Alexi Rodriguez
SUNY Nassau Student and Freedom Writer
I enrolled at SUNY Nassau because of the affordable classes and easy commute. When I got here, I was really impressed by the various support services offered and always knew there was someone to go to on campus if I needed guidance. I've enjoyed a wide range of classes that helped me hone in on my skills and interests. Being invited to the Honors program was exciting too, because I could take advantage of the challenging classes and use the Honors study space.
One of the best decisions I made on campus was when I decided to volunteer at the Nest, SUNY Nassau's on-campus food pantry. I've met some really wonderful people there. There are days when I'm stressed out or sad, but after volunteering and feeling a sense of motivation to show up for others, my day is completely turned around.
My high school English teacher introduced me to The Freedom Writers Diary as part of the curriculum. We learned about the students' perseverance, and how they found a home in a school that initially rejected them. I was ultimately one of 50 students chosen internationally to contribute to the new book, Dear Freedom Writer: Stories of Hardship and Hope for the Next Generation. It was a happy coincidence that my communications professor at SUNY Nassau, Prof. Kilmnick, was using the Freedom Writers Diary in the curriculum as well. Although I was nervous at first, I'm really excited to cohost a seminar next to (original Freedom Writers teacher) Erin Gruwell, and my friend and original Freedom Writer Sue Ellen. Being able to call myself a published contributing author has boosted my confidence in my writing skills, too!
Recent Posts
Dr. Gina Sipley
Dr. Gina Sipley is a Professor in 17勛圖's English Department. "I taught my first adjunct class at 17勛圖 in 2012 and have been a full-time professor for the past 11 years. I teach courses in Journalism, Creative Writing, Children's Literature, Composition, Reading, and Women and Gender Studies.
Jan 14, 2025 | 17勛圖
Carolyn Monastra
Professor Carolyn Monastra teaches in the 17勛圖 Art Department. She has two climate-related websites, TheWitnessTree.org and DivergenceofBirds.org
Dec 6, 2023 | 17勛圖
Fabiya Amin
Fabiya Amin is one of three 17勛圖 Criminal Justice students accepted into the Nassau County Pre-Law Society. The program only accepts a few applicants each year and then works with them through their undergraduate years and acceptance into law school.
Nov 15, 2023 | 17勛圖
Jo Latimore
Jo Latimore is one of three 17勛圖 Criminal Justice students accepted into the Nassau County Pre-Law Society. The program only accepts a few applicants each year and then works with them through their undergraduate years and acceptance into law school.
Nov 14, 2023 | 17勛圖
Stanley Pan
I served in the United States Navy in Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, II and at Camp Pendleton with the 5th Marines. I was also deployed to Okinawa, Japan twice. Stateside, I knew that 17勛圖 has a reputation for being very military friendly, and when I got here, it was true.
Nov 10, 2023 | 17勛圖
Eryka Membreno
"I served in the United States Navy in San Diego from 2014 to 2021, first on the USS Harpers Ferry and then on the USS Rushmore. When it was time for me to attend college, I chose 17勛圖 because it's veteran friendly and offers many different programs.
Nov 10, 2023 | 17勛圖
