Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College student Isabela Marina Pena Tavarez is studying business administration with the goal to work in the health administration field.

Pena Tavarez, of Hackensack, chose Bergen because the College was recommended by a relative, is in a convenient location, and is a great place to begin her professional journey. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and Model United Nations. When reflecting on her extracurricular activities in the Model United Nations, she said, “I consider it a valuable experience to obtain a broader understanding of global matters while enhancing diplomatic, leadership, and communication skills.”

Pena Tavarez recognizes Bergen was an “ideal starting point” for her to pursue her professional goals.  “This institution has a supportive environment where I have felt welcomed from the beginning,” she said. “Additionally, I had the experience of learning from skilled and encouraging professors whose guidance I greatly appreciate since they have helped me prepare to work toward my objectives.”

“Organizing my time, having clear priorities, and focusing on my goals made me successful,” said Pena Tavarez. She feels that campus resources, such as the Cerullo Learning Assistance Tutoring Center and the International Student Center, contributed to her success at Bergen.

“From the start, I have felt welcomed and supported by the campus faculty, professors, and overall community, which have motivated me to actively pursue my objectives,” she said.

As an international student, Pena Tavarez is not permitted to work off-campus by law, so the resources for scholarships and financial aid are limited. However, the Bergen Community College Foundation provides Pena Tavarez with an opportunity to receive scholarship funding.

“The Bergen Community College Foundation Scholarship is a valuable resource for students seeking financial support to help cover our tuition fees,” said Pena Tavarez.

“As an international student, I face the challenge of paying double tuition costs at most colleges or universities,” she said. “These factors make it difficult to manage expenses considering the high costs of a college student, which can be very frustrating.”

“I truly appreciate the Bergen Community College Foundation Scholarship because it offers opportunities to apply for financial assistance to all students, including international students,” said Pena Tavarez.

“Overall, I am very grateful for my experience at Bergen Community College and feel assured to continue developing my education to achieve my aspirations,” she said. Pena Tavarez expects to graduate in 2024. After graduating from Bergen, Pena Tavarez plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in business administration and then obtain a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

With her appreciation for education as a “fundamental pillar for our society’s development,” Pena Tavarez believes that educated individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills can “positively contribute to our society.” Acknowledging that not everyone has the “financial capability to continue their education,” she sees the importance of donors in the Bergen Community College Foundation. “For this reason, donors are significantly impactful in promoting equitable education for students from all backgrounds and economic positions,” she said.

“Donating to the Bergen Community College Foundation will broaden access to financial support for students, assisting and encouraging them to continue their education,” said Pena Tavarez.

To give today and change tomorrow for students like Pena Tavarez, visit bergen.edu/donate.

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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