<p><span class="p-body">Growing up in New Jersey, Cherese Blue always appreciated being so close to New York City. But it was the academic prestige that drew her so strongly to NYU SPS. &quot;I knew that being affiliated with such an elite institution would greatly improve my educational goals as well as future opportunities,&quot; she explained.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">That belief led her to apply to NYU SPS as a transfer student—after a long hiatus away from school. Learning she could transfer so many credits helped her realize that she could complete her degree more easily than she had previously believed. &quot;It helped me decide that I wanted to finally finish my bachelor's degree,&quot; she shared.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Blue thought she would feel awkward as an older student returning to school, but she was able to easily transition. &quot;My first semester was during COVID actually—the first semester back with in-person classes,&quot; she recalls. &quot;I had one in-person class a week and two online classes. When I came to campus for that one day a week—even during COVID—I felt like I was making progress towards something meaningful.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">While Blue prefers in-person instruction to online courses, she appreciates the convenience of both the synchronous and asynchronous courses that are offered at NYU SPS. As a commuter student, the options are invaluable to her, because it allows for more flexibility. &quot;This was also very helpful to me when I broke my foot in the summer of 2023, as I was able to continue taking courses from home,&quot; she shares.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">In addition to an AA in Liberal Arts from NYU SPS, Blue is also pursuing a minor in film production at the <a href="https://tisch.nyu.edu/" target="_blank">Tisch School</a>, where she is currently enrolled in a Fundamentals of Filmmaking course. On top of that, her proudest achievement is being inducted into <a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies/alpha-sigma-lambda-honors-society.html" target="_blank">Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honors Society</a>. All together, her experience thus far at NYU has taught her that she is capable of achieving more than she ever believed.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">&quot;One of the most significant things that I came to understand is how important empirical research is to supporting your work,&quot; she asserts. &quot;As a writer, understanding how to research and support your written work is something that has become a part of my writing process. I have gained so much as a student and understand that even after graduating I will always be a student and continue to build on my education through continuous study for the rest of my life.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">After graduating, Blue plans to either continue her education through a graduate program or enter the media industry. &quot;I also plan to start creating work as an independent filmmaker; writing and directing my own projects,&quot; she states. Her ultimate goal is to own her own media company and help produce other creative artists projects in the future.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">The best advice Blue can offer to incoming students is not to compare your race with others. &quot;Focus on your own journey,&quot; she urges. &quot;And no matter how long it takes, keep working as hard as you can because that hard work will eventually pay off!&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">An <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/aa-in-liberal-arts.html" target="_blank">AA in Liberal Arts</a> from NYU SPS can open doors that you may have never imagined were possible. See where you can start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/division-of-applied-undergraduate-studies.html" target="_blank">Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies</a>.</span></p>