By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Student Alexander “Alex” Zapata was born nineteen years ago in the Dominican Republic (DR) with a grim prognosis. Advised that he wouldn’t live beyond infancy, his mother prayed for her baby’s strength and for wisdom for his doctors. Today, Zapata has surpassed all medical expectations, a fact that fuels his dream to one day care for infants and children as a pediatrician. With his next decade sure to be immersed in undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency, Zapata made the wise decision to build the foundation of his medical education at SUNY Broome.

Zapata’s mother wanted her miracle son to benefit from the boundless opportunities available in the U.S. At age nine, she packed his belongings and sent him to live with his father in New York City. Zapata was heartbroken to leave his mother and the DR, crying every night as they chatted over FaceTime. But over time, he acclimated to his new life, in his new country. Though he initially didn’t speak any English, Zapata adapted quickly thanks to the large Dominican community in the Bronx. 

“Thankfully, I was surrounded by people who were sympathetic to my situation. So many of my teachers and friends were Dominican,” Zapata explained. “We have a very loving and caring culture, so even though I was so far from my mom and extended family, I still felt supported.”

Zapata attended the International School for Liberal Arts and was recognized early on as a leader amongst his peers. Invited to serve on his high school’s Youth Leader (YL) program, he was charged with guiding his fellow students through the college admissions process. As he helped his classmates complete applications, prepare their FAFSAs, and explore opportunities in the military and trades, he banked information for his own eventual foray into higher education. 

“Dominicans are natural caretakers. My mom is a nurse, and many of my family members are studying to enter the medical field. I always knew that I would join them,” Zapata shared. “I knew that a career in medicine meant that I would be in school for at least eight years. I didn’t want to stay in the City forever, so I signed up for our school’s overnight campus college tours to see what else was out there.”

As his charter bus pulled onto SUNY Broome’s campus, Zapata immediately felt welcome. A campus tour and workshop with Venessa Rodriguez, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, reaffirmed that his academic journey could very well start at a community college in Binghamton, NY. 

Zapata returned to the Bronx with SUNY Broome on his mind. Though he did his due diligence and applied to a selection of SUNYs and CUNYs, he only applied to one Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) – and the rest is history.

Zapata balances his classes with a variety of student activities, an on-campus job in the Hornet Hope Center, and an off-campus job as well!
Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

Officially bound for Broome in fall 2024, he enrolled in the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science A.S. program, the College’s official pre-med track. Between working his way through the fundamentals of biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry, Zapata jumped into campus life with full force. A firm believer in the power of community, he joined SUNY Broome’s chapter of Men of Excellence (MoE), an empowerment program for men of color. Once again recognized for his reserved, yet impactful leadership skills, Zapata was invited to serve as a MoE peer mentor, working closely with President Hawkins and his fellow members. 

“One of the highlights of my year was attending the Men of Color Summit with President Hawkins,” Zapata shared. “We get a little bit of everything in MoE. We have social events, recreational activities, but also benefit from special workshops and networking opportunities. It’s a great community.”  

In search of on-campus employment, Zapata found his way to the Hornet Hope Center (HHC), SUNY Broome’s on-campus food pantry and clothing closet. Naturally compelled to feed and care for his friends and classmates, Zapata and the HHC were a perfect match. 

“I love to cook Dominican food for my suitemates in the Student Village. People come from down the hall to check out what I’m making,” Zapata said. “It’s hard not to suggest recipes when I am helping students in the Hornet Hope Center. I really love working there and especially love working with Lorie Brewer (Supplemental Support Services Coordinator/Homeless Liaison).”

Any time his classes and labs become overwhelming, Zapata thinks of three things: his fragile health as a baby, his mother’s sacrifice to give him a life full of opportunities, and his belief in God’s ultimate plan. 

“I often think about why I was able to survive beyond that first year,” Zapata reflected. “I feel like it was part of God’s plan to keep me alive so that I would be able to help other children one day. I know that my goal to work in pediatrics is a long and hard one, but that’s also why my mom sent me to live in the United States. To take advantage of opportunities and do the best that I can with them.”

Alex’s Advice for Hispanic Heritage Month: “Try Dominican food! My favorite dishes are locrio, mangu, and sancocho.” 

Alex’s Advice for Future SUNY Broome Students: “Don’t let others deter your dreams.”

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,