Opportunities come to those who remain open to them
Born in Bangladesh, Nymul Islam embarked on a transformative journey when arriving in the United States at the age of 11, alongside their parents and two sisters. The complexities of American culture, language, and cuisine initially presented challenges. However, these experiences profoundly shaped Nymul's identity and perspective.
Please share a little about your background 鈥 what鈥檚 your story?
I was born in a small village in Bangladesh and came to the U.S. when I was 11 years old with my鈥 Read More 禄
Crystal Rodriguez, a proud Puerto Rican-Dominican-American student, shares her journey of personal growth and determination.
Please share a little about your background 鈥 what鈥檚 your story?鈥
I am a proud Puerto Rican-Dominican-American, deeply connected to my roots and the diverse tapestry of my family and friends. Growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, and spending cherished summers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, has shaped who I am today. Despite the challenges posed by the environment in my neighborhood in Cypress Hills, including drugs,鈥 Read More 禄
Class of 2023 Salutatorian Nija Daniels
Please share a little about your background 鈥 what鈥檚 your story?鈥
I come from a family of Jamaican immigrants who sacrificed their education for greater economic opportunities in the United States. Growing up in East Elmhurst, Queens, I was inspired by my three sisters, especially my older sister who was the first in our family to receive a bachelor's degree. My involvement in community service groups, political campaigns, and youth programs further fueled my passion for making a positive impact in underprivileged鈥 Read More 禄
Class of 2023 Salutatorian Lorena Modesto
Please share a little about your background 鈥 tell us your story?
I moved to the US with my family when I was 5 and we settled in the Bronx. As the oldest sister, I had to take care of many things for my family, like making appointments and translating documents. When I was in high school, I didn't have a good college advisor to help me with opportunities and jobs, especially because of my immigration status. But when I started college, I applied for the New York State Dream Act, which helps鈥 Read More 禄
Class of 2023 Salutatorian Kethia Calixte-Sanon
Please share a little about your background 鈥 what鈥檚 your story?鈥
I am a nature loving small town girl from Jacmel, Haiti. My mother and I migrated to the United States in 2011 and I have been a New Yorker ever since. My family has always valued education above all, my teenage years were categorized by the now funny but true idiom 鈥楲ek貌l, Lakay, Legliz鈥 which translates to 鈥楽chool, Home and Church,鈥 telling the analogous story of first-generation Haitian American teenagers. This traditional鈥 Read More 禄
Class of 2023 Salutatorian Shahmir Zaidi
Please tell us about your background?
I have always been a disciplined, highly motivated, and optimistic individual. After finishing high school, I knew I had to explore the world, learn about new cultures, celebrate differences, and improve myself to become a better human being. Hence, I came to the United States from Pakistan with high hopes of not only becoming independent but also exposing myself to a whole new life experience. It was a challenging freshman year in a new college and a completely new city鈥 Read More 禄
鈥淓njoy the college experience.鈥 - Infinite Clovie, B.A. Economics, Class of 2025
Growing up in Brooklyn and experiencing first-hand the inequities of New York City鈥檚 public school system, Infinite Clovie always dreamed of building a school for students with special needs in his neighborhood. Now that he鈥檚 pursuing his degree at CCNY and building his professional network, he hopes to have all the capital instruments he needs to realize that vision.
Please share a little about your background 鈥 what's your story?
I grew up in Brooklyn, East New York鈥 Read More 禄
鈥淢otivation comes from knowing the end goal.鈥
As a single mom of three, Heather Stewart forged her path to the United States with hopes of making a difference in the lives of her family and serving as a change agent for her community. Now that all her children have graduated from college, Stewart is putting herself back on course to make her dreams a reality. With a dual degree in Psychology and Business Management, Stewart hopes to start a new career in the financial sector. As a transfer from BMCC, Stewart took part in our inaugural cohort of Bridges to Success, an鈥 Read More 禄
Importance of Higher Education - Economics Major Kyara Valdez
Born and raised in Washington Heights, Kyara Valdez says that her family 鈥 originally from the Dominican Republic 鈥 stressed the importance of knowledge and education. Valdez discovered a passion for economics in high school when her family was confronting their own financial struggles. At CCNY, Valdez has strengthened this passion as a Santander Finance Fellow 鈥 a new initiative launched by the Colin Powell School to train its highest performing students to be leaders in the finance industry. Valdez has鈥 Read More 禄
Kazi Tejwar: Be Bold, Humble, and Resilient in Pursuit of Your Passions
Kazi Tejwar鈥檚 commitment to public service began when he was just six years old. A child of Bengali immigrants, Tejwar and his family experienced the devastating impact of the 2008 financial crash followed that same year by the hope and inspiration of Barack Obama鈥檚 ascendance to the presidency. Since then, his interest in policy and his passion for serving his community has only grown. As a double major in political science and sociology, Tejwar has interned for NYPIRG, Senator Elizabeth鈥 Read More 禄
Last Updated: 01/31/2020 15:52