By: John Jay Sports Information
This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former women's swimming star Vanessa Toro-Plaza ('14). Toro-Plaza was a four-year veteran of the women's swim program. She graduated Cum Laude from the Honors Program with a major in Culture and Deviant Studies and minor in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. In the classroom, Toro-Plaza was a four-year scholar-athlete and Dean's List student. In addition, she was the recipient of the Jane Katz award in her final two years. The Maspeth, Queens native was a co-captain in her senior year. She was named the Most Improved Player in 2011 and Most Valuable Player in 2013. In the last CUNYAC Championship of her collegiate career, Toro-Plaza competed in the 100 free, 200 free, and 200 medley.
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
I worked for several years as a paralegal at Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP, one of the top 10 law firms in the US. I recently resigned and began work as a Candidate Manager at Robert Walters PLC. Moreover, I will begin law school in the fall.
2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am proud of my personal growth. Since leaving John Jay, one of the most challenging obstacles I encountered was "work-life balance". I wanted to be successful but I also needed to learn how to set boundaries and prioritize myself. I believe that I have much more control and say in how my time is managed than before.
3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I am most proud of the connections I made through the various clubs and organizations I was involved with while at John Jay. Moreover, John Jay provided the groundwork for all my future endeavors as I tackle my legal career. My experiences at John Jay continue to shape my decisions in my professional career.
4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
The advice I would give is to slow down and enjoy the small things. I was very ambitious, and often did not allow myself to participate in more social events. I believe that I would still be as successful but much less stressed if I had done so.
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I learned that perseverance and goal oriented thinking will lead me to success. I carry these lessons with me to this day and remind myself of my goals and continue to persevere in trying to make those goals a reality.
6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I, unfortunately, am not as I don't have the time. I am hopeful that in the future I could join a morning swim club.
2018-19 Women's Swimming Update: The women's swim team just concluded their regular season going 5-6 overall and 3-3 in the CUNY Athletic Conference. Their five wins were the most since 2015-16 and three CUNYAC victories the most since 2014-15. The team recently returned from Puerto Rico on its winter training trip and is gearing up for the CUNYAC Championship, which begins on Friday, February 1, at Lehman College. Freshman
Maya Chedraoui won the CUNYAC Rookie of the Week award on November 26, 2018. In the conference, the Ephrata, PA native ranks in the top 10 in four events (100 fly, 200 IM, 200 breast, & 400 IM) and top 20 in seven events.
To view all of the previous Alumni Spotlights, please visit www.johnjayathletics.com/alumnispotlight.
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