November 2021 - Jenna Hansen '12, Rifle
 

1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Life after John Jay has taken me away from the International Criminal Justice field and into the Hospitality field, where I have held and continue to hold various managerial and directorial roles. Not where I thought life would take me, but as many graduates find themselves after graduation, your interests and career paths can change at any moment.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
On a professional level, I am most proud that I was able to fast rise into my roles in an industry that I'm passionate about, in an industry where I have found my calling. On a personal level, managing to make it through two master's degrees while working full-time to get my career off the ground.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
There are so many things that I am proud of from my time as a Bloodhound. Two come to mind when thinking about how to answer this question. The first; the go-ahead goal that I scored against NJCU my freshman year. This game was significant in many different aspects. It broke a long-standing losing streak that John Jay had against NJCU. It was also a goal that I had dedicated to a childhood friend from Israel, who had just lost his mother – who I had known my entire life and treated and cared for me like I was her own. The second thing that I am most proud of was spending four years with a group of guys that was part of a process that helped build a strong foundation and pave the way to make the men's soccer program strong and successful for years past our time. Watching this team win the CUNY Championship was a proud moment even if it was years after we left. I am proud to have had the coaches we had, from Chris Weeks, Nate Bell, and Brad Johnson, each of them taught us different things to reach the same goal.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
As simple as it sounds, don't take those four years for granted. They were honestly some of the best years I've had, and I miss that team every day. From my coaches, to my teammates, to spending hours upon hours in the training room nursing injuries. I wouldn't trade the time I had. These years will flash by you, enjoy it as much as you can. Learn from your coaches, from your teammates, and from those surrounded by you whose purpose is to help you succeed. Don't get discouraged if you graduate without a plan, or not knowing where you want your career to end up. College for me opened doors to things in life I didn't expect, it opened the door to a path I didn't know I would become so passionate about.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
While I've always had a strong work ethic, John Jay helped me improve that characteristic. John Jay is a unique school, where majority of the student body puts themselves through school, while working 1,2,3 full-time jobs, caring for their family, while studying simultaneously. Coming from a different country, John Jay also helped me get accustomed to the vast cultures that New York has to offer. As the city can be a culture shock to anyone coming from a foreign place, it was incredible to see.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I play pickup every now and then but my last game senior year was certainly my last competitive game. Through pick up, some in line skating, always try to keep yourself fit and healthy outside of the competitiveness.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2021/12/16/alumni-spotlight-jenna-hansen-12-rifle.aspx




October 2021 - Izabela Jagustyn '16, Women's Cross Country



1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduating from John Jay, I traveled and lived in Sri Lanka where I attained significant hands-on experience in the mental health field. There, I prepared therapeutic activities in the hospital wards with service users in different stages of their recovery, worked in a variety of other projects including teaching English to young adults and children, and used initiatives to come up with creative activities to stimulate service users' imaginations to improve cognitive and motor skills. This gave them a foundation of practical experience with the mentally disabled population. Upon my return, I was driven to confine my research upon the correlation between mental health and art, thus leading me to completing a masters program in Creative Art Therapy and Counseling. 

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
Due to all my travel and adventures, I started collaborating with a food blog called Honest Cooking where I conduct online publications for an international online culinary magazine with the ambition to truly change the face of online food media (http://honestcooking.com/author/izabelajay/). I create engaging content to post on the Honest Cooking website and collaborate with brands to develop engaging content for readers/visitors of the website. I am currently in the midst of writing my first book which will explore art therapy and cultural diversity around the world. Pushing the bounds of what art therapy is and how it impacts people with different cultural backgrounds. 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
My greatest moment that has shaped me to who I am today is the two study abroad programs I did through John Jay.  The experience provided an opportunity to be accepted into many homes with different cultural backgrounds pushing the bounds of further accepting the person who I have become today. The study abroad programs further expanded the education that John Jay provides of cultural humility. John Jay is the foundation of who I am today and I would be a completely different person without the program. 

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Self-motivation runs in my genes and John Jay instilled a determination in me to overcome any obstacle. The key to achieving greatness in life is to never give up, to push through the pain and eventually you will achieve something extraordinary. You can never forget that the finish line is close and you just have to push to the end in order to fulfill your dreams. Lean on family to push you forward and enjoy the ride with great friends as no journey was meant to be taken alone so don't be afraid and put yourself out there.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
John Jay's motto is enthusiasm and dedication. I have experienced that continuously through my traveling/backpacking after graduation as I have visited over 24 countries. The world is so big and if you don't travel that is like reading only the first page in a really good book. When I think about my future, it is always unknown and uncertain; however, I do believe art therapy is the key as it provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop my career in psychology which blossoms at John Jay.  The program allowed me to be creative in thought and express it in different perspectives through vast classes. Competitive by nature, I try to improve my skills and strive to do better; regarding whether it is academics, youth projects, cross country running, teaching, art, etc. John Jay provided that opportunity and I will be eternally grateful. 

