For any student, the transition from high school to college can be daunting. But for Babacar Niang, a recent immigrant from Senegal and graduate from the Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School in Union Square, these challenges loomed even larger.
“As a recently arrived immigrant, I knew I would do best in a school that would provide extra consideration since English is not my first language,” said Niang, a freshman at SJC Brooklyn.
Fortunately for Niang, the campus’ Academic Center for English Language Studies (ACES) was there to help ease his transition to life at SJC Brooklyn. Along with financial support, the ACES Program provides intensive, for-credit English language support —cohort-based environment — to ensure recently arrived immigrant students succeed in the classroom.
Convinced ACES Would Help
“After meeting Professor [Catherine] Meehan (ACES program director), I was convinced that ACES would help me thrive as a student,” Niang said. “The financial support is much appreciated. Throughout the past couple of months, I’ve discovered effective ways to read and understand English-language literature, as well as improve my creative writing skills.”
SJC Brooklyn freshman Niang Babacar.
Niang’s career interests are in business administration and economics. Aside from ACES, Niang has also immersed himself in other areas of student life. After completing the First Year Experience Program, he was selected to take part in the Student Leadership Experience Program at SJC Brooklyn. It’s a program designed to cultivate emerging student leaders on campus.
With the support of the ACES Program, Niang is primed for success at St. Joseph’s.
“ACES made my transition from high school to college a lot smoother,” he said. “Thanks to their support and specialized tutoring, I’m acquiring the skills I need to succeed in college and beyond.”
