Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Patino is a Student Transition Programs Peer Ambassador at John Jay College (CUNY) and a dedicated student leader pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Police Studies. Throughout her college career, she has balanced multiple part-time positions while maintaining an outstanding academic record, earning Dean's List recognition every semester. Her work as a Peer Ambassador, theater usher, and youth coach has strengthened her leadership, communication, customer service, public speaking, and problem-solving skills while allowing her to actively contribute to the success of both her campus and local community.
In her role with Student Transition Programs, Andrea supports new student orientation, facilitates campus-wide presentations, assists with commencement planning, and serves as a primary point of contact for students, families, and visitors. She also designs leadership training for incoming Orientation Leaders, demonstrating a passion for mentoring and student development. Outside of the university, she serves as a coach with Super Kickers Sports Corp., where she helps young athletes develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Andrea enjoys building meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds through exceptional customer service and inclusive leadership.
Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Andrea is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with the American Red Cross, assisting individuals and families recovering from disasters, and mentors young women through the Latinas On the Verge of Excellence (L.O.V.E.) Mentoring Program, helping them build self-confidence and prepare for future success. Inspired by her parents' sacrifices and driven by a strong desire to maximize every opportunity, Andrea plans to pursue a career in forensic mental health counseling. She hopes to continue expanding her experience through internships before earning a graduate degree, while remaining committed to the values of integrity, respect, diversity, lifelong learning, and service to others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, whose sacrifices made it possible for me to pursue opportunities in the United States. Their hard work motivates me to make the most of every opportunity and build a future that reflects their dedication. I am also highly self-driven and motivated by personal growth and academic achievement. I enjoy staying involved, challenging myself, and continuously working toward both my educational and professional goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is to apply for as many opportunities as possible because you can never be too busy investing in your future. While it's important to prioritize your mental health and maintain balance, it's equally important to seek experiences that help you grow. Every opportunity strengthens your résumé, expands your skills, and prepares you for future success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to put themselves out there and embrace every opportunity available during college. Those years pass incredibly quickly, and every experience contributes to your personal and professional development. Even if you're naturally introverted, challenge yourself to participate in presentations, leadership roles, internships, and campus activities. The more experiences you gain, the more confident and prepared you'll become for your future career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is gaining meaningful experience while still an undergraduate student. Many psychology internships require previous experience, even though internships are often intended to provide that initial experience. This creates a competitive environment where students must actively seek opportunities to build their skills, expand their networks, and distinguish themselves early in their academic careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is one of my core values because I believe in being honest with myself and with others. Respect is equally important, especially when working in customer service and interacting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. I also value diversity, recognizing that every individual brings unique experiences and viewpoints. Embracing diversity allows me to build stronger relationships, better serve others, and create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued.
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