By Edwin Escolero —

Formally dressed in a swan white dress shirt, Uzma Rashidi looks to the future with a warm smile. The aspiring law student wears a dress skirt with mosaic freckles of emeralds and dark stockings, conveying a delicate sense of balance. Rashidi, 19, Political Science major and Prelaw minor, will be awarded her degree in May after dedicating herself to her studies at New Jersey City University (NJCU). She’s going to share the secret for graduating with a university degree within 3 years.

Originally from Pakistan, Uzma migrated to the U.S. in 1999 and since has made Jersey City her home. Uzma is president of the National Society of Collegians. NSC Primarily work to see that awards go to students of high merit. “Its honors for freshman and sophomores which works in community events,” said Uzma.

The Political Science major has been involved with the UN club, enjoys writing, and volleyball. “I love volleyball it is my life. I stress over things and it secludes me, it’s a good feeling,” said Uzma. She enjoys athleticism as much as she does her major, which makes her a well-rounded individual.

As a graduate of the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School in Jersey City, Uzma got a head start in her college career because she took AP (Advanced Placement) courses. “It’s just classes that you can take that can count as college credits if you get a high grade,” said Uzma.

According to Kelly Heyboer of The Star-Ledger, “Four-year graduation rates ranged from 90 percent at Princeton University to a mere 6 percent at New Jersey City University in 2008.” Uzma has defied the statistics regarding the time it takes for students to graduate from a university because of her dedication to her studies.

According to a 2010, December 3rd article by Leslie Kwoh of The Star-Ledger, “Only one in five students who enrolls in a for-profit college graduates within six years.” The number of courses taken in a semester can determine the pace in which a student completes his or her degree.

Uzma’s college career has been shortened as a result of her preparation and preparedness. “I took classes in NJCU, I was 16 when I took a class,” said Uzma. To ensure her progress toward her degree, Uzma took 15 credits in the fall of 2010, three credits in the winter, 18 the following spring, and a total of six credits in summer semesters.

Uzma is a “go-getter” in regards to her academics, but there are still other challenges that she faced. “I’m confident but I’m not overconfident. People say I’m a genius but I worked for it. I doubt myself a lot,” said Uzma. The emotional support that Uzma received from her family has helped her to avoid discouragement and have confidence.

The story of her parents’ struggles encouraged Uzma’s pursuit for education. “Just seeing them struggle, it’s like if I don’t do it for myself I have to do it for them,” said Uzma. Parents naturally wish better for their children and Uzma’s parents live up to this. Passing down advice to Uzma, who’s living the American life, her parents said, “There’s a window of opportunity, make the most of it.”

Uzma attributes her success in life and in school to the support from family members and educators who have expressed interest her success. With a warm smile, Uzma said, “Sometimes, my professors believe in me more than I believe in myself.” Dr. Joseph Moskowitz helped Uzma get settled in Political Science and nurtured her understanding of the major. “Professor Moskowitz was an inspiration for me,” Uzma said.

Students need to take initiative in their education while receiving guidance from their professors and advisors. “Just be extremely committed, set a goal for yourself, try your best to accomplish it,” said Uzma. The path to a career is arduous. However, a student must enjoy what he or she is pursuing in order to make it. “It takes a lot of time. It’s a passion for education,” Uzma said.

With aspirations for law school Uzma would like to attend Yale University. Uzma expressed interest in getting her doctorate in international policy or international law and would like to work in immigration. The feat that she’s accomplished isn’t impossible. “Anyone can do it. It’s something that someone needs to commit to,” said Uzma.

The resources that were available to the aspiring law student have enabled her to get closer to her goal. Uzma is humbled and thankful for what NJCU has done for her even though there may be some who doubt it and say “It’s not NYU.” “You make the school but the school doesn’t make you. It just depends on what you take from that education. I’ve gotten a lot from the school, as a means of education and life lessons,” Uzma said.