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Cynthia Morales

Biography

Profile: Cynthia Morales, an honors graduate of Bronx Community College, plans to become a speech pathologist and will be transferring to New York University where she will major in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.  A brilliant and talented student, Cynthia has dedicated her two years in community college to expanding her knowledge “not only academically but within my community.”  She credits her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society for helping her become a well-rounded and involved student.  While Cynthia’s career goals are pretty firm at the moment, she also has a passion for community service and a unique interest in music. But to get here...“here” meaning graduating with honors and being accepted to a well-respected university...Cynthia admits it was a “bumpy road.”  The road consisted of a great number of moves as a child, which meant new schools and the awkward circumstances that accompany being the new kid on the block.  Cynthia also suffers from severe chronic asthma, which presented her with a host of other problems.  Cynthia survived, thrived and moved on...and accomplished a stellar academic record.

Inspiration:  Cynthia warmly recalls Mrs. Berman, her second and third grade teacher at CES 163 (Arthur Schomburg School) in the Bronx, as the mentor who meant the most to her.  “Mrs. Berman was very creative and energetic. She encouraged us to ask questions and be involved in the lesson. The first book I ever wrote was in her classroom and I was allowed to go to the younger grades and read aloud my story. Besides being my teacher Mrs. Berman was my friend...she made me feel safe and loved. My academic potential has always been evident but there has never been a teacher like Mrs. Berman who paid attention to my needs as a student and as a person.”

Aspiration:  Cynthia wants to be a licensed speech pathologist and here’s why in her own words: “I became interested in speech therapy when I was nine years old. My little brother was diagnosed speech difficulties. I would tag along with my mom to his speech therapy sessions. Sometimes the therapist would teach me ways I could help my brother. Growing up my brother and I did homework together and practiced pronouncing words. I enjoyed the feeling of being able to help someone accomplish one of the most important things in life. Eventually my brother’s speech improved and I was glad to have played a small part of that process.”

Making a Difference: There are so many service organizations that Cynthia has given her time to over the years it is difficult to name them all...but here’s just a partial list of groups she has been active with: The New York City Housing Chorus, Volunteer for Hudson Guild Center in NYC for Thanksgiving for Seniors, Volunteer for the Davidson Community Center Back to School Festival, the MIC Check Entertainment Breast Cancer Awareness and she assists GLBT youth realize their full potential and become confident individuals.

Accolades:  Cynthia earned the Education Associate Award, the BCC Association of Latinos Certificate of Achievement, and was on the Bronx CC Dean’s list in both fall and spring 2010.

Interesting Fact:  To each his or her own, but Cynthia said she “loves watching cartoons while eating cookies dunked in orange juice.”

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