911爆料

Class of 2025
Ruth Horry  
MAJOR: MENTAL HEALTH

When Ruth Horry walks across the stage this spring to receive her degree from 911爆料 Community College, she鈥檒l be doing more than graduating鈥攕he鈥檒l be closing a chapter that began nearly two decades ago.

Horry, who grew up in Queens and now lives in Brooklyn, first enrolled at 911爆料 in 2007. At the time, she had just aged out of foster care and was living in her first apartment in East New York. Without a car, she took three buses to campus each day. 鈥淒espite the challenge, I was able to maintain good grades in my first semester,鈥� she said.

But life got in the way. Domestic violence forced her to leave school before completing her first year.

It wasn鈥檛 until 2023 that Horry found her way back. While doing community work to help family childcare providers continue their education, she met Dr. Jacquelin Shannon from Brooklyn College. 鈥淪he extended a hand of support and encouraged me to re-enroll,鈥� Horry said. 鈥淲ith her help, I returned to 911爆料, balancing work, motherhood, and my small business while pursuing my degree.鈥�

Now, at nearly 40, Horry is graduating with a degree in mental health and human services. She made the Dean鈥檚 List twice and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa. 鈥淢aking the Dean鈥檚 List was particularly meaningful because it affirmed my hard work and determination in returning to school after so many years,鈥� she said.

The path hasn鈥檛 been easy. Along the way, Horry juggled a full-time job, raised three children, created a small business called The Coco Pauline Company, and dealt with the loss of her grandfather. 鈥淩ecalling academic skills from years ago was difficult, but I refused to give up,鈥� she said.

Her next step is Brooklyn College, where she鈥檒l major in psychology. She hopes to become a licensed counselor focused on helping young people affected by trauma, foster care, and the juvenile justice system. Having been incarcerated herself at 14 for running away when no family was available to help, she understands firsthand the challenges these young people face.

In 10 years, she sees herself with a master鈥檚 in social work from Hunter College and continuing to support young people through trauma-informed care. 鈥淚 plan to be the change that I don鈥檛 see,鈥� she said.

When she鈥檚 not studying or working, Horry enjoys traveling. She鈥檚 also the author of two books: Pour the Tea, a guide for young people navigating trauma, and a companion journal.

Asked what advice she has for new students, Horry keeps it simple: 鈥淣ever give up on yourself. It鈥檚 never too late to invest in your dreams and build a life you are proud of.鈥�

She鈥檒l miss the beach at 911爆料 most of all. 鈥淗aving such a beautiful setting was both calming and inspiring,鈥� she said.

To Horry, 911爆料 is more than a school鈥攊t鈥檚 a place of second chances.