Villager of Justice
BY ELENA ROMERO

Leticia Alanis decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in the States for one primary reason— to be able to contribute to her lifelong passion— the social justice movement. “CWE is a wonderful place to prepare me for such work,” says the Brooklyn resident who moved to the United States nine years ago from her native Mexico. “I’ve also grown as a critical thinker, passionate learner, writer, and as a responsible agent for positive change in society.”

Alanis decided to attend CWE after her older sister, Eugenia, graduated magna cum laude from The Center in 2001. “I knew she was very pleased both with the quality of the courses offered and the [learning] environment,” says Leticia. “I also wanted to study with other adults rather than with younger people because I felt their life experience would add to the learning experience.”

And, indeed it has.

A former theology professor and counselor in her native homeland, and existing advocate for health, immigrant and workers rights, Leticia is currently pursuing a Liberal Arts degree with a Human Services concentration. “My experience has been very satisfying,” says Leticia, who has a bachelor in theology from the Instiuto Teologico Salesiano in Guadalajara, Mexico. “CWE has provided me with fundamental knowledge in a broad range of subjects. It has also given me the opportunity to choose courses that will advance my career.”

Leticia has relied on the CWE faculty and staff for career guidance. “The fieldwork component of the social work courses has been invaluable,” she notes. “The quality level of specialized courses is high and comparable to a master’s program, in some cases, like sociology of families and Interviewing strategies.”

Since attending CWE, Alanis has taken part in the Life Experience Program and is preparing to submit her autobiography and life experience portfolio this fall. She is planning to apply to the Hunter School of Social Work for her graduate studies upon graduating June ‘06.