“When I found out I was valedictorian, the first person I wanted to tell was my mom,” says Jennifer Abreu ’22, a first-generation college student graduating with a 4.0 GPA. “Unfortunately, she passed away before I started John Jay. The last thing she asked for was to make sure her two girls graduated college. My sister and I accomplished her goal of finishing college, which my mom never got to do. I know she would be so proud.”
Abreu’s mom, Lucy, left her home in the Dominican Republic and came to the U.S. hoping to provide the sisters with educational opportunities and a chance at a better life. “My mom was a single mother who saw education as a direct pathway to personal success and creating a better world for others,” says Abreu. “One of the dreams she had for herself was to build a school in the Dominican Republic. I plan on building that school one day in her honor.”
“My goal is to go into marginalized and understudied communities—homeless, immigrant, Latinx, Black and brown communities—and give them a voice.” —Jennifer Abreu ’22
Abreu’s long-term career objective is to work with underserved and underrepresented communities as a researcher and advocate. “My goal is to go into marginalized and understudied communities—homeless, immigrant, Latinx, Black and brown communities—and give them a voice,” says Abreu. “I want to shatter stereotypes by sharing their stories and experiences. I want them to be seen as complete human beings instead of as statistics.”
Your mother’s last wish was your inspiration. What was she like?
My mom was a giver and a helper, and I strive to be the same way. There was a park by our house in Queens where a lot of undocumented individuals waited to get picked up for construction jobs. On cold days it was tough to see them standing out there waiting—all they were trying to do is provide for their families. So, one day my mom said, “We’re getting up early and buying them all coffee and donuts. This way they can enjoy their morning.” I find myself doing similar things now. I crochet and usually carry crocheted hats in my bag to give to homeless people on my way to and from John Jay.
What made you want to come to John Jay?
I wanted to go to a college where I could gain the skills and knowledge to have a career that promotes fairness and justice for all. I knew John Jay was the right place for me because everything we’re taught focuses on advocating for others, standing up to injustice, fighting for equality, and seeing people’s humanity.
“I knew John Jay was the right place for me because everything we’re taught focuses on advocating for others, standing up to injustice, fighting for equality, and seeing people’s humanity.” —Jennifer Abreu ’22
Was there a class at John Jay that you found particularly fulfilling?
I took a senior seminar class with Professor Aaron Hammes, Ph.D., where we learned about marginalized communities. During each class, we had visitors who shared their stories and challenges. The lessons I learned in that class are lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Besides being named a co-valedictorian, what academic achievement makes you proud?
I was just named a winner of the Alex Smith Award for Excellence in Criminology. It feels good to be recognized within my major and acknowledged for my hard work over these last four years.
Is there someone special who you’d like to thank for their support?
My sister, Stephanie. She’s only a year older than me, but she stepped into that mother role after our mom died. I’m immensely proud of everything she has done for the both of us. This title of valedictorian is as much her accomplishment as it is mine.
