blessing and I am so excited to work through the college application and decision process with the support of SSP. As someone who plans to make a difference in the world someday, scholarships like these that serve low-income students like myself are incredibly valuable to me. Being a part of SSP has made my high school experience worth the while. From the mentoring assistance to the SAT Prep classes and monthly College Access Sessions, I’ve gained so much guidance that has helped me prepare for senior year and the college application process. I look forward to completing applications in the fall but most importantly, applying to Columbia University. I hope to major in Financial Economics and minor in African American studies. After college, I aspire to become an entrepreneur and create businesses that will benefit marginalized communities in NYC.“
Edgardo, All Hallows High School
“My name is Edgardo and I’m a senior at All Hallows High School. SSP has provided me with an unforgettable opportunity for success. SSP is a community of individuals that support one another. I’m looking forward to pushing myself to my abilities in my final year of high school. After high school, I intend to attend college and go on to get a master’s degree in accounting. My ultimate objective is to create my own tax agency and assist both large and small businesses in my community with their financial needs. In addition, I want to work as a real estate agent and invest in the stock market. Finally, I would like to bring and distribute positive energy across my whole community.“
Solenny is a Class of 2026 student planting her roots in the historic all-girls high school – Academy of Mount St. Ursula. She is currently getting comfortable and already has a group chat with fellow incoming students, some of whom welcomed her on her shadow day.
She is especially excited about her classes. Math is one of her favorite subjects, and she hopes she continues doing well. Reaching back to help her classmates is also extremely important to her. Solenny is confident that she will surpass expectations even as she lends a helping hand to her peers. When Solenny was on the school tour, she noticed science projects displayed and was eager to create one of her own. “I just want to improve,” she expressed.
While Solenny loves math and science, she is also keen to read and play music! She promptly showed us the stacks of books around her room, pointing at her favorites including The Baby-Sitters Club series. When she is not studying or doing homework, Solenny enjoys playing her guitar and reading.
We asked Solenny about the unique opportunities that The Academy of Mount St. Ursula may offer, and she immediately said, “I’m looking forward to meeting more girls. It’s always good to have friends around.”
One of the most interesting insights into women’s equity Solenny provided is the vital need for community. “We have a lot in common – we can help each other out. Girls support girls!”
