Adventures Welcome For Westchester Community College Student

VALHALLA, N.Y. -- For most, the transition to college is a difficult one. New faces, more difficult classes and an ever-growing workload create stress and anxiety in even the most seasoned student. Now imagine moving to a new country on top of those emotions and you’ll begin to understand the remarkable story of Westchester Community College scholar-athlete, Brulinda Frangaj.

Brulinda Frangaj has made her mark at Westchester Community College after coming to the United States from Albania only four years ago.
Photo Credit: *Westchester Community College*

John Haffey

Content Partner: Westchester Community College

Four years ago, Frangaj moved to Westchester from Albania with little more than her ambition to succeed. Armed with a smattering of English and a suitcase full of dreams, she began to make her mark.

The experience I have had here has been very beneficial to my intellectual growth and my educational pathway. The environment on campus is very captivating with its numerous activities, and the staff and faculty are very supportive and inspiring. -- Brulinda Frangaj

“Nothing about the move was easy,” said Frangaj. “It was hard to adjust to the American system of education and even harder to immerse myself into the society. I wanted to fully engage in the community and enjoy all the opportunities but my lack of English skills limited my chances and didn’t allow me to explore my potential as a high school student.”

When the time came to enroll into college, Frangaj chose Westchester Community College and hasn’t looked back. “The experience I have had here has been very beneficial to my intellectual growth and my educational pathway,” she said. “The environment on campus is very captivating with its numerous activities, and the staff and faculty are very supportive and inspiring.”

Frangaj is currently in her fourth semester and is involved with the Student Government Association, clubs, organizations, the college’s volleyball team, and is a member of several honors societies and programs.

“The communication barrier is fading more and more each day, and being socially and academically involved has strongly contributed to that,” she said.