Mother and Daughter Students Pursue Their Dreams Together at Touro

While their academic journeys differ, both share a commitment to learning and advancing their careers. Sherrie is pursuing an associate degree in liberal arts at New York School of Career and Applied Studies (NYSCAS) with the ultimate goal of entering the fashion industry, while Sheria, a NYSCAS psychology honors ’26 alumna, is continuing her educational journey as a graduate student in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology at Touro’s School of Health Sciences.

Initially planning to pursue a career in physical therapy, Sheria discovered her passion after taking an introductory psychology course taught by an I-O psychologist.

“I originally thought psychology was only clinical,” Sheria said. “When my professor explained what I-O psychology is, I thought not only do I like doing these things, but I’ve already been doing them in other aspects of my life. I just never knew I could get paid for it.”

Sheria quickly realized that this field combines many of her interests while giving her the opportunity to improve the workplace and employees’ experience. Her interest in helping others through serving as a mentor grew through the NYSCAS Student Ambassador program that she helped to create, where she answered students’ questions, helped them navigate their academic journeys, and organized events designed to strengthen the student community.

“We all spend a large bulk of our time working,” Sheria said. “We should like what we do, and it should like us back and give us a work-life balance.”

That idea has carried over to Sheria’s professional goals as she plans to earn her Ph.D. following the completion of her master’s degree. She hopes to work in talent acquisition and retention, helping organizations identify, develop, and retain talented employees while creating ongoing opportunities for professional growth and leadership.

Embarking on Their Own Career Paths

While Sheria is building a career around psychology and the workplace, Sherrie is pursuing a different passion. After a disability forced her to retire from her long-term nursing career, she decided it was time to follow her dreams of working in clothing design.

“I’ve always loved clothes and sewing and have so many design ideas in my head that I want to bring to life,” said Sherrie.

After completing her associate degree at NYSCAS, Sherrie plans to pursue a bachelor's degree and then master’s degree in business administration. She also hopes to open her own fashion business one day.

Returning to school was a dream Sherrie had put on hold while working full-time and raising her children on her own. However, seeing her daughter pursue her own educational goals helped inspire her to return to the classroom decades later.

“When my kids were younger, I had to take a step back and put my dreams aside to focus on financially supporting them,” she said. “Since my kids are now grown, it’s my chance to pursue my own dreams.”

Her experience at Touro has given her the opportunity not only to learn but also to lead. She currently serves as president of the Business Club, where she encourages fellow students to think about their careers, businesses, and professional networks. She also credits the relationships she has developed with faculty and mentors for helping her confidently return to the classroom.

“They take the time to understand who I am and what I’m trying to accomplish,” she said. “They really take pride in helping me with overcoming any obstacle I’m encountering, and I love that about Touro.”

Learning From Each Other

Sheria describes her mother as a hardworking, dedicated and determined student who is committed to building a new chapter in her life. “She’s showing me, my daughter and our family that no matter how old you are or how much things change in education, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Sheria.

Sherrie, in turn, has encouraged her daughter during some of her most challenging academic moments. When Sheria was completing her senior honors thesis and began doubting whether she would finish successfully, her mother reinforced why she had chosen psychology in the first place.

 “She explained that true innovation comes when you go through changes yourself during the process, and that’s how you become someone who can change things,” said Sheria.

Attending Touro together has also changed the way Sherrie and Sheria see one another. For Sheria, sharing the college experience with her mother has provided a unique opportunity to see her not only as a parent, but as a fellow student who is overcoming obstacles while also benefiting from the many opportunities higher education has brought into her life.

“Attending college together has strengthened our bond,” Sheria said.

“Having someone you love walking beside you makes the experience even more meaningful. My advice to others is never to give up. No matter what you’re going through or what obstacles you face, persevere. It will be worth it in the end,” said Sherrie.