From tutee to tutor, Class of 2020 alumnus Cruz now returning the favor at CCRI
From tutee to tutor, Class of 2020 alumnus Cruz now returning the favor at CCRI
March 21, 2022
As someone who once relied on help from tutors while attending the Community College
of Rhode Island, Yeriel Cruz is now an industry expert paying it forward in the best
way possible.
Cruz, a 21-year-old Dominican Republic native, Class of 2020 graduate, and current
Civil Engineering student at the University of Rhode Island, works as a Math and Spanish
tutor for CCRI’s The Tutoring Center, providing much-needed guidance and direction for students who, in many ways, are
struggling as he once did in college.
“I had a lot of difficulties myself,” Cruz said, “so to be in this position where
I can help others is an amazing feeling.”
Cruz finished high school in the Dominican Republic at the age of 16 before moving
to Rhode Island with his father and two siblings. Unfamiliar with the culture, and
limited in his ability to apply the language in the classroom, Cruz took three semesters’
worth of ESL (English as a Second Language) courses at CCRI before enrolling as a
full-time student in 2018. Though not a traditional first-generation college student
– his parents attended college back home – he is the first in his family to attend
and earn a degree in the United States.
With a passion for engineering instilled in him since high school, Cruz earned his
Associate of Science in Engineering amidst the pandemic, all while tutoring fellow
students in math and Spanish. At URI, he’s on track to earn his bachelor’s degree
in Civil Engineering and plans to move forward with his master’s degree so he can
one day teach.
Engineering, however, comes first; Cruz’s dream job is to become a Geotechnical Engineer,
which is a branch of civil engineering centered around the behavior of earth materials.
Geotechnical Engineers support design and construction by researching and studying
soil, groundwater, and man-made materials to evaluate their sustainability for foundations,
thereby reducing risks such as a landslides or sinkholes.
Cruz has wanted to do this since he was a teenager; he took engineering courses in
high school and became fascinated with the construction of a bridge across a river
in his hometown that made transportation more accessible to and from the school. But
a dream only goes so far without an education, so Cruz began pursuing his passion
the moment he arrived in the United States. CCRI’s flexibility and commitment to helping
its student develop and improve their organizational and study skills kept Cruz on
the right path as he transitioned to a full-time college student.
“The tutors at CCRI were extremely helpful,” Cruz said. “Math is all about sequences,
and the courses all connect and relate to one another, so with the help of my tutors,
I was able to manage my time more effectively and successfully move from one course
to the next.”
Tutoring students at CCRI brings back a lot of memories for Cruz, especially when
working with those who are struggling with the language, can’t fully understand the
material, or simply feel overwhelmed at the college level. His best advice?
“Patience is really important, but, realistically, you need to be productive,” Cruz
said. “Many college students have a lot going on with work and school, so they’re
always busy, but if you’re productive with your time, you will succeed. Stay off your
phone when you’re doing work and surround yourself with people who have the same goals
as you because they will really push you to be where you want to be.
“I can relate to them. I tell them all the time when they’re stressed, ‘I was in the
same position you’re in. I, too, was trying to process everything.’ I remind them
to come to tutoring and continue to practice so that one day it’ll come naturally
to you.”
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Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
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A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
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May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
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April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
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April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
