In partnership with the amazing Ashley Achan (former HLA student - now Honors Program student at Hostos Community College) we created a google form and collected responses from former HLA students to show the successes and the challenges of our HLA community. This couldn’t have happened without her work and commitment to our shared communities. We hope to continue this series through the Spring 2021 semester.

Thank you Ashley!

Who are you?

I am Tyekwana, a college graduate! I am unique because of my name, my mind, and looks. My family is from the south. According to Ancestry.com, I am 84% African and 16% European. 

What years did you attend HLA? 

2010-2017. That’s both the middle school and high school. I graduated in 2017. 

Why did you choose HLA?   

Mainly because my cousin went to Hostos, and it WASN’T the ‘zone’ school. Plus the potential to get an associates degree. 

When you left Hostos where did you go and what did you study?

I went to Lehman College from 2017-2019. I am now working for Hostos while applying to graduate school. 

How did the HOSTOS program prepare you? Did you feel prepared? 

It prepared me for scheduling college classes and also the mandatory APA in some courses. Besides that, not too much. 

Why did you pursue your current major?

I went into film. 

Why film? 

Originally I was going to go for nursing, but I didn’t want that. Film was my next thing aside from culinary.

What is your proudest moment at HLA? 

Apparently I came second place in a spelling bee in 6th grade in which I have the medal of.

What is your biggest accomplishment to date? 

Graduating College 

What are you most looking forward to?

Being apart of the film industry! 

What is your advice to rising seniors?

Prepare for total freedom in academia. 

Follow Tyekwana on IG