By: DANIELA PEREZ LEAL / STAFF REPORTER
Nicole Zisa is one of the newest members of the LIU Brooklyn Promise team.
Zisa, a new Promise Coach, began her job in April 2021 and has been incredibly involved on-campus, especially with student activities.
Zisa took come time to answer some questions about herself, her background, and her role at LIU:
Q: Where are you from and what brings you to New York City?
A: I am from Wayne, New Jersey. I then lived on Long Island for six years to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Now, I’m here!
Q: Where did you graduate from College and what is your degree?
A: I completed my undergraduate degree at Adelphi University in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Then, I completed my Master’s in Higher Education Administration at Stony Brook University.
Q: Why did you choose LIU?
A: I chose to work at LIU Brooklyn because of the nature of my role. I love getting to work with students as advisor, seeing them grow academically. On the other side, I have the unique opportunity of seeing them develop as student leaders through clubs and organizations. LIU gives me the opportunity to see students succeed in every aspect of their college career, and that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.
Q: What are 3 words that best define yourself?
A: Personally, I believe the 3 words that best define myself are the following.
Outgoing.
Futuristic.
Flexible.
Q: With the holiday season around the corner, what is your favorite holiday? Why?
A: My favorite Holiday is Christmas, because I love decorations, bake special deserts and spend time with my family and friends. I really adore to do crafts and of course decorate the Christmas tree. Also, I enjoy to bake desserts with my friends.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: My favorite food is Corned Beef! I know it sounds crazy, but is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day food which falls right around my birthday, therefore it’s always so special. Now, I have Katz Deli right across the street [from LIU] so I can grab it whenever I want!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: The part that I most enjoy about my job is the students. I really love helping them and learning from them. Every day new things come up and every event and activities that they develop are amazing. It's exciting to listen to them and learn about their goals, dreams, culture, hobbies and preferences.
Q: What is the challenge of being a promise coach?
A: The biggest challenge is there is only one of me and only 24 hours in the day. There are so many amazing students on the campus that I want to support and things I want to do, but so little time. I find myself running (in heels, none the less) from event to event, wanting to watch everyone do their thing. I wish I could clone myself and be at all of the student events.
Q: And finally, what does it mean to you to have the opportunity to help students?
A: Having the opportunity to help the LIU Brooklyn students everyday means validating, every day that I’m in the right field. When I was in college, my advisors and student involvement team were the people who pushed me to do my best and step out of my comfort zone. Without them, I wouldn’t have known that I want to work in Higher Education, and wouldn’t be here today. Being able to help students find out more about themselves and learn what they want to do with their live is such an amazing feeling.