Yasmin Damblu ’19 is the kind of student that never lets anything block her pathway to success. Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, where she lived in public housing with her two older brothers, twin sister, and single mother, wasn’t easy. The neighborhood was tough, money was tight, and the dream of earning a bachelor’s degree seemed elusive. But that changed when Damblu was accepted to John Jay College, and received a postcard about the College’s new Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE) program. “My mom handed me the ACE postcard and suggested I look into the program,” said Damblu. “Once I did, I realized how helpful it would be. ACE guides its students every step of the way, so I immediately applied.” For Damblu, something as simple as ACE offering her a free MetroCard was life-changing. It meant she could save money from her part-time job to buy food and contribute to household expenses. “I kept my part-time job while at John Jay because I didn’t want to ask my mom for money, instead I wanted to help her. Having the free MetroCard meant financial flexibility and allowed me to buy lunch and help my mom pay bills.”
As a first-generation college student, the one-on-one advisement that ACE provided helped Damblu navigate her way through financial aid applications, course selections, and finding a career pathway. This past May, she graduated from John Jay—the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree—with her proud mother beaming in the front row. “It was because of ACE that I was able to earn my degree. Without it I don’t know where I’d be,” she said. Now, Damblu is attending Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work, with the hope of obtaining a master’s degree in social work and uplifting underprivileged adolescents the same way ACE uplifted her. We spoke with Damblu to learn more about her time at John Jay, her experience with ACE, and her goals for the future.
“It was because of ACE that I was able to earn my degree. Without it I don’t know where I’d be.” —Yasmin Damblu
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in East New York, which is in Brooklyn, New York. I grew up living in NYCHA housing and was raised by my mom, who is a single mother. She raised my twin sister, my two older brothers, and me all on her own. She did the best she could to provide us with the best of everything—even putting us in Catholic schools. My first time in a public school setting was actually at John Jay College, and it was an eye-opening experience. I was meeting people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs, and learning so many new things. The entire experience was incredible.
You were part of the ACE program while you were at John Jay. Can you explain how the program helped you navigate your experience at the College?
ACE was so helpful and gave me a sense of direction. I was so lost when I first got to John Jay, but the ACE staff and the one-on-one advisement helped create a clear path from the start to graduation. They helped with financial aid applications, creating class schedules, and provided me with book vouchers and a free monthly MetroCard. Being in ACE meant I had time to focus on my studies and not worry about how I was going to get to school the next day or how I was going to pay for books. We were struggling financially at the time because my mom’s hours were cut back at work, so getting into ACE was a joyous moment. I had a part-time job on the side because it allowed me to help my mother with the bills and put money in savings, but because of ACE, I barely had any out-of-pocket expenses here at the College.
“Being in ACE meant I had time to focus on my studies and not worry about how I was going to get to school the next day or how I was going to pay for books.” —Yasmin Damblu
You mentioned ACE’s one-on-one advisement, what was that experience like?
That was a dream come true. I have friends that have told me about their own college experiences with advisors that they felt weren’t doing much advising. I’m so grateful for ACE advisors because they are so on point. They’re constantly checking in on you, making sure you’re getting your work done and that you’re on track to graduate. My advisor helped me figure out which direction to go, because for a while I had a tough time deciding what career path I wanted to pursue. And, just knowing that I had someone who I could talk to was priceless.
In your opinion, what can ACE do for a student?
ACE is a program that validates its students, and gives them the tools, support, and momentum they need to attain their degree. That personal connection with your advisor is so important to your success. It means you know you have someone to go to, someone who will always be there to provide you with whatever you need, whether it’s just an ear to listen or advice on switching your major. And the other benefits the program offers—the free MetroCard and book vouchers—lift the burden off so many students who really need the financial help.
“ACE is a program that validates its students, and gives them the tools, support, and momentum they need to attain their degree.” —Yasmin Damblu
How did your advisor help you with your career path?
I majored in Criminology and minored in Psychology. I realized I didn’t want to be involved in law enforcement and I began to think that I had chosen the wrong major. I was confused as to what I could do with that degree. I let my advisor know my concerns and we began to explore the different job opportunities available for people with a background in Criminology. I learned that I could use my degree in Criminology to become a social worker. The two fields work hand-in-hand in my opinion. It’s because of this advice, that I’m now at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College working on getting my M.S.W.
“At commencement, my mom was beaming with joy. Hearing my name and seeing me walk across that stage made her so happy.” —Yasmin Damblu
How did your mom and siblings feel when they saw you cross the stage at commencement?
At commencement, my mom was beaming with joy. I didn’t know if she would be at the ceremony because she had to work, but she made it happen. She found a spot in the front row, took out her camera and kept taking photos. Hearing my name and seeing me walk across that stage made her so happy. As for my siblings, in a way, I’ve sort of created a challenge for them—like, I’ve accomplished this, now it’s your turn. One of my older brothers has already decided to go back to college to earn his degree, and my twin sister is trying to figure out what college she wants to go to.
“My goal is to help the next generation get a handle on life, give them the tools they need to succeed, and provide them with guidance every step of the way, just like ACE did for me.” —Yasmin Damblu
If all goes according to plan, where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself being a social worker, hopefully in a residential program setting, helping children and adolescents. I’m specializing in working with those two groups. My goal is to help the next generation get a handle on life, give them the tools they need to succeed, and provide them with guidance every step of the way, just like ACE did for me.
