Berkeley College Student in the New York National Guard Aims High, Achieves Success in Academics, Guard Life and Community
Monday, February 22, 2021
BERKELEY COLLEGE STUDENT IN THE NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD AIMS HIGH,
ACHIEVES SUCCESS IN ACADEMICS, GUARD LIFE AND COMMUNITY
Photo Caption: Coraly Perez of New York City is a Berkeley College student who is active in the New York National Guard, earned Dean’s List recognition in the fall 2020 semester, with a 3.75 GPA. Perez returned to college to pursue her undergraduate degree years after graduating from high school and working in patient care helping others because she wanted to achieve more. Perez will also serve as the featured student speaker for the opening of the Berkeley College Food Pantry at the New York City Campus on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 11 am.
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Coraly Perez, who works full-time as a Patient Coordinator for the Mount Sinai Department of Surgery, joined the New York National Guard in 2019. She sought the experience to challenge and further herself, inspired by her aunt and the opportunity the military would provide as a gateway to higher education. Perez has nearly 10 years of work experience in health care settings, providing direct care and support to patients and their families. Her contributions at work during the COVID pandemic were recognized by her employer.
It was the completion of the intensive military training, however, that gave her the confidence to realize she could work and earn a college degree at the same time.
“Not many families or people think females should be in the military,” said Perez. “It’s important for a woman to know that we live in a new era. You have the power that you can and will set for yourself to do if you believe,” she said.
Perez received further reassurance and affirmation through the process of applying to and being accepted by Berkeley College. “Berkeley was one of the first colleges that interested me,” Perez said. “Berkeley had everything I wanted for a career, from the Associate’s through to Master’s. I read students’ stories. Everyone was so kind through the process. Taking classes was flexible with the online campus, very military-friendly.”
While her career goal is to be a business owner in real estate, Perez aspires more. “I do see myself as a homeowner, maybe with a family, as a great leader,” said Perez. “And I enjoy helping the community.”
Pivoting and Resiliency Pay Off
Perez was fortunate to have family who supported her to achieve her dreams and aspirations in life. After graduating from high school in Rhode Island, Perez learned medical assisting skills and early on sought to become a nurse, but the school she attended there changed its program and Perez struggled. Her passion for helping others continued after she returned to New York.
Within a week after returning from basic training in March 2020, Perez was assigned to COVID duty at various locations for Mount Sinai, including its Call Center, Mount Sinai - West Roosevelt, and Mount Sinai facilities in Queens and Brooklyn.
Perez enrolled in the Associate in Applied Science program in Business Administration – Management at Berkeley College. In her first semester at Berkeley, she earned Dean’s List recognition, an achievement of which she is extremely proud.
“When I opened the notice and saw the GPA of 3.75 I was extremely excited because I have not been in school for a while.”
Switch to Online Courses Provided Flexibility
Due do the pandemic, courses were offered in online and hybrid modalities. Perez took a hybrid course, which she did not think she would like, being more of a hands-on learner in the classroom. However, she said she found learning online helpful because of the flexibility it provided with her work schedule.
Lessons in Leadership Equate to Successful Life Experiences
With the New York National Guard, Perez received individual leadership training and became a squad leader. She also earned the privilege and honor of holding the American flag during certain ceremonies. Perez earned three different ranks last year, including the rank of sergeant, and can see herself as an officer. She plans to earn the rank of lieutenant, maybe going on active duty at some point.
Advice for Today’s College-Bound Students
Asked what advice she would offer today’s college-bound students, Perez said, “I believe fear is the barrier that holds you back from meeting your greatest potential. Once you conquer fear, you are capable of meeting any challenge set before you. Confront them (the fears) with perseverance and faith to know you can be your greatest potential.”
Perez’ aunt, her role model, always told her, “You are the only person who can hold you back.” From her own experience, Perez added, “Never doubt yourself, what you are capable of doing. That brings you down. When you look at everything with positivity, you can see what you can do and will be amazed. Sometimes we have to go through a period of trial and error before we can see the results of our work.”
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, as well as in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,900 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for eight consecutive years. The website address is http://www.BerkeleyCollege.edu
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.
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