Bergen Community College

Bergen Community College student Marcus Sanchez is studying natural sciences for a dream career in orthopedic medicine.

“Bergen provided me with a perfect time period where I could set aside the stresses of everyday life, and instead focus on preparing myself for the next stages of my life and career,” said Sanchez, of Paramus.

Sanchez grew up in Paramus and would pass by Bergen Community College everyday when traveling to his high school. “During this time, Bergen Community College remained always in my peripheral, but not what I was actually looking at,” said Sanchez. “Throughout my senior year of high school, I was flustered with the impending decisions of where I would take my academic journey.”

During his senior year of high school, Sanchez felt flustered by the impending decision of where to attend college. “I felt as if I was under this giant hourglass, losing time to make the decision that would dictate much of my future,” he said. “Choosing to enroll at Bergen allowed me to make time stand still, providing me an extension to make this decision.”

When Sanchez first started at Bergen, he initially questioned his choice. Once he became accustomed to the local community college, he quickly learned to appreciate Bergen’s community. “I quickly learned to appreciate the distinct perspective that an institution like Bergen Community College offers,” he said. “Everyone at Bergen has an amazing story, and hearing these diverse accounts has served as a great reminder of how much of a blessing it is to have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”

Sanchez is a NJ STARS recipient and an ambassador in Bergen’s Thrive program. He credits NJ STARS coordinator, Julia Gibson, for helping him achieve success.

“I must absolutely thank the coordinator of both NJ STARS and Bergen Community College’s THRIVE program — Ms. Gibson,” he said. “Ms. Gibson could not have been a better fit for the role she plays at Bergen as she strives to help students reach their full potential and make the most of their college experience.”

“Unequivocally, any success I have achieved here at Bergen Community College must be credited to the family I have come to know within this community,” he said. “I reaffirmed my motivation to work diligently toward my academic goals.”

Sanchez serves as a student peer tutor for chemistry, biology, mathematics, and economics in the Cerullo Learning Assistance Center (CLAC). He is also an academic coach who provides mentorship to fellow Bergen students and a certified SI (supplemental instruction) leader. He is a member of the Judith K. Winn School of Honors and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.

During the summer, Sanchez served as a peer mentor in Bergen’s Education Opportunity Fund (EOF) to help first-generation college students adjust to the new environment in secondary education.

As an active member of the community, Sanchez volunteers for the Ecuadorian Committee of New Jersey and the Paramus Fourth of July Committee. He serves on his town’s local Board of Education where he was recognized for his service to students and the community. Sanchez started a monthly blood pressure screening event at his local church. With his interest in neuroscience, he also works as a medical scribe and an associate at a physical rehabilitation center.

“I felt that this has allowed to me develop and transform myself into a much more fit individual for what now stands before me as I look to transfer out of Bergen Community College after the culmination of the 25-26 school year.”

Sanchez expects to graduate in 2026.

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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