Students' Success StoriesExpanding His Horizon Cristian Ricci
My name is Cristian Ricci and I am from Carrara, a small Italian city. I worked for a shipping company; however, I wasn’t able to speak English because I had not studied it at school. Since I knew that English was an important skill to get a more competitive job and to achieve my professional goals, I decided to come to New York to study. Perhaps this was the most important choice of my life. I chose New York because I was sure that I could have a great life experience in this city, and I chose LaGuardia because my Italian friend who had studied here a few years ago recommended it to me. After seven months I can say that my choice was perfect. I have gotten to know an interesting, multicultural and diverse city that definitively opens my mind. I have met people coming from different countries. Thanks to them I am able now to understand the way of thinking of different cultures and to live together with them in a wonderful way. I had the opportunity to know very special teachers, whom I consider friends. For these reasons LaGuardia is like my second family, and I will never forget it. I can also say that my English has improved a lot. I think I should say thanks to LaGuardia and to my teachers for having stimulated me to be a very determined student. I have also discovered how hard it is to learn a second language, but also how it can be challenging and fascinating. On His Way to Becoming a Computer Tech Whiz Flavio Camino
I started at LaGuardia this past fall taking Introduction to Computer Technology because I wanted to get to know how computers work. Now I’ve moved onto Computer Repair and have a better understanding. Currently I’m a programmer for knitting machines, but my goal is to be a system administrator, and LaGuardia is helping me with that. I was nervous at first, but as long as the class is going on I feel confident. The teachers are great and they listen to the students. Valedictorian with Sights Set on Media Customer Virginia Ramirez
My dream is to earn a Master’s Degree in journalism from Columbia University’s School of Journalism and go on to work as a producer of TV shows. I believe my experiences at LaGuardia will help me on that path. When I first came here, I wanted to learn English as fast a possible, so I started taking ESL classes in The English Language Center. Then I took GED classes in the Adult Learning Center to earn my diploma. I believe one should never stop learning and improving, so my next step was to enroll at the college. While obtaining my Associate’s Degree, I was the Vice President of Programs and Events in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as Governor of Programs and Events in the Student Government Association. I was a student Senator At-Large and a member of the Executive Committee of the College Senate. In addition, I founded the first Mexican Club in the history of the college. Aside from my leadership roles, I was also part of a group of students selected by professors to begin running the Web Radio Station on campus. And I performed as an actress in a number of theater productions, including Scapin, Maus, The Antigone Project and Dracula Alma, in which I was also a writer. I earned my degree this past spring, graduating as Valedictorian of my class, and I’ve started my studies at Brooklyn College this fall. I also have a job at a Mexican radio station, “La Super Ley 1380 AM,” in New York City, and I do public relations work for a non-profit organization. Since 2003, LaGuardia has been my second home. This is where it all began. Educating His Mind and Soul Customer Rhazi Mohamed Kone
My dream of creating an Africa, free of xenophobia and racism, was nourished by an important lesson that my father taught me when I was young. He said, “To create equality, you should learn it through living with people of different races and cultures.” I started to get the real meaning of this lesson only when I moved to New York. But my desire to interrelate with people could not be fulfilled because of my inability to speak English. The “World’s Community College,” LaGuardia, was the simple choice which gave me my first steps into a higher education institution. It was The English Language Center where I embraced a new multicultural life. Every single day was the discovery of a new country and a new culture. I was amazed by the ethnic and racial diversity of my international schoolmates. Our inability to express ourselves well in English became insignificant for us even when we watched a movie together without even understanding a word of the language. The relationship shared with my peers and teachers facilitated the social immersion I was going through. After six months at TELC, I understood that LaGuardia Community College was the school I had to attend. I didn’t make this choice only because it was the school where I had the opportunity to learn English, but also because it was the place where I understood the words “unified” and “equal.” Rhaza Mohamed Kone has received many honors since studying at LaGuardia: * All USA Academic Team * All New York State Academic Team: winner for Best Students of the State Community College by Phi Theta Kappa and New York State Trustees * National Model United Nations 2007 Honorable Mention Winner * Clarkson University Scholarship 2007 Winner for Leadership and Scholastic Achievement * National Deans’ List 2006-2007 * LaGuardia Deans’ List 2005, 2006, 2007 * Alliance Toward Harnessing Global Opportunities (ATGHO) Conference at United Nations, Panelist on Effects of Global Warming and Consequences * Phi Theta Kappa Zeta Alumni * Founder and Former President of Doors to Dreams * Vice President of United Nations Club Scholarship Winner Customer Walter Melendez
