Meet the Team: Judy Bernstein
At A Bridge for Kids (ABFK), Judy Bernstein stands out as a dedicated volunteer and the head of our College Essay Counseling Program. Her remarkable journey from a career in technology to becoming a pivotal figure in educational support is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
From Tech to Tales
“I majored in math, worked in the computer business for twenty years, and avoided writing pretty much anything… Although I didn’t enjoy writing, I’ve always loved to read. Thirty years ago, I read about a man who had walked across the American continent 300 years before Lewis and Clark. I thought his story needed to be told and I embarked on learning the writing craft and wrote a historical novel about him.” - Judy
A Philanthropic Transition
Judy's entry into philanthropy came through her volunteer work with the International Rescue Committee, where she assisted refugees in sharing their powerful survival stories. This experience deepened her commitment to using writing as a tool for advocacy, ultimately leading her to A Bridge for Kids.
“Philanthropy took me to writing. While volunteering with the International Rescue Committee, I worked with some new arrivals to the U.S. who had amazing stories of survival and wanted to use their voices to draw attention to their countrymen still suffering in silence back in South Sudan.”
Why ABFK?
Judy was drawn to ABFK by the belief in the transformative power of education, a value echoed in the refugee communities she worked with. When she learned about ABFK and its mission, she saw a meaningful opportunity to contribute her writing skills to help students achieve their educational dreams.
“The refugees I worked with who had lost literally everything had a saying, ‘No one can take education away from you.’ That is so true. And here in the U.S., there are so many reasons why education is so important. When I read an article about Michael Nance and ABFK, I thought that would be an opportunity to contribute to what I believe should be available for everyone.”
Guiding Future Scholars
In her role at ABFK, Judy applies her storytelling expertise to help students craft compelling college application essays. Recognizing that writing about oneself can be daunting, Judy works closely with each student to uncover their unique narratives and guide them through the essay writing process. Her approach involves discussing various life experiences with students to identify a powerful story arc that fits their personal journey.
Impact and Success
Judy’s work has led to numerous success stories, with many students gaining acceptance into their dream colleges. Her role is crucial, especially for students who navigate the college application process largely on their own, often balancing significant responsibilities at home. Judy’s support helps bridge the gap between these students and those with more resources, providing them with the tools to compete effectively.
Looking to the Future
Judy hopes to expand the essay writing program and encourages others to volunteer, highlighting that it’s a rewarding way to contribute from home. Her advice to future volunteers is to leverage their skills and passions for philanthropic efforts, emphasizing that everyone has something valuable to offer.
A Vision of Empowerment
Through her work, Judy aims to not only enhance students' writing skills but also empower them by validating their personal stories. Her contributions align closely with ABFK’s mission to level the playing field for high-achieving students.
Judy’s journey from a technology career to a heartfelt commitment to educational philanthropy perfectly illustrates the impact of merging personal passions with meaningful work. Her efforts at ABFK continue to inspire and support students as they embark on their academic and personal journeys.