Suburban Upbringing Revealed
Before she became a leading progressive voice and a member of the “Squad,” Ocasio-Cortez was known as “Sandy” to classmates and teachers at Yorktown High School. Located in Westchester County, about 35 miles north of the Bronx, Yorktown represents a suburban lifestyle far removed from the borough she often highlights.

Praise from Former Teacher
Her former science teacher, Michael Blueglass, spoke highly of “Sandy” in a 2018 interview with Halston Media. He described her as an exceptionally bright student. “She was incredible,” Blueglass said. He recalled her participation in the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and praised her ability to explain complex ideas clearly.

Bronx Identity at the Forefront
Despite her suburban past, Ocasio-Cortez has built much of her political identity around her Bronx roots. She regularly mentions the Bronx in speeches, campaign materials, and social media. For example, she recently mocked former President Trump by saying women from the Bronx “can eat Queens boys for breakfast.”