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
Running will always be a part of my life, it is a great way to cope with all the stressors life throws at us.  I always tell my patients that one of the best coping skills is to literally run until you can't anymore. Cross country will always run through my blood and be a part of my past, present, and future. 
 

Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2021/12/9/alumni-spotlight-izabela-jagustyn-16-womens-cross-country.aspx




September 2021 - Yotam Bloom '15, Men's Soccer
 

1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Life after John Jay has taken me away from the International Criminal Justice field and into the Hospitality field, where I have held and continue to hold various managerial and directorial roles. Not where I thought life would take me, but as many graduates find themselves after graduation, your interests and career paths can change at any moment.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
On a professional level, I am most proud that I was able to fast rise into my roles in an industry that I'm passionate about, in an industry where I have found my calling. On a personal level, managing to make it through two master's degrees while working full-time to get my career off the ground.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
There are so many things that I am proud of from my time as a Bloodhound. Two come to mind when thinking about how to answer this question. The first; the go-ahead goal that I scored against NJCU my freshman year. This game was significant in many different aspects. It broke a long-standing losing streak that John Jay had against NJCU. It was also a goal that I had dedicated to a childhood friend from Israel, who had just lost his mother – who I had known my entire life and treated and cared for me like I was her own. The second thing that I am most proud of was spending four years with a group of guys that was part of a process that helped build a strong foundation and pave the way to make the men's soccer program strong and successful for years past our time. Watching this team win the CUNY Championship was a proud moment even if it was years after we left. I am proud to have had the coaches we had, from Chris Weeks, Nate Bell, and Brad Johnson, each of them taught us different things to reach the same goal.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
As simple as it sounds, don't take those four years for granted. They were honestly some of the best years I've had, and I miss that team every day. From my coaches, to my teammates, to spending hours upon hours in the training room nursing injuries. I wouldn't trade the time I had. These years will flash by you, enjoy it as much as you can. Learn from your coaches, from your teammates, and from those surrounded by you whose purpose is to help you succeed. Don't get discouraged if you graduate without a plan, or not knowing where you want your career to end up. College for me opened doors to things in life I didn't expect, it opened the door to a path I didn't know I would become so passionate about.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
While I've always had a strong work ethic, John Jay helped me improve that characteristic. John Jay is a unique school, where majority of the student body puts themselves through school, while working 1,2,3 full-time jobs, caring for their family, while studying simultaneously. Coming from a different country, John Jay also helped me get accustomed to the vast cultures that New York has to offer. As the city can be a culture shock to anyone coming from a foreign place, it was incredible to see.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I play pickup every now and then but my last game senior year was certainly my last competitive game. Through pick up, some in line skating, always try to keep yourself fit and healthy outside of the competitiveness.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2021/10/21/alumni-spotlight-yotam-bloom-15-mens-soccer.aspx




November 2019 - Jessica Melchiorre '16, Women's Tennis
 

1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduation, I went straight into the law field and became a paralegal for a family law firm and an instance law firm. I recently obtained an incredible position in the Department of Justice - FBI. 

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
My biggest accomplishment thus far after graduation has been my professional growth. I became more confident in my abilities as a paralegal and my abilities to obtain whatever crosses my path. 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
As a Bloodhound, I am most proud of being named the women's tennis team MVP during my first year playing in 2014. Being an MVP is more than just being good at the game you play. It is also being a good leader, team player, and making everyone feel united as a team. 

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
My advice for current and future Bloodhounds is the following: always follow your heart and never settle for less. As long as you believe in your vision, the rest will fall into place. Also, take advantage of all the extracurricular activities John Jay has to offer! 

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I've learned a lot at John Jay, but what has stuck with me the most even after graduation is to not procrastinate and always be the most professional in all aspects of life even when others aren't.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I still play tennis in my free time and I follow the John Jay women's tennis team closely to see how other fellow teammates are doing during the season. I miss playing tennis and I miss being an active member of the Bloodhound family. Playing tennis at John Jay has made my college experience 100 times better and I made friendships that to this day still stand strong.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/12/6/alumni-spotlight-jessica-melchiorre-16-womens-tennis.aspx




