Scholarship winner Petronilla Tesoriero and her two children.
Hard times had fallen on Petronilla Tesoriero, who, divorced at 39 years old with two children, felt like she had “lost everything.” One of the recipients of the Helena Rubinstein Scholarship, the College of Staten Island (CSI) student is now able to move forward in her education and her career.
“The Helena Rubinstein Scholarship has allowed me to get my self-esteem back and get into a career that I always wanted to but couldn’t afford. It also helps that when I put on my résumé that I attended CSI, companies will take me seriously,” said Tesoriero, who will graduate as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
The Helena Rubinstein Foundation provides scholarship monies to CUNY for Continuing Education students each semester. In the Spring 2017 semester, approximately one-fourth of all funding, a noteworthy portion, was awarded to College of Staten Island (CSI) students.
“CSI is truly a great school. The staff accommodated my needs as a single mother of two young kids. I had such a great experience with the College and with the people that offered me this lifetime of an opportunity to receive a degree in something that as a child I always wanted to do,” said Tesoriero, who plans to become a Registered Nurse.
“This Scholarship helps to transform the lives of students who are hard-working and may not have had the opportunity to return to school without assistance. We are grateful to the Helena Rubinstein Foundation for their continued generosity and commitment to the needs of our students,” commented Chris Cruz Cullari, Executive Director of Continuing Education and Professional Development.
Another proud Scholarship winner, Richmond Bradshaw Jr., noted that, “CSI impacted me by giving me a widespread choice of careers and fields to choose from and also providing financial and professional assistance to make these once far-fetched dreams and hopes a reality.” Bradshaw will graduate as a Phlebotomy Technician with future plans to excel in higher education even further and work in the field he loves.
Richmond Bradshaw, Jr. is also a Scholarship recipient.
Clinical Medical Assistant student Monica Pignatano is also grateful for the award. “This will afford me the peace of mind to completely concentrate on my studies. I will be able to give back to the Foundation with my graduation and high grades. CSI has allowed me to have a career in life that I love,” said Pignatano who plans to pursue employment at New York University Medical Center.
“The Helena Rubinstein Continuing Education Scholarship Fund for Career Advancement is open to individuals who seek to advance their careers through education and training, and who do not have access to other sources of funding that can pay for tuition and fees. Scholarship applicants may also be disadvantaged individuals who are unemployed or seeking a career change,” according the CUNY Website.
