Alumni Spotlight: Jerry C.
Each conversation with a First Tech Fund alum is an opportunity to reflect on what’s been most beneficial for our students and how they’ve been impacted through their participation in our programming and in partnership with our staff. These conversations also remind us that there is much more support that we can offer students across New York City and that we can grow our impact with the support of additional generous funders.
Jerry joined First Tech Fund during the 2021-2022 year, as a rising junior at the High School for Math, Science and Engineering in Manhattan. Over the year, First Tech Fund helped Jerry with mentorship and network building.
Now, as a rising senior at Boston University, Jerry is studying political science and public policy analysis and is also involved outside of school, serving as an Intern at the MA Commission Against Discrimination, a Fellow at Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America, and more.
We recently connected with Jerry to talk about his favorite FTF memories, his current studies at Boston University, and more.
When you started at First Tech Fund as a Fellow, what were some of the things you were looking for support with?
Finding a cohort of people who are like-minded to me. Being able to have those initial connections made me feel that I wasn’t alone in my pursuit of higher education and beyond. And of course, the tangible support, such as panel discussions and the laptop, were extremely helpful for my now-former studies in high school.
What was the favorite part of the program you were a part of?
I loved the occasional in-person meet-ups, whether that was a law firm visit or just going to a Mets baseball game. The in-person visits to different firms helped me immerse myself in a physical environment that was alien to me at that time.
What is something you learned at FTF that you continue to value today?
I think it is to carry on that generational help. First Tech Fund has helped me find so many opportunities and mentorship. Now that I have a certain degree of experience and ‘privilege’, I wanted to contribute back to society as much as possible. For instance, at my University, I participate in a mentorship program where I mentor younger students who have just transferred to the University. I remember, too, mentoring young students who created social impact start-up organizations in the Institute for Citizens & Scholars and Riley’s Way Foundation.
Can you tell us about an interesting person that you met via First Tech Fund? What did they teach you that helps you today in your work or your studies?
There are so many interesting and wonderful people that I can talk about at FTF. Juky Chen has been one of them. I met Juky a few years ago at FTF and have seen him many times for the FTF-sponsored visits and events. I don’t think Juky has explicitly taught me, but rather I learned so much just from his personality and demeanor. He is extremely bright and has a really nice personality. I think he taught me to be a little bit more open-minded and to learn from strangers and friends.
What are you doing now and what are some of your goals for the next couple of years?
This summer, I have been interning for Chief Judge Brodie at the United States Eastern District Court of New York in Brooklyn. But before entering her chambers, I had been on a consistent journey of just exploring different legal fields and related industries. And in the next couple of years, I hope to have applied to law school, been admitted to the law school that I have always dreamed of attending, and become an attorney after being admitted to the bar. I still want to explore more, but prosecution and public interest law have attracted me the most.
If there’s one thing you’d want to share about the First Tech Fund’s resources and community of support, what would it be?
Don’t underestimate the resources of FTF’s weekly opportunity emails! It has helped me find enormous scholarship and funding opportunities. And if you need assistance for college applications, FTF has a portal where you can submit your writing for review.