Lizette’s Path to St. Joe’s
When it was time to explore universities, Lizette Andrade felt that St. Joseph’s University, New York was a clear choice for her education. Inspired by the teachers she had while growing up in Bay Shore, she began her journey at SJNY right after high school in 2019.
After graduating with a B.A. in Child Study from SJNY in 2023, Andrade obtained all of the NYS-required teaching certifications and then enrolled in the University’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) graduate program, attracted to its fully online format which allowed her to balance her studies with her work as a permanent substitute Spanish Dual Language teacher in the Bay Shore school district.
Core Memories
At this year’s commencement, Andrade will graduate from SJNY for a second time, now with a master’s in TESOL. She feels 2026 has been a year of many milestones.
“Choosing SJNY for both my undergraduate and graduate studies has truly been an honor. As I complete my master’s in TESOL, I am also fulfilling my first year as a Spanish Dual Language teacher,” said Andrade. “After graduation, I am excited to continue teaching with my wonderful team for years to come.”
While Andrade was in high school, she was an International Baccalaureate (IB) student, member of numerous clubs and served as vice president of her graduating class. During her undergraduate studies at SJNY, she served as Vice President of the Diversity Union.
“SJNY’s supportive environment allowed me to continue thriving both academically and socially, and has effectively prepared me to be an impactful teacher by fostering vital connections and encouraging me to view students’ cultures, languages and identities as powerful assets to their education,” Andrade said.
Lizette’s Inspiration
During her graduate studies, she found that Alexis McBride, Ph.D., director of the TESOL graduate program, and Ingrid Corpuz, Ed.D., adjunct professor, inspired her to embrace lifelong learning through “their extensive experience and passion for their fields, and how they excelled at connecting with students on a deeper level, even through a computer screen.”
But ultimately, it is the love and support of her family that inspires her most. “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of my parents and two siblings, who inspire me daily,” said Andrade. “As a first-generation college graduate, I aim high, always with my parents by my side.”
Advice to Students
“I encourage others to come to St. Joseph’s with an open mind and to take advantage of the small class sizes that allow for deeper connections.”
This story is part of OnCampus’ “Class of 2026 – Meet the Grads” series, focusing on the Class of 2026 at St. Joseph’s University, New York. To read more from this series, click here.
