As the first in her family to go to college, Alyssa Perez ’20 knows that a college degree could be the key to a brighter future. But, before coming to John Jay, she felt a little bit intimidated because she had no idea how to fill out financial forms or select courses—she even had to look up what “orientation” meant. Then she got an email from the Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE) program, and a huge sense of relief washed over her. “Once I was accepted into John Jay, the reality quickly set in that I had no clue what came next. How was I going to get financial aid? How would I pay for my books? I was completely clueless and ACE helped ease my fears,” said Perez. “At the program’s orientation, DeLandra Hunter, the ACE Director, and his team told us how they’d help us every step of the way. Honestly, I thought it was too good to be true. But, then I learned that every promise they made was absolutely true.”

With the help of ACE, Perez chose her major, Forensic Psychology, and signed up for the BA/MA program, where she could graduate from the College with both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. After John Jay, she hopes to pursue a career working with the mental health department at Correctional Facilities across the United States. “I want to ensure that people who are suffering from mental illness are getting the proper treatment for their illness. You would give a diabetic their insulin. Why not give a criminal justice-involved individual with mental health problems the treatment that they need?” We spoke with Perez to learn more about her time with ACE, and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in the Bronx, New York. I remember that for the first 10 years of my life I lived in a first floor apartment, with a window that had a front row view of fights that took place on the street. One time I even saw someone get slashed with a knife. It’s really easy to get stuck in that street lifestyle. A lot of the people I went to elementary school with followed that lifestyle and ended up living a life of drugs and violence. I never wanted that kind of life for myself, I always wanted more. And, my parents didn’t want that lifestyle for me. They enrolled me in a Catholic high school, where I was able to focus on schooling and be surrounded by peers who had similar goals.

Were you the first in your family to attend college?
I’m the youngest of five siblings and am the first to go to college. Being first is challenging because I had no one to turn to when I needed help filling out applications or understanding the process. My parents did the best they could to help me throughout the college process, but for the most part I had to figure it out on my own—that is until I got accepted into ACE.

What made you want to come to John Jay?
John Jay was the dream college for me. I’ve always been a fan of TV shows like CSI and Law & Order, so I knew that I wanted to go to a school that would equip me with the skillset and knowledge to take on a career in psychology, but with a focus on the criminal justice system. The Forensic Psychology program here at the College is perfect for me.

How did you hear about ACE and what made you decide to join?
I learned about the program through an email. It’s funny because at first, I thought there was no way this could be true. I kept thinking, How could there be a program that just wants to give students free things? But it was true. Joining the program turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. ACE helped put everything into perspective for me. Being part of the program, is an experience that will always have a special place in my heart. The ACE team are like family. Because the program was brand new when I joined, I like to say that we grew up together. The team has been so receptive to our feedback on what is and isn’t working for us, and the one-on-one advisement has been a lifesaver. My advisor takes her time to break everything from financial aid to internship applications down for me. She goes above-and-beyond to answer all my questions and help me every step of the way.

ACE also provides you with financial support. How has that been helpful?
There is no way I’d be able to pay for everything out of pocket—a MetroCard is $127 a month, and textbooks are so expensive. Without the MetroCard, I would never make it to class, and without those book vouchers I would never be able to complete my classes. I really do believe that if ACE wasn’t available at John Jay I wouldn’t be at a four-year college, and life would be completely different. Knowing that I’m getting these benefits from ACE is what motivates me to work hard every day. Don’t get me wrong, I have days where I don’t want to get up and go to class, but then I remember that it’s because of ACE that I’m being given amazing access to all these tools and services that are helping me succeed at John Jay. There’s no way I’m going to take that for granted.

What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve learned because of your time with ACE?
The biggest lesson ACE has taught me is that I should pursue every opportunity that comes my way. I tend to be a very shy person, but ACE taught me to open up and be more comfortable with myself, and what I deserve in life. I have broken out of my shell because of this program.

In an ideal world, five to 10 years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself working in the mental health department of a correctional facility, in either a juvenile or adult facility. I’m hoping to work with those departments and better the treatment of those suffering from mental illness who are in the system. I’m already taking steps in that direction, too. I have an internship lined up with Columbia Presbyterian for the New York State Psychiatric Institute.