Iman Newborn
Graduation Year: 2010
Major: Communication Studies with a minor in Advertising
Hometown: Stony Point, NY
CAREER GOAL:
A master’s degree and a career at Pitney Bowes, where she interned.
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES:
A Dean’s List student, Iman cites her internship at Pitney Bowes as her most memorable academic experience. Through the INROADS program, she worked in corporate philanthropy as a community investments intern, where her responsibilities included organizing volunteers from six cities nationwide for the WNBA partnership to support literacy and education. Her Persuasion in Everyday Life class had a great influence on her: “It was a subject I had some interest in, but I had no idea the class would open my eyes to the passion I developed for my future career. The Professor forced us to think and not take things for the way they appear; I learned that there is always a deeper root, a deeper meaning. You just have to take another look. The course ultimately helped me decide that I wanted to go into advertising and change the way people are persuaded to buy into products and ideas.“
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES:
Iman participated in the Emerging Leaders program and LEAD@Oneonta, the College’s comprehensive leadership program designed to provide individual students an opportunity to explore leadership. She currently serves as a Student Director on the College Foundation Board of Directors. She is a member of the Oneonta Softball team (where she has achieved SUNYAC All-Academic and Commissioner’s Academic List honors), the AALANA Mentor Program, the Students of Color Coalition, and the Student Fashion Society. Iman has volunteered through the Oneonta Girls and Boys Club and the Haverstraw Head Start program.
Why Oneonta?
It’s not a question of why I chose Oneonta; it is more a question of what kept me here. At Oneonta I have been given all the tools and attention to succeed. When I was having a rough time adjusting to college life in my first semester, my AALANA mentor pulled me through. When I was scared about my first college paper, my professor took the time to review my paper before I submitted it and to provide edits and feedback. That one-on-one relationship with your professors is key, and that’s a major reason why I love Oneonta.
What has been your most memorable experience at Oneonta?
My most memorable experience at Oneonta was hitting two home runs during the spring 2008 softball season.
What three words summarize your experience at Oneonta?
Growth, independence, and responsibility.
What advice do you have for high school students considering Oneonta?
When deciding where you want to go to school, think about where you see yourself in ten years; then think about what you need to get there. The school you choose should have all the tools you need to reach your goals and more.
