A first-generation student, Marbiah earned a great deal of recognition at Hillyer College and was a recipient of the Marilyn S. Smith Humanities Award, the Social Science Award, and Academic Strategies Award. Marbiah recalls striving for success from the moment she stepped foot on the campus. “Freshman year, I told my roommate that I was not going to graduate college without reward or recognition. At the time, I meant making the Dean’s list that first semester. However, the universe took my words and made that into a reality, but on a bigger scale.”
Silver Marbiah '21, Criminal JusticeWhile in Hillyer College, I encountered dedicated professors and staff that saw my true potential. Potential I did not even realize at the time. My professors provided me with countless resources, opportunities and life-long lessons and values ensuring that I was prepared, both physically and mentally, to transition into the College of Arts and Sciences
Marbiah says she was a shy and timid student, but Hillyer helped her become an accomplished and powerful woman. She joined academic and non-academic clubs including Fenomena (UHart Hip Hop dance team), Afrolyte (UHart’s African Dance team), PSI CHI (International Honor Society in Psychology), and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Outside of classes, Marbiah continued her desire to learn and completed two internships. She interned for the East Windsor Police Department’s Student Intern Program and for GOODWorks, an organization located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, that is dedicated to social justice and criminal justice reform and provides re-entry support for women leaving incarceration.
Marbiah says she is pursuing a career in criminal justice because, “I want to spend every second, minute, and hour of my life being the voice for the voiceless. I also want to help those in need, serve my community/people and uphold my ethical and fundamental values. Not only as a woman, but as a powerful Black woman, I want to make a difference.”
When asked what advice she would give to future Hillyer students she recommends getting a planner. “It really saved my life throughout my college years. With my busy schedule, things tend to get chaotic, especially during finals.” She also advises incoming Hillyer students to get active on campus. “There are numerous organizations and programs available at UHart. Organizations dedicated to different sports, beliefs, and academic programs. This is an opportunity to make new friends, gain new experiences and connections, and even grow as a student and person for the future.”
Outside of classes, Marbiah continued her desire to learn and completed two internships. She interned for the East Windsor Police Department’s Student Intern Program and for GOODWorks, an organization located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, that is dedicated to social justice and criminal justice reform and provides re-entry support for women leaving incarceration.
Marbiah says she is pursuing a career in criminal justice because, “I want to spend every second, minute, and hour of my life being the voice for the voiceless. I also want to help those in need, serve my community/people and uphold my ethical and fundamental values. Not only as a woman, but as a powerful Black woman, I want to make a difference.”
When asked what advice she would give to future Hillyer students she recommends getting a planner. “It really saved my life throughout my college years. With my busy schedule, things tend to get chaotic, especially during finals.” She also advises incoming Hillyer students to get active on campus. “There are numerous organizations and programs available at UHart. Organizations dedicated to different sports, beliefs, and academic programs. This is an opportunity to make new friends, gain new experiences and connections, and even grow as a student and person for the future.”