Monae Ollivierre ’22, who is earning her B.A. in Human Services and Community Justice, knows that living with a disability can be a challenge and a superpower. “I see my learning disability as an asset,” says Ollivierre, a first-generation student.
“My life before John Jay included dropping out of high school. I received my GED in 2012 and then started at another university, but I didn’t do well,” she recalls. “Once I was diagnosed with a learning disability, and all the proper supports were in place, I started to flourish. I’m graduating from John Jay with a 3.9 GPA.”
Ollivierre received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her work at John Jay and in her community in which she serves as a rape crisis counselor, opioid prevention intern, and domestic violence advocate. Now she’s focused on law school and becoming a health compliance attorney.
What made you want to come to John Jay?
I’ve always had a drive in me. I’ve always been a fighter. When I was attending Fountain House College Re-entry (which helps students reach their educational goals) the director knew about my passion for advocacy and she suggested John Jay. There have been some struggles along the way because I have a disability but John Jay has helped me learn how to navigate the world.
“Being at John Jay has helped me learn how to navigate the world.” —Monae Ollivierre ’22
How did John Jay make your experience rewarding?
Dr. Maria Volpe (Professor of Sociology and Director of the Dispute Resolution Program) has been amazing. She has been my champion. Dr. Volpe saw things in me before I could see them in myself. There was a mediation training program and she advocated on my behalf to make sure it was paid for at no cost to me. Now, I’m earning my dispute resolution certificate. She wrote me a letter of recommendation and I was floored by her description of me.
The Image Impact program (which partners with the Office of Accessibility Services) also really helped me. The program paired me up with a good mentor who helped with writing and decoding skills. She never judged me for having a learning disability.
What academic achievements are you proud of accomplishing?
I am an honors student and McNair Scholar. I am proud of being president of the disability honors society, Delta Alpha Pi, and of being an inaugural Sigma Gamma Rho Agent of Change Fellow.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I want to be a healthcare compliance lawyer, so I’m studying for the LSAT and planning to enter law school in fall 2023. I’d like to earn a dual degree, a J.D. and a Master of Public Health. In the meantime, I’ll still be working as a youth success mentor with AmeriCorps, part-time community health worker, and per-diem substance abuse counselor.
“When people with learning disabilities get the proper support and encouragement they need, they thrive.” —Monae Ollivierre ’22
As someone living with a learning disability, are there any misconceptions you want to dispel?
Having a learning disability just means that you learn differently. It doesn’t mean you are stupid—I’m proof of that. I’m an honors student and I’ve made the Dean’s List every semester. When people with learning disabilities get the proper support and encouragement they need, they thrive.
