Michelle Barnett '11

I have always been a self-starter and after watching my father become a successful entrepreneur I knew I could do anything. When I began my college career at QCC I didn’t know what I wanted to study. A then recent CUNY graduate and friend of mine, recommended going to the Office of Career Services. I took the advice. I scheduled an appointment with Ms. Strauss, the Career Advisement Coordinator, and when I met with her she had me complete an online self-assessment using Focus 2. The assessment was easy to understand; it evaluated my skills, personality, likes and dislikes. Ms. Strauss was very helpful throughout the process and for the duration of our student/advisor relationship. She was personable and took a sincere interest as we explored different career options. Given my interest in International Studies and Education, we began to consider academic curriculums that would allow me the opportunity to study abroad.

After completing my Associate degree in Liberal Arts at QCC in 2011, I transferred to Queens College where I applied and was accepted to a study abroad program in Spain. The experience completely changed my life. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Complutense University of Madrid, one of the oldest universities in Spain. In my downtime, after studying of course, I went to the parade that celebrated Spain's victory of the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup Championship, I watched Le Tour de France in Paris, and was then able to attend the 2012 Olympics Games in London. This Fall I will graduate from Queens College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and I could not be any happier. I plan to start a Master's degree program in Education during the 2015 semester.

Going to the Office of Career Services was the best decision I’ve made thus far in my collegiate career. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and passions with students at the university.

On May 29 2014, Michelle Barnett walked in the Commencement Ceremony at Queens College earning her BA degree. She now works at QCC in the Center for International Affairs where she's involved with study abroad programs hosted by senior CUNY colleges. She's since been accepted to a Master's degree program in Australia where she will focus on International Relations.