A Rockland Community College woman is setting the standard for her family as a first-generation college graduate today.

Malina Fidelis says her motto “success is hard work” enabled her to trailblaze her way through higher education. 

Fidelis tells News 12 that her father is a Brazilian immigrant and her mother is a first-generation Puerto-Rican American; she’s also one of four children.

"For me to graduate, it’s a very proud moment,” says the 2020 graduate.

Fidelis says during her two years at Rockland Community College, she participated in a number of campus activities.

“I’ve done peer mentoring there with the office of student success,” says Fidelis. “I was on the committee for health and wellness, the National Society of Leadership and Success.”

She is one of 500 students graduating virtually from the college.

Fidelis feels grateful to witness this moment, saying in part, “I think in this time, we just have to have gratitude and be grateful that we’re here and we’re healthy.”

‘It’s sad that we can’t be together physically, but the fact is now everyone around the world can celebrate with the students for this special occasion and this special day,” says Dr. Michael Baston, president of Rockland Community College.

News 12 is told Fidelis will continue her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fall. She has high hopes to one day create sets for Broadway shows.

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