Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Meet Sandra Polanco
Sandra Polanco remembers what it feels like to be in college.
As Director of the First Year Experience (FYE) Center on our Bronx campus, she uses those memories every day to help first-year students adjust to the newness of college life and ultimately thrive in their new environment.
Her days are anything but quiet. The FYE Center in King Hall is one of the busiest offices on campus. It’s a one-stop-shop where students go for everything from academic advising and personal support to student activities and socializing between classes.
It’s also a place where new students develop their first sense of belonging and community, which is a huge advantage for their future success. Whether they are new to Monroe, new to New York or new to the United States – and even all three – the FYE Center soon becomes a second home, thanks to the hard work of Sandra and the FYE team.
She often shares personal stories with her students, reminding them that she was once in the same position as them – a new student who did not know anyone and was not sure if she was ever going to fit in.
“I have found that many of my students are in this same boat and sometimes become frustrated,” Sandra said. “Sharing my firsthand experiences allows them to feel like they are not alone, and they have the skills to get through whatever obstacles they’re facing.”
Many of her students feel especially connected to her because Sandra is bilingual.
As a first-generation Puerto Rican, Sandra can relate to her students in their native language as they share their hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties about college.
She actively listens to hear what their issues are so that she can appropriately direct them to resources or support to navigate their higher education. Sometimes when she meets with students, she includes their family in the advising process, inviting parents and family members to join in on the conversations in order to help support their students.
Sandra knows from her experience, both personally and professionally, that students need to feel safe to show up as their whole selves and have the best chance for success. She proudly talks about her Puerto Rican heritage as a testament to that and to encourage them to show up in whatever way makes sense to them.
“Learn to embrace your culture and teach others about your customs and traditions,” she tells her students. “Don't ever feel like you have to hide where you are from.”