October 2019 - Jessica Monge '17, Women's Soccer


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Since graduating two years ago, I've gone from exploring the law field to working with children full-time. I have found a love for my current career as an ABA Therapist and Registered Behavior Technician. During these two years, I have also become a certified phlebotomist and a Youth Advocate for The Young Center (non-profit that works to find the best interest of immigrant children separated at the border). I am also on the road of creating a non-profit organization and plan to go to law school next year.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am most proud of the work I am doing with children and creating my non-profit. Whether it's for my job working with children on the autism spectrum or volunteering at The Young Center I genuinely notice the impact and changes I am making. The non-profit is also directed to children, currently in El Salvador, to help them continue playing soccer and stay in healthy engagements in the community.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I am most proud of the encouragement and support I was able to give as a Bloodhound. I did my best to make an impact on every new member on the team both on and off the field and I hope it has carried over throughout the years. I loved everyone and I hope they've shared that love with incoming Bloodhounds.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Enjoy your college experience, join clubs, build relationships; these will be your lifetime friends. If you have a plan after college, that is wonderful and if you don't, that's okay too. It's important to have a plan, but it's ok to be flexible because life throws you opportunities that you least expect and can lead to something better. Also, if you need a break after college that's okay too. Put you and your mental health first.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
Time management if a lifetime thing. I am so grateful I learned to balance sports, school, work, and extra-curricular in college because it not only helped build the non-profit organization, but also has helped me get employed as well.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I play pick up with friends from time to time, but my main involvement mainly revolves around creating opportunities for youth and women in El Salvador to play soccer.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/11/21/alumni-spotlight-jessica-monge-17-womens-soccer.aspx





September 2019 - Jamecia Forsythe '14, Women's Basketball
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduating from John Jay, I was at a crossroads of what I wanted to do in life (which is normal for many people who graduate - so graduating seniors, please do not feel like you are running out of time); however, after having a talk with Ms. Carol Kashow, I was able to find a path that works for me. I am now in the education field and am really happy with that.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
Since I graduated from John Jay, I went to pursue a career in education. Last year, I graduated with my Master's in Education from St. John's University (with a 4.0 GPA). I am currently a math teacher in a school in Brooklyn, NY. 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I am most proud of the experiences and people that I met at John Jay, because those experience have truly shaped me to the person that I am today. I am also proud of being a record holder of being the first student-athlete ever to achieve the milestones of recording 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, and for being John Jay's all-time leader in rebounds.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Well, one piece of advice that I would give to my college self and current Bloodhounds is to enjoy these four years, because you will NEVER get them back. Be sure to work hard so that you will never watch film of yourself wishing you could have worked just a bit harder. These four years will be the time of your life, so work hard in practice, push your teammates to be better (whether you get the most playing time or the least), encourage each other, and leave it all out there on the court/field. I sometimes find myself watching old videos of games and wishing that I should have "ran the middle" more like my coaches and teammates would yell at me to do, because maybe the outcome of the game would have been different. Just remember to have fun, the grueling practices will not last forever, and by the time you blink, you'll be in a cap and gown. Please enjoy your time, and if not for you, then do it for ME lol, because I would do anything to play college basketball again!

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
One thing that I learned that has stayed with me is something that my coach told me that used to get me through rough times until this day which is, "control what is in your control." What that means is, there may be times where you may feel overwhelmed with school or sports, but what you need to know is that you can only do what you have the power to do. If you are upset and feeling overwhelmed with school work, try to plan and organize, because the workload will not change, but how you handle the work can. In addition, the same applies to sports. You may not like something that is happening with your teammates, but you aren't the coach; therefore, you must talk to the coach before trying to burden yourself with things that you cannot do anything about. They are the coach for a reason. I take that advice with me to help me through my professional life and it truly works.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
After I graduated, I was an assistant coach with the John Jay women's basketball team. Now, I am currently on the verge of becoming the head coach of the Girls Varsity Basketball team at my high school. 

I would also like to send a big thank you to the staff at John Jay for being supportive in my journey throughout my four years, and I will forever be a Bloodhound! #11


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/9/11/alumni-spotlight-jamecia-forsythe-14-womens-basketball.aspx





August 2019 - Joseph Ayala '07, Baseball
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I became a duly sworn New York City Police Officer. For the last 11 years, I've had the privilege to meet and work with some of the greatest cops in the NYPD. I'm presently a Detective assigned to the Elite Gun Violence Suppression Division. 

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
My greatest personal achievement I'm most proud of since graduating John Jay is to be blessed with four beautiful kids and an amazing wife. With regards to a professional accomplishment, being the recipient of the 'New York City Police Department Combat Cross Award' was a tremendous honor. 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
During my time as a Bloodhound, I had the opportunity to play baseball with a very special group of coaches and players who shared an incredible chemistry. We had unwavering dedication and commitment which resulted in record setting seasons and eventually led to a 2007 City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) championship. 

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
If I could offer some advice to the current Bloodhounds, it would be to put God first in everything you do and to revel and soak in the moments on the field. These will be some of the best years of your life. 

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
One thing I learned that has resonated and stayed with me in my post-collegiate life was to not allow my fear of failure outweigh my desire to succeed. As a Bloodhound, our team slogan was "John Jay Never Dies". We possessed tenacious spirit and battled hard every game to the very end. Even in times when things didn't work in our favor on the field, we never gave up. We worked really hard, reconditioned our minds, and expected to be successful. 

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I'm still involved with the sport I love. Currently, I'm a pitcher in my 12th season with the NYPD baseball team. 