Walter Melendez is the LaGuardia recipient of the Charles Braver CUNY Language Immersion Program Scholarship, based on outstanding academic work. He is a native of El Salvador and has been living in New York for two years. Walter credits the CUNY Language Immersion Program with his success. “The CUNY Language Immersion Program has made a difference in my life. The teaching is diverse, extensive and most of all extremely helpful. I have learned interesting things about history, politics and science. My life has changed, and I can express myself freely.” Science Teacher By Day, On-line Student Anytime Florent Deneubourg 
My favorite hobby is ceramics, and I wanted to create a website dedicated to this. Now that I’ve taken Career and Professional Program’s Creating Web Pages on-line course, my website is almost complete. On-line courses are great for many reasons. I can work on my lessons when I have time, which is usually at night or on the weekend. The lessons are very well structured and give clear explanations of how things work. And even though there is no teacher actually there during the lessons, the discussion area is an efficient way to communicate with the instructor and other students. I already knew of LaGuardia’s English Language Center, which is excellent. The on-line program is the same. These courses allow me to study at home, which is easier and more affordable. And it’s really simple to get in touch with the teacher, who answered all the questions I had. I am signing up for the next class! EMT Class Valedictorian Karimah A. Smith
In 2005, I received a B.S. degree with an Honors Citation from the University of Maryland. My major was biology with a concentration in Physiology-Neurobiology. However, I wanted to work as an Emergency Medical Technician. So I started at LaGuardia in November 2006 in the EMT/VATEA training program, which assists women who are economically disadvantaged. I graduated in March from the program and was named Valedictorian of my class. I currently work full-time as an EMT for a private ambulance company in the New York City area and hold two part-time jobs: one in sales and one in education. Additionally, I volunteer for a hospital and a voluntary ambulance service. In the future, I’d like to progress in my career in the healthcare/EMT field. The students and faculty at LaGuardia made this an invaluable experience. The diversity in life experiences and background fostered a unique learning environment. I loved my experience at LaGuardia! Peter Jennings Scholarship Laurel Award Winners 2007 Khadija Rachad 
I entered LaGuardia’s Adult Learning Center in 2005. I wanted to earn my GED so that I could enroll in a nursing program. Along the way to receiving my GED, I won the CUNY Peter Jennings Scholarship Laurel Award. Now I’m studying at the college to become a registered nurse. My experience at LaGuardia has been really helpful. It has helped me to pursue my dream. Sam Seifnourian Sam completed his GED studies at the Adult Learning Center in January 2007 and was honored this year with the Peter Jennings Scholarship Laurel Award. Now a college student, he is interested in filmmaking and wants to create greater understanding between his homeland of Iran and the United States.Student to Teacher Richard Diaz
I began taking reading classes in College for Children when I was 8 years old. When I was old enough, I started working there as an intern with LaGuardia’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Today I’m 22 and have been working at College for Children for 5 years as an office and teacher assistant. I also work in the college’s Summer Intensive English Language Program, an ESL program for youth entering high school, and I tutor at the Boys Club of New York in Flushing. I’m finishing my undergraduate studies at Queens College this fall, with a major in English and a minor in Secondary Education, and I hope to become a high school English teacher. Attending LaGuardia at an early age was a good experience for me. It helped me to obtain confidence and provided a nice atmosphere of learning. I also enjoy the college because of the many different people you get to meet from different places and cultures. Philanthropist and Future Physician Cristiano Fedrigo
Cristiano Fedrigo, a young man from the small town of Morro da Pedra, Brazil, started studying in LaGuardia’s English Language Center (TELC) at Level 3 (high beginning) in the Day Intensive Program in fall 2006 and has worked his way up to Level 5 (intermediate). He comes to TELC with an unusual story that won him the World of Children Foundation Founders Award in 2005. Next Stop: Project Manager Sinead Porter
