Christina Melendez ’11

When I entered SUNY Purchase in 2007 it was such a nervewrecking, but exciting time. It was certrainly different from growing up and going to school in the Bronx. However being able to attend Purchase was provided by the MAP program for which I am forever grateful. I had such a great experience with my fellow students, classes, campus life, my role as a peer mentor and getting to know myself. I attained my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. After working in the EOP/MAP office it gave me an experience that I knew I wanted to pursue.  Being in the education field was a goal I wanted to achieve. After graduating I enrolled in Long Island University on the Purchase campus. In 2014 I graduated with a Master of Science in Education. For a few years after I was employed at a local health center as a Program Coordinator under a NYSDOH grant. After 5 years of service there, I was able to attain the position of CSTEP/STEP Career Coordinator at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. I am so happy to be back working in higher education! Being able to help students ranging from middle school to college with internships, career goals and college life gives me such satisfaction.  It was because I received this type of support at Purchase, it only seemed fitting to pay it forward with enjoyment and gratitude. 

Students in our programs are those who are underrepresented in the STEM fields/careers, primarily the Hispanic and African American population. These students receive the support and resources to take them towards their  goals. Being a part of this process is what I value most. 

Among this good news, even more good news as I announce I am recently engaged to my fiance Christopher LaVine. We are to be married in May 2018, a month that is coming soon and we cannot wait for!

These major life events have been worth the wait! All experiences I have had during my years at Purchase College  and after have helped me greatly in pursuing my future goals….and still more to come!

**UPDATE**

2011 MAP Alumni, Christina Melendez has become the first Internship Coordinator for SUNY Maritime College in Throggs Neck, NY. She is currently helping students obtain internships in order to graduate. In additon to providing workshops and presentations to many students, including EOP students at Maritime!