Returning to Roots: Jona Avdiu’s Journey from Fellow to Program Officer of the S Jay Levy Fellowship
Jona Avdiu is the new program officer of the S Jay Levy Fellowship. As an alum from the 5th cohort of the fellowship, she is excited to return to an organization that nurtured her professional growth. After graduating from City College with a B.S. in Psychology in 2021, she earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University in 2023.
What intrigued you about the fellowship, and what was your experience as a fellow like?
As a first-generation American and college student, the S Jay Levy Fellowship served as my entry into the professional world, helping me establish my footing in an unknown territory. My parents are Albanian immigrants, so I lacked a personal network to guide me through early academic and career planning. What appealed to me the most about the fellowship was the opportunity to form connections with similar students, and learn from an array of professionals across various industries as I maneuvered my post-graduate plans.
How has the fellowship set you up for success?
I greatly benefited from the professional development workshops that spanned perfecting resumes and constructing cover letters. Participating in mock interview sessions also provided valuable insight into how to present myself in professional settings. These resources embedded within the fellowship compelled me to make the most of them. In a more holistic sense, being a fellow instilled a sense of confidence and ambition within me as I pursued my academic endeavors while planning out a future career path since the fellowship is only open to City College’s top students.
Being surrounded by other high-achieving, first-generation students who worked part-time jobs like me was comforting. There were a few other psychology majors in my cohort that I could discuss and learn about potential career paths. Being able to speak about and plan the graduate school application process with my peers made the experience less daunting.
Why did you decide to come back to City College?
I found an interest in working with students and in youth development across various positions I have held. I’m passionate about nurturing the professional and personal development of students, and this fellowship provides the ideal platform for me to do just that while also giving back to my community and individuals like myself who can deeply benefit from the resources this fellowship offers. I’m thrilled to be in a position to contribute to this mission and ensure that all fellows have the tools they need to flourish, as I was given.
Do you have any advice for current or future fellows?
Be open to learning from professionals of diverse backgrounds and career stages. I believe there’s valuable insight to gain from everyone, regardless of their position or phase of life. I also recommend staying connected with peers and staff, as our team is committed to supporting alumni as they mature and progress into the future.