Erlime Rosario, Liberal Studies and Elementary Education

Like many first-year students, Erlime Rosario thought she had her life figured out when she began classes at ������Ƶ. But she soon realized her true passion meant switching her major to Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary Education.

“Many of my past teachers would suggest that I pursue a career in teaching, but I had other plans in mind,” Rosario recalled. “The major that I had chosen my freshman year at ������Ƶ wasn't for me, and I kept thinking about all the past teachers and educators who impacted my life. I chose this career path because I wanted to make the same impact that those teachers made on my life on the students of today.”

The Paterson resident hopes to begin her career teaching in an elementary school close to where she grew up.

As someone whose first language was Spanish, Rosario said being bilingual comes with as many challenges as it does rewards.

“Many individuals would tell me being bilingual is a great thing to be, but I felt like I had a disadvantage,” she said. “I would feel defeated and beat myself up because I got a word mixed up that was spelled right in Spanish but not in English, or I didn't understand certain rules even though I would study and try my best.”

After fighting for her dream, Rosario is getting closer and closer to her goal. She aspires to become a resource and mentor for other bilingual students like her.

“My true dream is to make a difference in students' lives within my career. I want to be the support for many students who have struggled with a second language such as myself, which is why I have plans to go back to school and get a Master's in Bilingual and ESL [English as a Second Language] Education,” Rosario said of her future plans.

“I want to be one of the teachers that students think about and can rely on, no matter what grade they are in or what stage of their life they are in. I don’t just want to be a teacher but also a role model that the students can look up to,” she added.

She’ll connect with her students, not just academically and socially, but through her interests as well.

“Many people would think that I am an extrovert, but the thing that I like most is being at home, watching Marvel movies and reading graphic novels.”

Rosario is ready to leave the nest, but she said she could not have done it without the support she received as a ������Ƶ student.

“What I will miss most about ������Ƶ is the people I have come to rely on and staff who have pushed me to complete the career path that was meant for me.”

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