Sisters on a Mission: Healthcare Careers Are Calling
By Office of the President | Oct 17, 2023
Back row left to right: Gabriella, Dominique, Lauren, and Alecsandria
Front row left to right: Danielle, Nathalia, and Sarah
The School of Public Health recently welcomed a remarkable group of siblings to its MPH program who come with a story that seems almost scripted by the words of American businessman Howard Schultz himself: “When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.”
Dominique, Gabriella, Alecsandria, Lauren, Nathalia, and Danielle Lawrence--all proud graduates of SUNY Old Westbury with bachelor’s degrees in public health--started their journey into the School of Public Health’s MPH program in August. What makes their ride extraordinary is their shared passion for public health and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood that unites them. Ranging from 18 to 24 years old, these sisters set their sights on a future together—more education followed by promising careers in nursing, pediatrics, orthopedics, and emergency medicine, showcasing diverse interests. The youngest Lawrence sister, Sarah, appears poised to follow in their inspirational footsteps.
Their path to this remarkable achievement was not without challenges. Faced with family hardships that made traditional schooling difficult, their parents boldly decided to homeschool them during their later elementary and middle school years. Despite starting at different educational levels and ages, the Lawrence sisters persevered. In 2019, they achieved a significant milestone when the six siblings received their GED certifications together, thanks to their dedication and the support of the Queens Educational Opportunity Center. Nathalia, the youngest of the six, was the class valedictorian among them.
Their academic journeys continued, enrolling at Nassau Community College, where they navigated the challenges of virtual classes and the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Armed with associate degrees, they enrolled in SUNY Old Westbury in 2021, where they continued to excel.
The sisters were featured in Newsday and are the subject of a forthcoming profile in People Magazine. They recently had a fun photo shoot on our campus, proudly wearing Downstate swag!
The Lawrence sisters say what sets them apart is their unwavering faith in God, each other, and their shared determination. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, family bonds, and the pursuit of knowledge.
As they embark on this new chapter in Downstate’s School of Public Health, their collective strength and passion promise to make a lasting impact on the field of public health. We look forward to sharing news of their future successes.