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/8/22/alumni-spotlight-joseph-ayala-07-baseball.aspx





July 2019 - Joleen Richards '14, Women's Cross Country & Women's Soccer


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After John Jay College, I spent three years working multiple part-time jobs to discover what I enjoyed most. My "discovery period" led me to the marketing field at the Mark Morris Dance Group where I currently work as the Web and Social Media Manager.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
One of my biggest accomplishments professionally was understanding that when I go on interviews, I am also the interviewer. I am interviewing the company to see if I fit into the "office culture", enjoy the responsibilities I'm given, etc. I learned that if I am investing 40+ hours a week into something, I should enjoy it too.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I was elected president of SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) during my last year at John Jay. I had a lot of great ideas, and I was painfully shy. However, that opportunity helped me develop leadership and public speaking skills. Overall, my experience at John Jay was filled with moments that challenged me and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
My advice would be to live in the present and take advantage of every opportunity. Think about the future but don't dwell on it because your day-to-day life experience is what's preparing you for the future.  

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I have learned to always challenge myself. I played soccer and ran cross country at John Jay and each sport taught me something about myself. In soccer, you have the support of your team and to be most successful, you must play your part and trust your teammates will play theirs. In cross country, it was a mental game racing against your personal best. These two experiences prepared me for life after college.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
This year is the first year since John Jay I am not directly involved in sports. Previously, I worked as a sports counselor, soccer coach, and was a sports and development youth coach. Currently, I work for a professional dance company, but I miss the competitive nature of sports which is why I recently reached out to Coach Tony Phillips to be a volunteer assistant cross country coach in the fall.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/8/12/alumni-spotlight-joleen-richards-14-womens-cross-country.aspx





June 2019 - Luis Chirinos '15, Men's Tennis
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After I graduated in 2015, I got a job at Yonkers Tennis Center, where I still remain employed to this day. I have started a non-profit organization since 2017, and it is continuing to grow and pick up momentum. I have taken an interest in traveling, and I have to admit, it is awesome. I love going to new places and taking pictures with my camera. I am still perfecting my photography skills before I start a travel/food review blog (I love writing.)  Reading is great too, since it helps train my brain and I am always looking to learn new things. I am also currently studying for the LSAT, as one of my goals is to go to law school and start my own practice.  

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I have a few things that I am proud of in no specific order. One of the things I am proud of is that I co-founded a non-profit organization called "Tennis Serving Vets." I am the Director of Tennis and we host events throughout the year in which veterans of all skill levels and ages can come and play organized tennis clinics and games to help with their PTSD, in a safe and social setting. I interviewed our first intern earlier this week, and that makes me happy because it is growing and people are starting to recognize TSV not just locally, but nationwide! Another thing I am proud of is finally going back to my native country of Peru after so many years, and being able to see my family there (and eating the best food in the world, in the best country in the world.). Another thing I am proud of is really working hard at my craft to the point where I am being considered to be the Director of Tennis at a new facility opening up in Texas next year! Lastly, I am proud of always doing self-improvement every day. Life has not been easy, but I am glad that I made it through some cloudy and stormy times. I feel confident in myself and I am where I need to be, and I know that the future is bright. The key is patience, discipline, and hard work.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
It's tough to pick one thing, but I would definitely say that the people that I got to meet there, the experiences and lessons I learned across the four years, I would not trade them for anything. I am proud to play for the tennis team, representing the Bloodhounds, being the captain, and making the Dean's List. I bleed blue, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Go Bloodhounds! 
Oh...Also, going to John Jay made me an expert at scheduling and toughing it out. More on that below :D 

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
I would definitely suggest that you join extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs. I think it is a great way to meet people who share common interests and you might make friends that last a lifetime, plus there is free food for the most part, so there's that. I would also advice that you take advantage of the school's resources and professor's extra help time. The help and guidance you get is invaluable, and it makes you stand out as being very proactive, a trait that is rarer than you might think. Do not be like me and take 20 credits one semester, have an internship, a part-time job in Connecticut, commute from Westchester each way, be in a relationship, and play a sport (all without a car) because you will not know the word sleep....Don't say I did not warn you. Lastly, when in doubt, go to Halal Guys! 
 
