Hometown: Long Island, New York; El Salvador
Major: Forensic Psychology
Programs: Macaulay Honors
Mentors: Denise Vivar, Dr. Lisandro Pérez, and Dr.Belinda Linn Rincón
Career aspiration: Forensic Analyst
“Winning TheDream.US National Scholarship makes it possible for me—an immigrant, first-generation student, and Latina pursuing a career in forensic psychology—to complete my college education and earn my degree, completely debt free,” says Yanira Rivera ’26. “When I learned I was the award winner, a weight was immediately lifted off my shoulders.”
What was life like before John Jay?
I came to the U.S. when I was young, moving to Long Island at just five years old. Growing up, I was always very focused on my education because I knew that, as an immigrant, the only way to succeed was through education. The transition into the school system was tough, especially in the beginning. I was constantly made fun of because I was the only student with dark skin and I had trouble understanding English. That motivated me to be better, work harder, and prove all the kids who were bullying me wrong. I excelled in AP classes, the honors society, and sports. I was involved in as many extra-curricular activities as possible.
Why John Jay?
The fact that John Jay is both a Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution—with an incredibly diverse student population—made me want to join the community. Learning that the school has such a prestigious forensic psychology program made the decision even easier. Once at John Jay, I found my people at the Immigrant Student Success Center (ImSSC) and was amazed by all the opportunities John Jay offers its students, from the support resources it provides to the opportunities for career development.
Who helped put you on a path to success?
Denise Vivar at the ImSSC has been so supportive of me during my time at John Jay. From the moment I met her, she’s been so warm, welcoming, and caring. She’s created a safe space for all the students who enter the Center. She makes the College feel like a home away from home. It was Denise who encouraged me to apply to the TheDream.US National Scholarship. She believes in her students completely, advocates for our well-being, inspires us to participate in opportunities and motivates us to keep going.
Aisha Abdelmula from the Macaulay Honors Program has also been instrumental to my success at John Jay. She made the transition from high school to college so smooth for me. She helped me improve my organization and time management skills, and she facilitated opportunities for me to meet new people. She’s also the person who, understanding my background, introduced me to Denise and the Immigrant Student Success Center.
What internships, fellowships, and experiences helped you grow academically?
During the 2022–2023 academic year, I was part of the Black, Race and Ethnic Studies Initiative Fellowship where I conducted research with my mentors, Dr. Lisandro Pérez and Dr.Belinda Linn Rincón, professors in the Latin American and Latinx Studies department. Our research focused on how being in detention centers impacted the psychological development of Latinx migrant children. It was heartbreaking to hear about the traumatic experiences these children went through.
This semester, I’m a Social and Innovative Fellow with the Immigrant Student Success Center. Through the fellowship, I’ll work with undocumented and immigrant high school students, guiding them to the resources they need to do well at school and beyond. Growing up, there weren’t many people in the school system who knew about the opportunities available for people like me. Getting to be that bridge to empowerment means a lot to me.
What are your career goals?
My dream job is to become a forensic analyst with a government agency one day. The field of forensic psychology has always interested me because it makes you think about why people do what they do. It makes you dig deep to learn about a person’s motivations. Being here at John Jay, I know I’m receiving the education and support to make that dream a reality.
