Guadalupe Ayala

"CUNY SPS allowed me to narrow down the path I wanted to pursue. This led to my decision of enrolling in a Master in Social Work program in the fall, focusing on community organizing."

What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS?

Enrolling in the Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law Studies allowed me to interact with classmates with a diverse background supporting the immigrant community. This has helped shape my perspective and understanding of the class materials during my time at CUNY SPS. Through CUNY SPS, I was able to gain access to professors with legal background in immigration law who offered support and challenged us to better understand the material.

What is the best piece of advice, or most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS?

I would highlight the importance of attending workshops offered by CUNY SPS. Virtual workshops offered by CUNY SPS allowed me to prepare for the certificate program. These workshops also allowed me to connect to activities that I would otherwise be unable to attend in person.

Who influenced you the most? Please feel free to include anyone from the CUNY SPS community including faculty, staff, or fellow classmates.

I believe all my peers I’ve interacted with had a role in influencing me during my time at CUNY SPS. I found that their initial responses and diverse perspectives had impacted and molded how I understood and dissected class materials.

How has your CUNY SPS influenced your current job, and your career overall?

During my time in the Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law Studies, I found my desire to support the immigrant community was reinforced. Through my studies, I was able to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact the changing legal landscape has on individuals’ accessibility to needed services and ability to meet their needs. CUNY SPS allowed me to narrow down the path I wanted to pursue. This led to my decision of enrolling in an MSW program in the fall, focusing on community organizing. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

In my current role, I received trainings that often speak on current immigration policies. I often find the information I gained from the advanced certificate program allowed me to have context and an informed understanding of the current immigration climate.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to see myself pursuing a PhD in public policies, utilizing all my work and academic experiences.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• What show/s are you currently watching? I am currently watching Queenie and Reservation Dogs on Hulu.
• What is your favorite meal? My favorite meal is called “Pollo Chuco.” It’s a Honduran dish made by piling layers of different ingredients.
• What is your favorite line in a movie? My favorite line in a movie is “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” from Dirty Dancing.
• Favorite or most recent book you read? The most recent book I read was Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo.
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, none, all? I find myself mostly on Instagram.
• List 3 things you would bring to a deserted island. If on a deserted island, I would bring a water filter, a satellite phone, and fishing gear.

Read more about Advanced Certificate in Immigration Law Studies