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I learned many things at John Jay, but the one thing is that timing/scheduling is everything. A lot of the people are not only just full-time students, they also have jobs, and have to commute (myself being one). I became an expert at timing things and being able to schedule things with proper planning. These are skills that I take advantage of to this day.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I am! I am training this summer to prepare for tennis league play, tournaments, and because it's fun. I swim every week since it is great exercise. I work out every day to stay in shape and I am looking to start playing soccer again. Lastly, I still work in the tennis industry, so I am still very much involved.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/7/10/alumni-spotlight-luis-chirinos-15-mens-tennis.aspx





May 2019 - Tevin Brown '16, Men's Cross Country
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, my life has taken me to the path of helping survivors during time of need by working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). I get to make a positive impact on people's lives; there is always at least one person who is willing to provide a helping hand.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am proud of all the milestones I have completed after graduating from John Jay, especially in my current career field. If anyone 10 years ago would have told a younger me that I would be working with FEMA and making impactful changes to the agency, I would have told them, "nope, you must be thinking of someone else because I want to work for the FBI." I am happy with my position at FEMA because it still aligns with my aspirations in life of helping people.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
The proudest moment as a Bloodhound was being a contributing member of the cross country team and being named a three-time CUNYAC All-Star. The reason why I am proud of this accomplishment is because I overcame the challenge of balancing school, work, sport, and the commute in and out of the city.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
To all current and future Bloodhounds, no matter the type of adversity you face, you will persevere. With all that adversity you face now, it is only setting you up for success in the future.   

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
One thing that stayed with me post-graduation from John Jay is volunteering and giving back to my community and other communities throughout the nation. It's always good to give back to people who are less fortunate than you, because one act of kindness can cause a positive ripple effect. 

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
Yes, I am still involved in sports. I still run and work out myself, support my younger sister with her soccer journey, and attend my former high school track meets when I am home and free. 


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/6/27/alumni-spotlight-tevin-brown-16-mens-cross-country.aspx





April 2019 - Mariela Echavarria '06, Softball
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After I graduated from John Jay College, I applied to become a police officer in the New York City Police Department. I am currently a lieutenant awaiting to be promoted to Captain. I have been working for the NYPD for 13 years. 

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am mostly proud of how I was able to achieve my goal in continuing my studies here at John Jay College. I will be graduating with my Master's degree in Criminal Justice next semester.  

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I loved my time being a Bloodhound and playing on the softball team. I met friends that are now family to me. I was given an opportunity to coach the softball team for three years and it was a great experience.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
My advice is to always follow your dreams. Never quit, even as hard and impossible as it may seem, you can overcome it. 

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
In my time at John Jay, I learned how to manage my time and focus on what is important in life. Nothing comes easy and you have to work hard to achieve it.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I am currently still involved in sports. I play softball for three different leagues and I manage a team in an all-women's softball league. I am hoping one day I can go back to coaching for this institution. 


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/6/13/alumni-spotlight-mariela-echavarria-06-softball.aspx





March 2019 - Carmelo Cintron '16, Men's Volleyball


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
A couple of months after graduation, I landed a job at a nonprofit, in the economic and community development department, where I worked on varies projects. I helped small businesses obtain capital to expand their business – which led to job creation, to community revitalization projects that created opportunities for the youth. Soon after, I landed a position with CUNY, where I work to get adult learners enrolled back into school to either finish or start their degree, in hopes of helping them achieve a level of economic sustainability.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
One of the professional accomplishments that I am most proud of is leading a group of students on a service trip to Puerto Rico last summer - a year after Hurricane Maria made landfall. Prior to this moment, I had never chaperoned students before, and boy was I nervous. But, I did not let my fears get the best of me; I knew the mission and how important it was to CUNY and to the people of Puerto Rico. Working alongside the students to rebuild the roofs that were severely damaged, I took the opportunity to mentor, facilitate nightly discussions, and encouraged the students to cherish this moment. My goal was to make sure that this experience would be a transformative experience that they would never forget and were able to see through the lens of the people that lived there. During those two weeks, I witnessed something remarkable: lifelong friendships being made between the homeowners and the students, students stepping out of their comfort zone to take on task that they wouldn't dare to face back home. But the most important thing I witnessed was CUNY students making a difference at grander scale and leaving their mark that CUNY was here. I saw them become global citizens, humanitarian workers, and advocates for justice. The cohort of students that I was sent with, along with the other cohorts that were sent throughout the summer, helped rebuild 174 roofs over 10 weeks. That, I am extremely proud of.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
My proudest moments as a Bloodhound was during the 2016 men's volleyball season. The season was young and when our coach had just told us that the preseason polls had just come in, I believe we were ranked eight. During the first CUNYAC tri-match before we played CCNY, we heard members from CCNY say that they could beat us because they had a higher ranking. Little did they know that the preseason polls meant nothing to us; we were on a mission! Not only did we sweep CCNY in three sets, but we started off and ended with one of the best records in our program's history. That year, we made it to the CUNYAC semifinals and qualified for the ECAC postseason tournament. The second proudest moment was when the men's volleyball team took Baruch to five sets. It was the first time we have ever taken a set away from Baruch, let alone two sets. Even though we lost, we all knew that we gave them a challenge and something to talk about on the way home.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Life is about living in the moment, cherishing the memories, and connections that you have made. It's also about taking a risk and stepping out of your comfort zone. My advice to my college self and to current Bloodhounds is to live life and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You will never know where life will take you if you are always cautious.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
Commitment, Accountability, and Leadership! Being a student-athlete is hard, especially for a Division III, urban city athlete. You have to work, travel to school, attend class, participate in practice and attend games, do your assignments, and take care of your other responsibilities. During my time at John Jay, the Athletics Department equipped me with the tools and resources to be successful. I learned to stay committed, regardless of my responsibilities and roles. Student-athletes are held to a higher standard; if I can't show commitment, how can I be an example to my peers/classmates. I learned that if I did not perform well, either in class or on the court, I needed to hold myself accountable. I knew that making an excuse for every time I did not perform well would not benefit me or those around me. Actually, it would make people not trust me and want to be around me. Finally, I learned what it takes to be a leader. A leader is someone that does not dictate but guides those around him/or her to greatness.   

