No one knows you better than you. Be proud of what you can do.
Allison De La Puente knows she has reached an important milestone in her life and celebrates earning her associate degree from North Shore Community College. As a first-generation college student, she also recognizes the positive impact on her family and her desire for them to share in the benefits of her accomplishment.
Exploring big ideas and important topics
As a graduate of NSCC’s Liberal Arts program, Allison possesses the critical thinking, ethical understanding, analytical, and communication skills necessary in today’s workforce. However, her focus on psychology gives Allison deeper insights into societal structures and topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion which are so important in supporting healthy and vibrant communities and economies.
Allison respects NSCC’s deep commitment to obliterating equity gaps for students and alumni and ensuring a safe campus where all are welcome and each is holistically supported. As a member of NSCC’s Student Government Association, she is also able to share and socialize this vision among her own student peers and personal networks.
Next stop Salem State University
What’s Allison’s next milestone? Starting in September 2023, Allison will begin classes as a junior at Salem State University where she has been accepted into the Psychology Bachelor of Science degree program.
No matter what career ultimately reveals itself to Allison, she knows her path will always be to guide others, whether it be as an advisor to other first-generation students following in her footsteps to higher learning, or as a licensed counselor in private practice.
Advice to pay it forward
Allison is quick to point out one important consideration for high school students thinking about attending college. "At 18, you’re just getting the freedom as an adult, but it’s ok to ask for help. No one knows you better than you. Once I found what I really liked to do, that motivated me to stay on track and attend classes in the summer and winter session. I went at the pace that was right for me and my small goals turned into bigger plans."
2023 AA, LIBERAL ARTS TRANSFER/PSYCHOLOGY PATHWAY