My name is Arlinda Xhuveli and I am in Criminal Justice major. I know 3 fluent languages, but English was my barrier to start college; I had to stay in immersion program for two years until I passed the CatW test. I thought would be in English classes forever. After the program the new step was remedial classes.Oh no! English again! My biggest English achievement was when I got A in all English classes. When I look back is so funny to me. I was always complaining that I would not study to be an English teacher but would be happy to study laws.

The years of learning English were worthy to be in, but on the other hand is a waste of time since I’m not getting any younger. Now that I’m in my last semester to graduate I don’t see English as barrier anymore to pursue my dream. My dream was to finish the college that I started in my country but by coming here in NY that was far from happening. Since I studied for law and I loved it, I thought to start from the beginning the college here. I would love to be lawyer. Here I am determined more than ever to achieve my dreams. My father is my idol and he is pushing me to accomplish my dreams since I fight to get my dreams done.

My favorite quote is “Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” Bruce Lee I like this quote because everything in life is connected to the character of people,and respect is the same as opportunity. People who have respect for you will always open their doors to let you in. Respect is more important than power, eventhought is always good to have knowledge. And why not to have them both?