Graduating senior Bianca Hayles ’20 has always been passionate about being a change agent in society—she’s dreamt of being a lawyer since she was in the eighth grade. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, she’s ready to impact communities for the better. “After graduating from John Jay, I plan to go to law school and become a New York City public interest attorney fighting for disadvantaged populations and communities,” says Hayles, highlighting her postgraduate plans. “I am tired of seeing injustice being brought upon vulnerable communities around me. I want to be part of the progressive, holistic, and equitable change in society.”   

Finding Her College Community
Wanting a diverse educational experience that would give her access to the network and tools she needed to become a fierce advocate for justice, Hayles zeroed in on John Jay. “I wanted to come to the College because of its rich diversity—from its student body and faculty, to its programming, historical, cultural, and political diversity. It was breathtaking to me,” she says. The College’s commitment to community was also a plus for Hayles, who witnessed firsthand John Jay’s dedication to supporting its students when she was feeling burned out. “When I first came to the College one of my biggest challenges was learning how to engage in self-care. I’m a very ambitious student and I needed to remember to take a break,” she says. Hayles goes on to explain that during this period she learned how to reach out to mentors for guidance, how to prioritize, and how to focus her energy for the best outcomes.

Looking back at the relationships she formed with mentors and groups on campus, Hayles gushes about those that helped her find her way. “I’m thankful for the entire APPLE Corps staff, especially my mentor Jennifer Hernandez-Khan who continues to uplift me and remind me of my worth every day. Then there’s the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, and Danielle Officer, who has been a guiding force for me. She helped me manifest my passion for advocacy and pushed me outside of my comfort zone to help me grow as a student, person, and leader,” says Hayles, turning her attention to law prep programs at the College. “And of course, both the Pre-Law Institute and the Ronald H. Brown Program. Each offered me one-on-one guidance and bestowed upon me wisdom, advice on practicing law, and challenged me to be the best version of myself. I had some of the biggest life-changing and inspirational conversations with Dr. Charles Davidson from the Pre-Law Institute. John Jay’s program leaders and mentors really believe in our potential, and as a student, knowing that, is very empowering.”

Building Up Experience
Participating in a number of clubs and student activities on campus meant Hayles could sharpen her ability to lead and inspire others—she was part of APPLE Corps, on Student Council, was a mentor in the Urban Male Initiative, Vice President of the UNICEF Club, and Secretary of the Mock Trial Association, to name a few. “The experiences made it possible for me to see the impact of my actions and my work. I’m always in awe when another student tells me how I aided in their growth and played a vital role in their wanting to be a leader. Seeing how you’ve helped someone makes all the tiresome days and nights of preparation, event planning, meetings, and trainings worth it,” she says.

Hayles’ impressive resume also includes a number of accolades. As a winner of this year’s Malcolm/King Award she was recognized for her steadfast commitment to leveling the educational playing field and helping youth of color reach their full potential. “Winning the Malcolm/King award affirmed for me that I’m on the right path to becoming a leader that impacts people,” says Hayles. As a Pinkerton Fellow, she gained a deeper perspective on how to change communities in a holistic way. “The Pinkerton Fellowship taught me the importance of supporting vulnerable populations in a manner that is restorative and healing. It opened my eyes to the different career journeys and forms of advocacy available in a 21st century world, and it aided me tremendously in finding myself as a young professional.”

Celebrating Her Achievements
Reminiscing about her time at John Jay, Hayles is thankful for the College community that embraced her and supported her along her journey. She’s also incredibly appreciative to her family, most notably her mother. “All my life, my mother has been selfless and sacrificed so much to create the opportunities I have today,” says Hayles showing her appreciation. “I adore my mother and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done for me. My success in life is a reflection of her love and her relentless effort to see me thrive.”

To recognize her achievement of graduating College, Hayles celebrated with her family in person and with her peers virtually. “Once everything gets back to normal, I plan on visiting John Jay, saying my goodbyes and ending my College experience in the way I originally hoped to, with deep gratitude and appreciation for everyone.” After that, Hayles plans to go to law school and earn her law degree—she recently got accepted to Western New England University’s School of Law JD/MSW program. “John Jay solidified my passion for wanting to become a lawyer. After I earn my law degree, I see myself becoming a leader and a trailblazer in my community. I want to cultivate equitable solutions for the betterment of society through legal and community-based organizing. Most of all, I want to help the most vulnerable populations. They deserve a passionate advocate that wants them to succeed and thrive, and I’m ready to be that advocate.”