Miguel Colon

"Overall, my education at CUNY SPS has been instrumental in my success in an academic setting."

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

During my time at CUNY SPS, one of the most defining aspects was the flexibility of completing my bachelor's degree 100% online through asynchronous courses. Working at my own pace and on my schedule allowed me to balance my studies with my other responsibilities. Additionally, the online format allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and gain varied perspectives on course materials. Overall, the asynchronous courses provided a convenient and enriching learning experience that helped me achieve my academic goals.

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

One of the most important things I learned at CUNY SPS is the value of time management. Balancing work, social life, and school can be a challenge, but it's crucial to know your limits and be realistic about how many classes you can handle. Taking things slow and steady, and really delving into each class can make the learning experience all the more enriching. It's important to enjoy the process and learn as much as possible.

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

While at CUNY SPS, I was fortunate enough to have many people who influenced me, but the most impactful was Dr. Sarah Ruth Jacobs. Completing my capstone academic research project was one of the most challenging but rewarding classes for my major. Dr. Jacobs helped me with my writing technique and getting a stronger grasp of citation and research. This class helped me gain a strong foundation for further graduate study, which was my plan as soon as I graduated. Additionally, my academic advisor, Arianna Rodriguez, greatly influenced me. She encouraged me to complete my bachelor's degree and helped me navigate the often-complicated world of higher education. Finally, I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends, who were always there to cheer me on and lend a helping hand when I needed it.

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

CUNY SPS had a significant impact on my current job and overall career. As someone who works at a law school library, the critical thinking and research skills I gained from my liberal arts education have been invaluable. It has allowed me to navigate complex legal materials and provide accurate and comprehensive information to patrons. Additionally, my courses' emphasis on communication and collaboration has helped me work effectively with colleagues and students. Overall, my education at CUNY SPS has been instrumental in my success in an academic setting.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with my institution's scholarly services team, and learning about the different fields of law and many of the faculty member's interests. As someone who has always enjoyed working in a library setting, being able to help collect, preserve, and disseminate digital copies of the intellectual output of the law school has been incredibly fulfilling. Contributing to preserving knowledge and making it accessible to others is truly rewarding, and I feel grateful to be part of such an important mission.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself working as an archivist, having completed my Master of Information degree with a concentration in archives and preservation. I'm open to working in various settings such as academic, government, or historical sites. Additionally, I've recently discovered a keen interest in digital asset management, which connects well with library sciences and digital archival methods as it involves organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

• What show/s are you currently watching?  I just finished binge-watching The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix over the weekend, and it was the perfect show for October. I enjoy watching miniseries in one go, so I am on the lookout for a new one.
• What is your favorite meal?  My favorite meal is mac and cheese or my grandma's authentic Puerto Rican rice and beans. Whenever someone asks me this question, I always struggle to come up with a single answer since I enjoy a wide variety of food. However, these two dishes always come to mind when I think of comfort food.
• What is your favorite line in a movie?  “You talking to me?” Taxi Driver (1976)
• Favorite or most recent book you read?  The most recent book I read was “Spare,” a memoir by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
• Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, none, all?  All
• List 3 things you would bring to a deserted island.  A hammock, bug spray, and a satellite phone

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