I would like to thank Dr. Elaine Ruiz López for always being a constant supporter, adviser, and role model. Dr. Elaine Ruiz López believes in my academic potential and has always looked out for me and my wellbeing. Dr. Elaine Ruiz López helped foster my leadership skills; she has encouraged me to become involved in school activities and to step up to leadership positions. She encouraged me and other students to initiate clubs that we wanted in ILCHS and inspired us to lead these clubs.

Dr. Elaine Ruiz López has contributed in the molding and development of my academic aspirations, my growth as an individual, in my transition from an adolescent to a young adult and young lady. Dr. Elaine Ruiz López has always motivated me to be a voice for my peers, to have initiative, to follow my dreams, to succeed and to lead. Dr. Elaine Ruiz López valued my education and understood how important my education was.

Dr. Elaine Ruiz López made sure to provide ILCHS students and me with opportunities, events and programs that many students in other NY public high schools, from low income families did not have access to. I am grateful for all that she has done for me and my family, for her support and belief in me and in what I can and hope to one day accomplish. I know that I can count on her and her unconditional support as my academic career progresses and in the years to come afterwards.  I cannot wait until the day that Dr. Elaine Ruiz López can see me accomplish one of my dreams of graduating from Lehman College in May of 2016.