In February 2006 I entered LaGuardia’s Certificate Program in Construction Management. I wanted to take my engineering career into the direction of construction management. My goal was to change jobs or advance within my current job to a position that would get me on the track to project management. In addition to obtaining the certificate, I received great advice from my instructors on applying for jobs and on the appropriate next steps. I had a new job within three months, working as a business analyst for a management consulting firm. I’m working on various engineering projects now and getting a wide range of valuable experience. I want to become a certified project manager and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to eventually advance to a senior management position. LaGuardia has put me on the right path. Physical Therapist Assistant Student Ilaria Dessi
My goal had always been to study English so that I could attend college. I knew that if I wanted a better future, I needed to be prepared professionally. I began in LaGuardia’s English Language Center and then went on to the College Prep workshops. I’ll be entering the college’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program in March, and when I’m done, I hope to find a job in this profession here in the United States. Going through these programs in the Division of Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia has been a great experience. I learned English, became more organized and mature, met lots of people who are an important part of my life now, and finally decided what I wanted for my future. Math Teacher Mayra Cedeno
The road to achieving my academic goals started in 1999 in The English Language Center (TELC) at LaGuardia. It was here that I learned to speak English. After a year of study, I was able to enroll in the college, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in computer science in 2002. I was on the Dean’s List every year. From there, I transferred to Queens College, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree last spring in computer science, with a minor in math. Here I was also on the Dean’s List. All of this has helped me move toward my ultimate goal of obtaining an MBA Degree in Computer Information Systems. I want to thank the TELC program for giving me the opportunity to learn English and accomplish my educational aspirations. I strongly believe that my success is also TELC's success. None of this would have been possible without the teachers' great instruction and dedication, the counselors’ help, and the staff's assistance. College For Children Student Norma Secaira
I’ve been attending LaGuardia’s College For Children since I was five years old, taking reading and writing classes. Now that I’m in eighth grade and getting ready for high school, I decided to take the SAT preparation course for reading. It’s too early for me to take the SAT exam, but the class has helped with my studies. I want a good education so that I can go to college. That’s important for my future. I’d like to study chemistry one day. My experience at LaGuardia has been excellent. All the teachers have helped me with my schoolwork and given me the tools for the future. It has also been fun and exciting. I improved my academics and learned many more things. I’ve met people from different backgrounds and cultures. This experience will last a lifetime. Administrative Assistant/Office Manager, LaGuardia Community College Edna F. Best
In 1990, I called the Family Institute (now Workforce Education Center) within the Division of Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia Community College about the Office Information Training Program. I was not only accepted into the program, I was also hired as the secretary of the program! The skills and knowledge that I acquired in the technology-based training program were invaluable. My educational goals are important to me. After completing the training, I enrolled in college while working full time to fulfill an important personal goal I had set for myself. I continued my education part time in the evening, first earning an AAS at LaGuardia Community College and then a BS at Empire State College. As an adult life-long learner, the more I learn, the more I want to learn. ASL/English Interpreter Luciano Tegni
I grew up with a deaf brother and have been the intermediary between him and the hearing world. It has always given me a rewarding feeling to include my brother in all the social events I could. When I discovered that there was a way to make a living as an interpreter, I was very intrigued and wanted to apply to an Interpreter Education Program. Once I was accepted into ACE’s Interpreter Education Projects / American Sign Language (ASL)-English Interpretation Program in Fall 2004, I was hooked. My ambition was to become an interpreter. I have achieved that goal, and now I work as a sign language interpreter at Middle College High School and teach ASL at night. I also freelance for DHIS and BI-NET, two interpreter referral agencies. LaGuardia provides the ideal environment for aspiring interpreters. I believe I’ve learned from the best, and I was given access to and welcomed by the Deaf community. Without the opportunities granted by the ASL-English Interpretation Program, I don't know if I would have realized my goals and made it as an ASL interpreter. Next, I want to get a Masters Degree in interpretation and one day become coordinator of an Interpreter Education Program. College For Children Student Jairo Espinosa, Jr.
