It’s been a busy few months for Renata Zelechowski. She graduated from Queensborough Community College (QCC), winning two awards, gave birth to her first child and helped to found a non-profit organization to help crime victims.
Zelechowski first came to the United States from Poland nine years ago.
“I came just to visit this country and travel a little bit,” said Zelechowski, who now lives in Fresh Meadows.
After finding a job working as a secretary for a construction company, she decided to stay longer, eventually getting a green card so that she could study in the United States. She said that a dream of hers has been to study at NYU.
When Zelechowski enrolled at QCC two years ago, she said that it was because she heard it was a good college, which she found to be true. She also liked the nice neighborhood it was in and the campus.
Having always been “more of a math person,” Zelechowski decided to study business administration. She was also a member of the Alpha Beta Gamma Club Business Society.
Prior to the graduation ceremony, Zelechowski found out that she was selected to receive a Rudo Award for chemistry environment. When she received a call talking about getting an award, she thought it was that one. However, upon arriving at the graduation ceremony and looking at the program, she found out she was also receiving the Associate in Science Achievement Award.
“It was really such a surprise,” said Zelechowski, adding that she “never imagined she would get such a big honor.” She continued, “I was really, really happy. It’s hard to describe.”
Zelechowski’s mother, who still lives in Poland, was present for the ceremony. Zelechowski said she was very proud and almost cried. Her mother also said that she never imagined her daughter would come so far.
Just a few says after her last final, Zelechowski gave birth to her first child, son Oliver.
“It’s a different love than you expect,” Zelechowski said of motherhood.
Zelechowski will be taking a year off from her studies to stay with her son. After that, she wants to attend NYU for her bachelor’s degree and then Columbia for her master’s degree. She said that she will definitely major in something related to business, such as financing or accounting.
A couple months ago, Zelechowski, her fiancé and a friend founded the non-profit organization Miracle Action Group to assist crime victims. To get started, Zelechowski said they have been going to community meetings to push for an increase in police involvement in safety in the Fresh Meadows area, particularly in Cunningham Park.
As the organization grows, Zelechowski said that they want to be able to provide more support to crime victims, including financially and psychological, while helping them to feel safer. She also said she hopes to see the organization grow bigger.
When she first came to the United States, Zelechowski said the biggest challenge she faced was learning the language. However, Zelechowski said she put in a lot of work and spent a lot of time studying to achieve her goals.
