How a Scholarship Empowered Rose Ayala '15
For Rose Ayala '15, athletics has "always been a door" to opportunities. From her childhood in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to attending Monroe Community College, Rose attracted scholarships and support because of her exceptional basketball and volleyball skills. This past fall she helped lead the MCC Tribunes volleyball team to the NJCAA Division III national tournament. An NJCAA and Western New York Athletic Conference Player of the Year and First Team All American, Rose was also recognized for her determination to succeed in the classroom.
Rose received the Dr. Raymond T. Ruff Jr. Accounting Award, established in 1995 by the Ruff family and MCC's Business Administration/Economics Department in honor of Professor Emeritus Raymond Ruff. The scholarship empowered Rose to complete her associate degree in liberal arts-general studies degree in December.
"I always wanted to go to college," said Rose. She considered MCC her best option because it was close to home and would help her balance college and team life while raising her young son, Parris. She is exploring social work as a potential career field.
"I just want what everybody else wants: a good life," says Rose. I want that big happy family that doesn't need for anything. I want to give back to the people who have helped me be successful."
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