I started at LaGuardia’s College For Children in Summer 2005 taking the Reading Tutorial class for 5th Grade because I wanted to be a better reader. My reading comprehension has gotten better now, but I want to improve even more. College For Children’s English-Language Arts (ELA) program on Saturday has helped me a lot too, with reading comprehension, with the ELA tests, with schoolwork, and homework. On the past three ELA tests, I got high 4’s, around the perfect score range. College for Children also helped with my report cards. I got a 4 on my report card on the reading section— better than the 3’s I always got before. If you need help in ELA, you should go to College For Children’s Saturday program. One day I want to become a mathematician … or a baseball player! Nursing Student Oswaldo Romero Espinosa
In the three quarters I studied in The English Language Center, I gained the necessary skills to get into LaGuardia and pursue my nursing degree. I even got a head start because I was allowed to transfer 12 of my high school and college credits! I am currently studying and also working in the TELC language lab as a lab assistant. College for Children – Middle School Student Giovanni Bojaca
Before enrolling in College for Children in Fall 2005, Giovanni had failed two standardized tests, and his grades were in the low 70's. After taking tutorial classes in reading, writing and math his grades are now in the 90's. Shy and reluctant to speak, he did not participate much in class before coming to College for Children, but now he exudes confidence, and his teachers in Rego Park have noticed the great improvement since he started our program. Giovanni also enjoys the opportunity to learn to play electronic keyboards when he does “FUN STUFF.” Emergency Medical Technician Certificate Graduate (and then more…) Jeffrey Spencer
“I became an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) in 1986 and worked for three years on an ambulance before completing my education as a paramedic in 1990. While working full-time as a paramedic in Bedford-Stuyvesant and as a part-time paramedic instructor at LaGuardia Community College, I was able to complete my AAS Degree at LaGuardia and BS Degree at New York Institute of Technology (both with honors). Upon completion of my BS Degree, I was offered the Director of Paramedic Education position at LaGuardia Community College.” English Language Center Student Mi Jun Park
My English language level was very low when I first started studying in The English Language Center, but after two years I finally applied to LaGuardia Community College as a transfer student and was accepted in Spring 2006. Due to the excellent academic preparation program in The English Language Center, I took the American College Test (ACT) placement exam and got into ENGLISH 101. Now my major is nursing, and I'm applying all the skills I learned in The English Language Center, like writing research papers and giving oral presentations.” GED Graduate Leah Mitchell
Leah Mitchell is a winner of the City University of New York GED Laurel Award, an accolade she received for her bravery and determination, as well as her intellectual growth. Leah dropped out of high school in the Philippines to help her mother care for her younger cousin, whom she had adopted. A month before her twentieth birthday Leah moved to New York, alone, so that she could pursue her dream of an education. One of her first tasks was finding a GED program, because, “The first step in getting an education is the GED.” “The GED class was like a door,” Leah said. “Through the GED I learned I was capable, that I could be part of the world of books and learning.” Leah is currently taking a full course load as an undergraduate at LaGuardia, including an honors English class. Her ambition is to complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree, complete training as a nurse and go on to write. LaGuardia Workforce1 Career Center Customer Ana Marchany
When the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration offices relocated, Ana Marchany lost her job. As a single parent with a child to take care of she knew she had to find employment as soon as she could. She was referred to LaGuardia Workforce1 Career Center, where she met with a Career Advisor. Using an Individual Training Account voucher she was able to take the Certified Nurse Aid class at LaGuardia Community College as a first step to becoming a Registered Nurse. She completed the coursework at the top of her class and became New York State certified on her first attempt. She plans on working as a Certified Nurse Aide on the weekends to bulk up her application for Nursing School, and in the meantime she is employed as an administrative assistant. Back to Top |
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