Navigating My Journey: From Early Stages to Graduation

Written by Felix Cintron, Hudson County Community College

Life is a journey of self-discovery, shaped by the people we meet and the opportunities we seize. My early years were filled with doubt, fleeting hopes, and an underlying desire to achieve something special. As a personal trainer, I spent years in an environment that felt familiar but was constrained to the gym. While fitness provided me with discipline and structure, I longed for something beyond physical strength. This is the story of my journey from the early stages of self-doubt to the triumph of graduation, a journey guided by the support of Professor Raffi Manjikian and the life-changing experience of attending Hudson County Community College.
For years, I found comfort in the gym, where discipline, strength, and perseverance became second nature. However, within those walls, my life took an unexpected turn that would lead me to an entirely different kind of challenge and growth. I met Professor Manjikian at the gym when he was assigned to me as my client. I found him to be curious, insightful, and always full of wisdom. We connected instantly and our conversations often extended beyond fitness into deeper reflections about life. He saw something in me that I had yet to recognize in myself.
One day, he uttered the words that would change my trajectory: “Hudson is Home.” I looked at him in confusion, unsure of what he meant. He explained that I was not fulfilling my full potential and that I should go back to school. With his guidance, I enrolled at Hudson County Community College as a Criminal Justice major. The transition was certainly challenging. I had been out of school for more than 35 years, and self-doubt started to creep in. These fears loomed large, but Professor Manjikian never wavered in his encouragement. He became more than just a mentor; he was someone I could call upon at any given moment as a constant source of support, reminding me that every challenge presented an opportunity to get better and grow.
Balancing my coursework with personal responsibilities required a big adjustment. However, with each passing class, I began to rediscover my love for learning. Throughout my time at Hudson, Professor Manjikian remains my guiding force. He pushed me to strive for excellence, embrace the discomfort of growth, and see setbacks as steppingstones rather than roadblocks. His words and his unwavering belief in my abilities became the foundation upon which I built my confidence. Graduation marks not just the end of my time at Hudson County Community College, but also the beginning of a new chapter. My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and the kindness of a mentor who saw my potential before I did. Looking back, I realize that my story is not just about education, it is about transformation. It is about the power of mentorship, the importance of taking chances, and the courage to step into the unknown. Professor Manjikian's words will forever remain with me in my mind and in my heart: "Hudson is Home."

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