Student Spotlight

When most people are thinking about retirement, New York City native Samuel Cabassa is starting his life over, personally and professionally, at the impressive age of 60. It is a familiar story with a remarkably unfamiliar ending. Imprisoned for most of his life (for over 38 years to be exact), Sammy now walks the corridors of Hostos with three certifications under his belt, and classes for a fourth commencing this Fall.

All of this did not seem possible a little over a year ago when Sammy was released from prison with a $40 check and mandated to live in a men's homeless shelter. Forty-six days later, he rented a non-furnished room, relying on HRA benefits to cover one third of his rent and his daughter covering the balance for the first five months. Once SSI benefits became available, along with SNAP and survivor benefits, Sammy was able to cover all of his rent.

Luck was on Sammy’s side when he ran into Kalif Hasan, an instructor at the Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at Hostos College, while at a doctor’s appointment. As Sammy tells it, Kalif was instrumental in his decision to pursue the CASAC Program at CEWD. Kalif also advised Sammy to seek the financial assistance he needed from ACCES-VR, a program offered through New York State’s Education Department, which Sammy deems immensely priceless.

Sammy currently works as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate at Bridge Back to Life Center, Inc., an outpatient addiction and counseling service. According to Sammy, Mr. Gary Butchen, Executive Director, is a supportive, magnanimously bighearted and broadminded man who gave him the opportunity to work and still have time to continue his education.

Sammy always looks forward to attending his classes at CEWD. He expressed how his instructors go out of their way to ensure the success of their students with their support, knowledge and experience. He noted that he also happens to have great classmates. In fact, Sammy has paid his boss’s kindness forward by assisting three of his classmates find employment.