LIZ CABRERA ‘23
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Bronx, New York City | born & raised
Liz Cabrera ‘23 is a city dweller who is passionate about being outdoors and participating in all of the experiences that Sterling offers.
The path to Sterling
Liz was born in the Bronx. She attended James Baldwin High, an Outward Bound school, where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. Liz found out about Sterling College when an admission counselor visited her high school. “I saw how passionate he was about the College and the way his eyes lit up when he spoke about his experiences here,” Liz shared. “I knew I had to come and visit. I stayed for an overnight with Anushka, Varshaa, and Ruth and I really enjoyed it here. My heart was set for Sterling.”
Turning dreams into reality
Liz appreciates the conversations she has in Dunbar Dining Hall, and the people she meets over meals. “I remember I was eating spicy wings when someone new sat down next to me at the table,” Liz said. “She said she wanted to start her own company. She grew up on a farm and her family had a cheese-making business. She spoke with a lot of passion about her goal and I was impressed at how devoted she was that she was already taking steps in that direction. These are the types of people that are drawn to Sterling. That interaction reminded me that, hey, there are so many different people out there who are working hard to reach their dreams.”
Liz herself is working towards her dream–a dream that includes seeing her dad again. “My parents are immigrants from Paraguay,” Liz shared. “They came to America to start a better life. When I was young, my father was deported. My mother works hard to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. She is busy taking care of my brother, who was diagnosed with autism. My life was not easy growing up but I know that through my struggle I learned to appreciate what I have and to grow stronger.” She continued, “One of my dreams is to visit my father in Paraguay. I work hard because I want to reach my dreams. I feel like I can face and conquer any obstacle because of the support I have from people at Sterling and many others that have helped me get this far.”
On-campus experiences
Liz arrived to campus in late August. Her first class, A Sense of Place, began almost immediately upon arrival. “My experiences have been amazing so far. I’ve gone on so many adventures in the short amount of time that I’ve been here, and I couldn’t be happier,” Liz said. “ I loved my A Sense of Place experience and had a lot of fun canoeing for the first time.”
Liz reached new heights in the Foundations of Outdoor Education course this fall. She shared that working with local elementary school students on the high ropes course as part of that class was a highlight of the fall semester.
Liz works closely with the Advancement & Alumni Relations staff. This fall, as part of her Work Program position in the Advancement Office, Liz wrote notes to many of our donors thanking them for their gifts. Some folks, inspired by Liz’s message and story, have even written back!
What’s next?
Liz isn’t sure what she wants to do after college. “I know that I have a lot to learn still and I’m very excited to be able to explore and have many more adventures. I feel very grateful to be here.” She will take advantage of her time at Sterling, though, and encourages others to as well. “I have heard that Sterling is a place where time flies by in an instant, so I think it’s good to take advantage of all the little moments you have with people here and create memories for you to look back on in the future.”
