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Woman Beats Odds, Receives Degree from The College of New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – A 3.5 grade point average is an impressive feat for any college student, but for Bianca Jeannot it means just a little bit more.

The College of New Rochelle recently recognized Brianca Jeannot, who overcame the odds to graduate with honors.

The College of New Rochelle recently recognized Brianca Jeannot, who overcame the odds to graduate with honors.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Jeannot who earned her Bachelor of English degree this week from The College of New Rochelle, was a high school senior when her mother died, leaving the teen to care for her two, special-needs brothers.

Faced with a difficult set of circumstances, Jeannot buckled down, caring for her brothers while shuttling to and from class and working multiple jobs with taxi cabs and trains as her only transportation.

“It is an accomplishment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Jeannot, a Bronx resident who also received a Forensic Science Certificate from the college. “I wouldn’t change anything for the world because it’s my life and it’s made me who I am today.”

Jeannot’s responsibilities included caring for her 34-year-old brother Paul, who suffers from renal failure and requires dialysis, and caring for her 26-year-old brother Michael, who lives with Down syndrome and requires steady supervision.

As a youth, before becoming a primary caregiver for her brothers, she spent seven years in homeless shelters.

When her mother died, leaving her teenage daughter with no head of household, Jeannot lost a number of scholarships and awards she had expected would help her through college.

According to the school, the student reached out to the Admissions Office quickly and, within a day, was able to rework her financial aid package.

“The College of New Rochelle gave me ample opportunity I never would have gotten anywhere else,” Jeannot said. “I don’t think I would have been able to found a club, study abroad, accomplish everything I’ve accomplished, if not for the incredible CNR community.”

The club Jeannot founded was the Anime Club, but she kept moving forward. By the end of her college career, she had served as editor of Phoenix, the college’s literary and arts magazine, and authored a graphic novel – the first three chapters of which were recently published. She also spent three weeks studying in London.

The graduate plans to pursue a career in management with the ASPCA or attend the New York City Police Academy with the intent of transferring to the Animal Cruelty Unit.

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