Beatriz LeBron

WEP Adviser, Student Services Center
Monroe Community College
Damon City Campus

The story of why, when and how you decided to move here (or stay here): I am the non-traditionalist. By the time I graduated high school, I already had a child. My decision to move here was based on a number of factors: a better environment for raising my daughter, some different opportunities, education, and I truly loved the atmosphere and all the green surroundings. Even in the city of Rochester there is so much open space and fresh air. While NYC is great and has helped me be a diverse, strong and thick-skinned individual, Rochester has helped me develop in character far beyond what I could have ever imagined!

Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school:
A.S., liberal arts, Monroe Community College
B.A., communications, St. John Fisher College
I will be staying in Rochester to continue my education with a master’s degree and a Ph.D.

Degree(s) you earned:
A.S. in liberal arts
I am currently pursuing a B.A. in communications and minor in economics. Though not degrees, I have also completed the following programs—United Way’s Latino Leadership Development Program (Formerly HLDP) and the Latino Alliance Political Academy.

Where you work now and your job title:
I am the MCC work experience program adviser and program monitor. I also work at Alternatives for Battered Women Inc. as a per diem residential counselor.

Where do you live?
In the city

What do you like about life in Rochester?
It’s hard to narrow it down to a few of my favorites but I’ll try. The ambiance of going to Java’s on Gibbs, any time during the week and getting good food, good coffee all while meeting new and interesting people. I love going to different events. Though this is no NYC, it’s still a pretty happening place. I love the politics of it all, and how accessible the politicians are. I love how many resources are truly out there for people who need it, and how easy it is to access most of the resources. And finally how close other places are, for example, Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

What do you do for fun?
I try to diversify myself for fun—the general basics, such as movies, coffee shop, attending small concerts of local bands, hanging out with friends, going out dancing, museums, exhibits, RPO concert series (they have some of the coolest themes every year; I wish they would do an encore of the “West Side Story” concert), and recently I’ve learned and taken up the sport of golf. I also love to volunteer in various capacities so that tends to keep me having fun while giving back and feeling connected to the community.

What would you tell a college student (who is trying to decide where to live after graduation) about what life is like here post-college?
There are many job opportunities here in Rochester. Rochester is smaller (yet becoming more metropolitan with new projects on the way), so your chances of getting into a field you want and becoming successful are much higher than someone who moves and goes to a bigger city where the competition is going to be tougher. Young college graduates really have the opportunity to help make Rochester greater and have a real impact on the city’s economic growth, in addition to truly contributing to what will make this place better for all of us. You won’t find that opportunity elsewhere and not at the same level.

What's the best first step to making friends and finding your way around?
Get involved! I came here only knowing my sister, and over the years I have made literally thousands of friends by becoming active in various community service projects, in areas that I was interested in and those I knew nothing about. It has helped me not only make friends but network! You can even start by getting involved during college if you’re still attending. For learning your way around, find events that interest you, make plans with friends who already know the city or Google map the location.
[Posted in 2008]