Noime Alves
Success at Endicott Boston & Beyond
Noime Alves’ inspirational story has taken many turns throughout her life—from Cape Verde to Endicott College Boston and everywhere in between.
"I was born to go to school and be someone."
Alves took a leap of faith when she pursued a bachelor’s degree while raising a son with little-to-no English, but the decision has paid off for her and then some. And when she takes the podium at the Van Loan School at Endicott College Commencement on Thursday, she can’t wait to share what she learned along the way with her Endicott family. Why is the Endicott family aspect important?
That’s what Endicott does—they protect you and they care. … When I say family, they really care about you. I became a U.S. citizen in 2017 and one of my teachers was there with me. That impacted me. … Endicott is my family.
What has Endicott been to you?
Every time I look back four years ago, I just thank God every day for being here—all the support. … I feel like they are family—all the teachers, the staff—they are very supportive. When I was about to give up they were like, ‘No, you got this. Keep going. You are very smart.’
What’s next?
In the long run I want to be a lawyer. But I cannot afford to go to law school right now. What I’m going to be doing is I’m going to try to join the police force academy. … I speak four languages so I will be very helpful to them. … I will never give up. I was born to go to school and be someone.
What does getting this degree mean to you?
I see myself becoming a lawyer. Why? Because Endicott helped build me, Endicott gave me that power and taught me that you’re capable of anything in this country. … Endicott showed me the way.