Nana, Senior at Brooklyn College

I moved to the U.S. from Ghana when I was 13. During my senior year of high school, being new to the U.S. college process, Girls Inc. of NYC was pivotal in helping me get into college. I even earned a scholarship for college from Girls Inc. of NYC.

When I started college, my work and class schedule was intense. Through Project REACH, Girls Inc. of NYC program director Dr. Krystal helped keep me going. When it came time to apply for internships and jobs, she reviewed my resume over and over, practiced interviewing with me, and took my late-night calls. Perhaps just as importantly, she also taught me how to handle rejection. When the stress was too much, and I felt like giving up, Dr. Krystal told me all the reasons she believed in me, reminding me of the value I bring to my studies, work, and future career.

GINYC’s speed networking events have also been enlightening. It taught me a lot to talk with women in business, pursuing career paths I had never considered before. After speaking with a professional working in finance, I researched that sector and took two accounting and finance courses. I learned that I love finance! You don’t know who you can be unless you can see someone like you doing it, and GINYC has provided many examples of success.

Last summer, I interned for Goldman Sachs in Utah. For the first time in my life, I lived away from my parents. When I looked outside my bedroom windows, I was struck by the magnificent mountain views.  Every day, I arrived at the office at 7:00 am. I had so much to learn, and I didn’t want to miss a detail. GINYC motivates us to be who we want to be, and we support each other to build confidence and perseverance, while learning from our failures and celebrating our successes.