A Master Class in Alumni Success: Elsa Peralta (Class of 2009)

By Jonathan Howle, Director of Alumni Relations

 

In December 2010, when I went to interview and photograph Elsa Peralta for Seasons, I was reminded of the winter of 2008, when she was a student in my LL254 class.

On a chilly day in March that year, I was meeting with my students to tell them their portfolio grades. I was eagerly looking forward to seeing Ms. Peralta, for she had received a high A on her portfolio.

She entered my office, and I told her the good news. Suddenly, she began to cry. I thought they were tears of joy, which they were, but at the same time, Ms. Peralta told me that the grade was especially important to her because of some trouble she had experienced in elementary school that had haunted her until that very day. Due to a learning disability, she had been placed in special education classes, and was told she would never be on the same level as the other students.

We spoke again about these events this past December. She recalled, “Because of this, I developed low self-esteem and had no confidence in myself. However, I also became unbelievably motivated and committed to turning my life around.”

And turn her life around she did. In her time at Plaza College, Elsa Peralta impressed everyone, including Professor Denise Zerella.

“Elsa was a very diligent student who was professional in every step of the way. She was a student in my 142 PowerPoint class and was assigned the role of team leader of the group. She demonstrated leadership qualities and would assist students in their projects,” Professor Zerella recalled.

In fact, not long after having Ms. Peralta in class, Professor Zerella heard of a job opening with Metro Management Inc. (Professor Zerella’s residential Cooperative was one of their clients.). The property manager needed an office assistant, and Professor Zerella knew whom to recommend.

“Knowing Elsa's reputation of being punctual, having good attendance, and being a self-directed learner, I soon reached out to her internship class and asked her to go on the interview.  Elsa proved to be a motivated, enthusiastic worker who quickly learned and conquered any task that she encountered. After about 3-6 months Elsa was promoted to Assistant Property Manager and had her own location.  Elsa had the competence which proved her to be a most efficient and self-dedicated employee.”  

Plaza alumnae Elsa Peralta is a shining Plaza College success story.

This job demands a lot from Ms. Peralta. “My responsibilities are to handle resident complaints and requests, and to submit monthly sales and inquiries for 756 apartments. I also perform a variety of administrative tasks such as: managing projects, conducting research, and preparing agendas,” Ms. Peralta explains.

She humbly credits Plaza for all the training that has helped her succeed in her new position.

“I showed my boss how simple things could be with the click of the mouse. I updated her files by using Excel and saving all her documents on Microsoft Word. There isn’t a week that goes by without my applying the skills that I have learned at Plaza.”

Ms. Peralta’s boss, Ms. Miriam Fardey, also sings Ms. Peralta’s praises.  Ms. Fardey said, “Elsa is one of the most reliable people that I have ever met. We are a two- person team, so being able to count on each other is extremely important.”

Looking back on her time at Plaza College, Elsa still remembers the Graduate Recognition Ceremony from June of 2009 most vividly.

“I will never forget the day I received my Outstanding OTN Graduate award at the recognition ceremony. My name was the first one to be called, and I wasn’t prepared nor did I expect to get an award. I sat at the table surrounded by my family and friends, totally shocked with a surprised look on my face, but a happy feeling in my heart,” Ms. Peralta recalls.

Plaza College alumnae Elsa Peralta and her boss, Miriam Fardey

In addition to her full-time job, Ms. Peralta also balances a family. She recently became a grandmother. She knows that many current students at Plaza also face the daunting task of balancing school, work, and family.

With all she has learned, she is eager to impart some key advice to the Plaza community.

“Sometimes you have to be proactive and take the initiative. Cultivating these skills will prove to be immensely rewarding later in life. Remember who your peers are. In the global community, your peers are not simply your classmates. Take time to broaden your horizons and recognize how connected everyone and everything is. This sounds like a tall order, but it can be done and it can be fun,” she emphasizes.

Ms. Fardey offered her perspective as well.

“An ideal employee must be a team player. In these difficult economic times employees are cross-trained to cover each other, so being able to adapt is very important. Moreover, don't be afraid to ask questions during interviews. When discussing your skills, try to relate them to the position that you are applying for. Show employers that you are flexible and willing to learn new things.”

Ms. Fardey also added, “Elsa raves about Plaza College and speaks about her time there constantly. Juggling a family, school and homework is not easy. It was hard work, but it paid off, and Elsa is very proud of herself, as well she should be.”

Ms. Peralta emphasizes, “Plaza College changed my life in such a meaningful way. This would not have happened if I didn’t have the trust and help that the professors at Plaza gave me. Without Plaza, I would have not known I had it in me.”

In the spring of 2011, Ms. Peralta will help coordinate the Walk Now for Autism. Plaza College alumni, administration, faculty, and students will be able to participate in the citywide effort to raise awareness and funding for Autism research.

Top honor student. Esteemed alumnae. Successful businesswoman. Activist. If only that elementary school could see Ms. Elsa Peralta now!