First Gen Stories

Dr. Monique Holsey-Hyman

Dedicated to her work, service for humanity, and undying love for family, Dr. Monique E. Holsey-Hyman of South Bronx, New York City, was a first generation student who has always been a committed woman who aims to adhere to an education set to aid society. She believes in providing people with a decent education and nurturing them with the love and care they deserve. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and Sociology from the State University at Binghamton in 1986 and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work in 1992. She has been a Certified Social Worker (CSW) since 1996 in New York State. In 2005, she was licensed as a Certified Social Worker with Psychotherapy Privilege (LCSW-R). In 2015, she earned her Doctorate in Education Leadership and Administration from Richard W. Riley College of Education at Walden University. Dr. Holsey-Hyman is a servant leader and gives back to the community wherever she can and is constantly looking for new ways to pay it forward.

Short stories and photographs have been collected of those who are First Gen students, graduates, staff, and alumni that are now part of the Columbia network. This project was not only to highlight those who are first generation but also to encourage high schoolers and undergraduate students to aim towards the Ivy League dream. If we could do it, so can they!

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