Yvette Aguiar | Motivated by My Inner Drive for Knowledge

[#1]

My Journey to #AchieveMore

As a second generation immigrant, I commenced elementary school speaking Spanish. I was at a total disadvantage but had the profound desire to overcome the challenge. While I was teased and did not understand what was being said to me, I knew then it was bullying. I decided to block those incidents in my life and relayed on those few friends who were able to communicate with me in my language. Instead of going on play dates, I would ask my fellow students to help me learn the language. However, I knew there would be a point in my life, where I will walk out of my school confident and approach the world ahead of me. That point was in Junior H.S. when I asked my favorite teacher, if she thought, I was college material. Her response, was "no one should stop you, including yourself." While in H.S. I often visited with her and eventually applied to college. I was accepted to John Jay College and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice. While in college, I was afforded the opportunity to take the NYCPD entrance exam. As a police officer, I was promoted to three ranks and earned a Master's degree in Public Administration. After my retirement, I entered college teaching and earned a Ph.D. in Homeland Security. Upon earning my Ph.D. I applied to the American Military University as a Professor. To my shock, I was awarded the position of Associate Professor and today I remain employed at the university. In an effort to give back to my community, I am on the Board of my local Elks club, on the Board of my local Lion's Club, and a member of my local moose club. Currently, we are raining a service dog from the Guide Dog Foundation. . My primary driver is life is the thirst for knowledge and helping less fortunate people succeed in life.

What Drives You to #AchieveMore?

View Current Winners

See All Stories

Submit Your Story