Dana Cannon Bryson

Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?

CUNY was not my first option. I was granted a partial scholarship to St. Peters College and decided not to attend because I could not afford the entire tuition. I attended Medgar Evers College after I became a student at CUNY John Jay College where I set out to pursue a degree in Forensic Psychology. I realized rather quickly that I did not want to further my studies in that discipline and decided to take the semester off to work, save money, and figure out my next move. During that time, I knew school was a huge priority and I happened to stumble upon Medgar Evers College one day while visiting a friend in the neighborhood. With a strong sense of urgency, I decided to enroll, and the rest is history.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC?

My favorite memory at MEC was attending The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus with The Student Government Association in 2016 when Frederick Howard was the President and Jonathan Maitre was a member. Maitre convinced me to attend the trip and to this day I appreciate that experience and the long-lasting relationships that came after.

How has your education at MEC influenced or helped you in your life and career?

MEC taught me the academic skills, as well as the soft skills needed to succeed in both life and business. In graduate school, I was able to compete academically with students who attended much larger institutions. Never did I feel inadequate academically to my peers, in fact, I felt over-prepared in many ways. I also learned what it meant to be committed to a cause, and the benefits of teamwork, work ethic, and problem-solving.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?

After graduating from Medgar Ever College, I attended Brooklyn College to pursue a master’s in political science with a concentration in political theory. I was extremely prepared for those experiences due to my undergraduate experiences. I was able to handle the academic rigor of graduate school and it was there I realized how much MEC prepared me to go further. Shortly thereafter, I went on to become an Executive Chamber Intern for Governor Cuomo which set the stage for me to get employment immediately after graduation with SUNY Global Center.

What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni and current students?

Get involved! The beauty of Medgar Evers College is its size. We have the unique ability to build intimate relationships with faculty, staff, and students. I have created long-lasting relationships at MEC that continue to have a positive impact on my future. Great people come out of Medgar Evers College and do amazing things in their communities and the world. Continue to build relationships through volunteering, joining and creating clubs, and getting involved with SGA. You will learn great skills through your experiences and build a SOLID Network.