| Brooklyn, N.Y. - "I used to feel totally Americanized
before I went to Colombia for a visit," declares Ruth E.
Molina, who will graduate with top honors from Long Island University's
Brooklyn Campus at its Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May
16. "But after my stay there, I became more family-centered,
more aware of the importance of my Spanish culture, and less focused
on material things."
This business major and member of the University Honors program
with a 3.92 G.P.A. will speak to her fellow graduates as the valedictorian
at the Brooklyn Campus commencement, attended by her parents,
who immigrated from Medellin, Colombia, more than two decades
ago. Her father is a taxi driver, her mother a home attendant.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens Village, Molina is the
oldest of three siblings. When she was in her sophomore year in
high school, her parents sent all three children to Colombia to
learn about their culture, their family and their language. "Though
at first the move was challenging and difficult, in retrospect,
it was the greatest experience of my life," says Molina.
"My time abroad molded me in my intellectual, emotional and
spiritual capacities. I learned that although life may be different
from our expectations, it is our attitude and perspective that
enables us to make the most of new opportunities."
The 21-year-old enrolled at Long Island University's Brooklyn
Campus through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP),
which provides financial and tutoring assistance to economically
disadvantaged students. "I've always had to work hard for what
I wanted," Molina says. "I chose LIU because HEOP has
a good support system. I also liked the diversity of the students
who came here." After her first year at the Campus, she was
able to get scholarships to cover the rest of her education.
Molina will receive a B.S. in finance from the Campus's School
of Business, Public Administration and Information Sciences. During
her tenure, she has received many honors. She has been on the
Dean's List since 1998, has been the recipient of a José
Martí academic scholarship since 1999, was a member of
the Alpha Lambda Delta National Academic Honor Society and the
Sigma Beta Delta (international honor society in business, management
and administration), and was named to Who's Who Among Students
in American Universities and Colleges.
She has also given back what she received. She was treasurer of
the Honors club, a member of the Accounting Society and participated
in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, where she
prepared income tax returns for underprivileged members of the
community. She also tutored students in advanced accounting and
mathematics.
Molina has worked since last year as a finance/accounts payable
intern at Securities Industry Automation Corporation. She worked
in summer 2000 at Goldman Sachs & Co. in human resources information
management. Her future plans include working for a few years as
a financial analyst at a premier financial institution and then
enrolling in a top MBA program. "The financial industry is
a dynamic force," she says. "It's a fast-paced, challenging
environment and I want to be a part of it."
Please note: Ruth Molina can be photographed during
her valedictory address at commencement on Thursday, May 16 at
10:15 a.m., in the athletic field. Interviews with Molina can
be arranged through the Public Relations office at (718) 488-1015.
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