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
Yes, I am involved with volleyball in three different ways. I play volleyball two or three times a week. I go to open plays, play on a couple of league teams, and I participate in three or four tournaments (local or out of state). I am also a volleyball referee and a coach.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/5/5/general-alumni-spotlight-carmelo-cintron-16-mens-volleyball.aspx




February 2019 - Cordell Grooms '92, Men's Basketball
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
I graduated from John Jay College in 1992 with a B.A. in Deviant Behavior & Social Control. Less than a month after graduating, I was offered a position as a Foster Care Caseworker and my life's journey took off from there. I worked in the field of Social Services for two years before stepping into the world of Education for six years. In 2001, I decided to go back to school to further my education. Eventually, I completed my coursework in order to qualify for my Master's Degree in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy in 2006. School was over for the time being so it was time to step back into the real world but in the world of college athletics.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am married to my beautiful wife, Natalie, who constantly has my back and I have three children. Their names are Tsion, Elaina, and Stanley. Professionally, and outside of sports, I have published two books of poetry called Love & Basketball Memoirs of Life (2013) and Urban Mindscape: The Journey to Reality (2015). My third book, Pushback, will be out in the summer of 2019. I also host two podcasts called Tru Sports Talk and Two Grumpy Men.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
My time as a Bloodhound from 1988 to 1992 was filled with great pride and joy. I had the best teammates and ultimately life-long friendships with many of those Bloodhounds. We are truly a family.

I spent my first two years, 88-89 and 89-90, on the J.V. basketball team under the direction of Coach Charlie Powell. This wasn't a typical J.V. team to say the least. We played a demanding and competitive schedule which included nationally ranked junior colleges and even a couple of Division 1 J.V. programs. My love for the game of basketball was re-discovered during the 1988-89 season. I averaged over 30 points a game in my two seasons on the junior varsity team. During the summer of 1990, prior to my junior year, I was working at a Five Star Basketball camp. During one of the night time runs between the camp counselors, an agent from a team in Greece offered me a contract and gave me a couple of weeks to decide what I wanted to do. I looked back on the previous two years as a Bloodhound and I truly felt like I had unfinished business, namely my college degree. A lot of factors went into my decision to return to college but getting that degree was one of the biggest ones.

My junior year started off rough under Coach Jeff Reisner. After I sprained my ankle during the first week of practice, I missed the first 10 games of the season. I did suit up for the last 14 games and scored 286 points (20 PPG). We finished up 14-12. My senior year I played in 22 games and scored 586 points (26 PPG - still a school record) and we finished up 15-12. After graduation, I did get an invite to a NBA tryout but got injured during the last session and eventually wasn't picked up but that's when life began.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
My advice for anybody who puts on that John Jay College uniform is to cherish the moments that you have on the team and really soak up the experience. Playing collegiate basketball is definitely an honor and a privilege. Nobody owes you anything because you know what you signed up for as a student-athlete. The grades come first and you will be expected to still do well in school and be a good teammate and role model. Also, many of your peers may not understand that time management is essential to being a complete person. School work, practice, and games will literally take up most of your time but at the end of the day it truly is worth it. Hang in there, stay focused, have a plan, and ultimately see the plan through.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
My time at John Jay College was filled with blood, sweat, and tears. It was truly one of the most memorable times of my life. I went from a teenager to a man during those four years. What has stuck with me after all of these years is to take your time on this earth seriously because not too many of us get a second chance at life but we must also smile and stay spiritually connected to something bigger than you. I have also learned that suppressing the ego while being confident in your abilities and getting the job done will actually take you far in life. We must always be willing to learn new things and although we must adapt to the times, you should never sell your soul or compromise your integrity.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I have been in college athletics since 2007. From 2007 to 2009 at SUNY College at Old Westbury as the Director of Recreation and Intramurals and 2009 to present as an Assistant Athletics Director at the New York City College of Technology. I guess you can say my life in education has come full circle.

Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/2/20/alumni-spotlight-cordell-grooms-92-mens-basketball.aspx




January 2019 - Vanessa Toro-Plaza '14, Women's Swimming
 
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.

Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2019/1/30/alumni-spotlight-vanessa-toro-plaza-14-womens-swimming.aspx




December 2018 - Jenna Hansen '12, Rifle


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
My plans were originally to go back to school for Forensic Accounting, but life took a few unexpected turns and now I'm currently in the hiring process for US Customs and Border Protection.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I'm not exactly where I want to be just yet, but I'm very proud of the adult that I've become. I've done a lot of growing and learned a lot of life lessons over the years. I'm simply happy with who I've become and what I have to look forward to.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I'm most proud to be the first female rifle team member to win the John Jay College Athlete of the Year award. Being a captain during my last two years, shooting a perfect 100, and being part of winning all those championships were amazing, but to be the first rifle Female Athlete of the Year was absolutely the best!

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
I would say to keep your eyes on your studies and your goals, but don't forget to have fun. Time goes by very quickly. Push yourself forward, but also take time to relax and explore who you really are.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I majored in Forensic Psychology. Throughout my studies, I learned how to have more patience with people. You never know what situation(s) they have going on, or where they came from, or what they have up ahead. It's good to have patience and understanding even when you don't understand.   

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
While I don't competitively shoot anymore, I still make it to the range here and there. I don't go as often as I'd like, but I'll never stop shooting. It's in my blood. : )


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2018/12/18/alumni-spotlight-jenna-hansen-12-rifle.aspx




November 2018 - Barbara Leahy-Edwards '78, HOF '93, Women's Basketball & Softball
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After graduation, I accepted a graduate assistantship at the University of Illinois at Chicago in Athletic Administration. Coaching college and high school basketball for over 30 years kept me in the Chicago area where I raised a family and currently reside.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
Being inducted into the John Jay Hall of Fame, induction into the GCAC Hall of Fame, coaching teams to state and national championships, former athletes who have received college scholarships and students who have achieved remarkable success. As an artist, having my paintings displayed in Times Square twice are some of my most memorable moments.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
All the wonderful professors, coaches and friends I made along the way. Especially Bob Fox, the men's coach, who I still talk to today. Being on the very first John Jay basketball team and playing in the city championships vs. St. John's University.   

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
"You can do it!" Trust in yourself, your coaches and teammates. And of course, positive attitude and hard work.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
Life is full of adventures and opportunities.   

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
Not currently but I still play for fun! After I retire this May, I'm considering coaching again.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2018/10/28/alumni-spotlight-barbara-leahy-edwards-78-womens-basketball-softball.aspx




October 2018 - Ashley Diaz '15, Women's Volleyball & Softball


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Life has taken me many places since I graduated. I became the first female in the Army National Guard for New York to be part of a combat Military Occupational Status or 'MOS'. I see it as paving the way for other females that want to be a part of a combat MOS in the National Guard. It's not easy but totally worth it. I mean, if anyone can do it, it's us females. :)

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am most proud of completing basic training almost immediately after graduating from John Jay. I then completed school for my MOS (13B, Field Artillery). 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
One of my proudest moments as a Bloodhound had to be the way we felt and the faces of satisfaction from all my teammates when we worked so hard and applied all we learned into winning games. Even when we lost, we knew we worked extremely hard but winning is another kind of euphoria.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Everything, after becoming an adult, is complicated. The most important thing to keep in mind is that giving up isn't an option. If I gave up after the hardships I've experienced, I'd be stuck in the same place of disappointment. Simply, never give up. 

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
In my time at John Jay, I learned to ALWAYS BE ON TIME. Especially if you hate running. 

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I am still involved with sports. I play for the PPWSL (Prospect Park women's softball league) and for a NYC Social volleyball team.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2018/10/9/alumni-spotlight-ashley-diaz-15-womens-volleyball-softball.aspx




September 2018 - Gabriela Baez '17, Women's Tennis 
 
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Since graduating from John Jay, a lot has happened. Life has taken me through a bunch of twist and turns but I finally know why. At first, I wanted to become a mental health counselor so my age focus was the psychology of young adults. After I finished college, I decided to enroll in a Master's Program for Mental Health. The program was very challenging but I realized that I could not relate as much as I thought I would. Instead, I decided to pick up a job as a tennis instructor for children between the ages of 3-14. I forgot how much I loved surrounding myself with tennis and being able to teach the sport to others. I then realized that I always wanted to surround myself with not only tennis, but with all sports. This realization led me to my current position as a Learning Specialist at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn. This is the first step that I have taken towards my goal of helping student-athletes in the present and for the future.

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
One of my personal goals that I accomplished was the first time I coached a tennis class of students on my own. This experience was thrilling and the best part was seeing my students smile and laugh because they were having so much fun. I believe that sports can make any individual grow in all aspects. One professional goal I accomplished was when I became a Learning Specialist for Division I student-athletes. I meet with student-athletes every day and my job is to make sure they are staying on track with all their classes. I help by guiding them on how to schedule their weekly homework assignments for every class. It can be difficult to be organized as a student-athlete while taking six classes. The biggest satisfaction is when student-athletes come back to tell me with a huge smile on their face that they received an A for the class. The student-athletes get their assignments done and do very well in their sports. This is the first step towards my overall goal of becoming a student-athlete academic advisor. 

