Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College interdisciplinary studies student Amanda Sheehy wants to make a difference in this world. She completed the Direct Support Professional Certificate course in the first cohort this past Fall 2023 to pursue a career as a direct support professional and artist.

“I chose the Direct Support Professional program at Bergen because it takes a special person to work with those with physical, mental or developmental disabilities,” said Sheehy who is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. “I wanted to be that special person for those who need support with daily tasks and community engagement.”

“What I enjoyed most about the DSP program was I got to not only learn material in a classroom setting but it allowed us to go into the community and do an internship,” said Sheehy. “This allowed me the opportunity to get firsthand experience and work towards my career as a DSP.”

When asked why she chose Bergen, Sheehy reflected on her journey before coming to Bergen. Sheehy attended a four-year college for about a year after high school. Although it was challenging, she eventually dropped out feeling defeated. She finally got the motivation to go back to school and chose Bergen. “Known as one of the nation’s finest two-year colleges, Bergen has prepared me for my associate degree as I plan to enter in a career as a Direct Support Professional,” said Sheehy. “Bergen made it flexible for me to work part-time and take classes part-time whether it was in person learning or online.”

Sheehy feels that she was successful in the program because of the people who challenged her in and out of the classroom. “They have taught me to strive to be my absolute best self,” said Sheehy. “They have motivated me to be part of something bigger than myself.”

“What I hope to accomplish after the program is to be a Direct Support Professional as well as use my associate degree from Bergen to work in the field of art,” said Sheehy who would like to continue her education and pursue another degree. She expects to graduate from Bergen in 2024.

Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.

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