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
As the saying goes, once you are a Bloodhound, you are a Bloodhound forever. While I was still a student at John Jay, I had many proud moments. I will never forget the love I felt from being a student-athlete at John Jay. It was as if we were all one big family that would support and look out for each other. I will always be proud to call John Jay my second home and to recognize anyone in the athletics department as family. Everyone in John Jay Athletics did the best they could and honestly if it was not for the academic advisement and my coaches, I do not know if I would have been able to get through college. John Jay has taught me the love of my sport and the passion that comes with being a student-athlete. I will always be proud of that.   

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
The advice I would give to current Bloodhounds is that if they need help to always reach out and speak up. Someone will be able to help them with just about anything or will be directed to someone that can. Another piece of advice I would give to freshman is to do your best academically because it really does set the foundation for the rest of your college years. 

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
One thing that I learned is to always be fierce and fight for what you believe is right. Always maintain professionalism by having respect on the court and in the classroom.   

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I still play tennis every two weeks, I do archery every Tuesday, and I just recently started hiking. I make sure to surround myself with sports as much as I can.


Full Release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2018/9/17/general-alumni-spotlight-gabriela-baez-17-womens-tennis.aspx?path=wten




August 2018 - Daniela Molina '15, Women's Soccer




1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
I graduated from John Jay College in 2015 with the promise of taking one year off before enrolling to Law School. It has been three years thus far, and life has taken me slowly to different stages of the real world-work experience. At first, I was not lucky enough to find a job in what I wanted nor in what I specialized (Philosophy and Humanities and Justice) but I still ran a myriad of part time jobs to save money for law school. I went from a bookkeeper and executive assistant to a coffee crew member, bike delivery girl, front desk receptionist, translator, legal assistant, and so on. Life has taken me to stages where I suppose order mattered to this day – Why? Because I wanted to have a strong reason, a firm impetus to go to law school. Today, I have the answer. I have started the application process expecting to attend in the fall 2019. I am directing my goal to study Immigration Law and/or Civil Law. 

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
The professional accomplishment I am most proud of since I graduated from John Jay has been to be involved in closed conferences pertaining Human Trafficking hosted by the Court of Innovation and Association of Women Judges. My three-year mentor Hon. Carmen Velasquez has included me on this journey in which I have been exposed to the world's largest criminal mafia and violation of human rights. Women judges from around the globe come together in the New York Court of Innovation for a couple of days to discuss first hand cases, laws that must be amended in the International ambit and resolutions to fight the evil of human trafficking. The second accomplishment has been to work at the General Consulate of Mexico in New York. I never thought I would be able to document and process certain documentation to my co-nationals. The most rewarding and gratifying feeling is to hand in a passport to someone who has lived most of their life outside of Mexico, who never had a passport nor any type of official identification; it is like literally breaking one of the shackles of the system. The third accomplishment came when I was selected to be part of the Women Empowerment Leadership Cohort from the New York Immigration Coalition. As a WE Lead navigator, I also carried a sense of responsibility that extended beyond my ethical liabilities; in this time of constant changes in our political system my role entailed being mentally strong, hopeful, and giving. Every working environment and stage of my life post John Jay has impacted my personal and professional life the right way. Doing things different would have changed my current perspective of life.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
There are many features from which I'm proud during my time as a Bloodhound; one of them is the one-to-one advisement program dedicated to athletes and the series of appointments we had to attend to make sure we were academically on track. For the John Jay Athletics Department, the foremost mission is to build complete athletes, be great on the field, and successful in the classrooms. Another thing I am most proud of during my time as a Bloodhound is the degree of responsibility, discipline, and dedication I grew. I am proud of the family and bonds I created with every single member of the Athletics Department, starting at the heart, which is composed of my teammates and coaches.

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
The advice I would give to current bloodhounds is to plan accordingly both for classes (due assignments, midterms, finals) and for the field. It is equally important to be successful in the classroom as it is on the field. Take pride of the prestige of being an athlete; represent the athletics department with high standards everywhere you go! People who observe you will always ask you - "How do you do that?" and praise your hard work.

5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
During my time at John Jay I learned to always work hard, cliché and simple. As an athlete from an urban campus, we work extremely hard to commute to school, practice, games, jobs, and back to our homes. The resiliency that athletes cultivate every season is not compared to other on-campus college experience.

6) Are you still involved with (sport)? If so, how?
I still play soccer with friends at my local park to keep the tradition of the sport.


Full release: https://johnjayathletics.com/news/2018/8/7/general-alumni-spotlight-daniela-molina-15-womens-soccer.aspx