Support LaGuardia Community College on #CUNYTUESDAY and Change a Student’s Life
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (November 25, 2024) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY is where the future begins for many New Yorkers. Every year, LaGuardia helps 23,000 students pursue their dreams through affordable education, preparing them to transfer to four-year colleges or step into successful careers. Many students face financial challenges along the way. To help them alleviate financial hardships, donations are being sought for LaGuardia’s #CUNYTUESDAY initiative.
#CUNYTUESDAY is a special day of giving, held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, in alignment with the global Giving Tuesday movement, to encourage support of CUNY students and programs. This year, #CUNYTUESDAY is December 3. The LaGuardia Community College Foundation will use funds raised through the campaign to provide students with scholarships, career programs, and critical resources that directly impact students’ lives. Any amount is appreciated. A donation of $10 can provide a meal voucher; $25 can provide a week of transportation to campus; $50 can provide groceries; $100 can help with textbook costs; $250 can provide funding for a job-related certification; and $500 can provide scholarships to help students stay in school and graduate.
LaGuardia has many students who exemplify the transformative effect of scholarships, emergency aid, stipends for on-campus projects, and other financial support. The aid these students have received has enabled them to focus on their studies and continue working to build better futures. Here are some of their stories.
Sujal Mahaseth, 19, is an international student from Nepal, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Sujal came to LaGuardia through an F-1 visa, and is grateful for the welcoming and supportive community he’s found at LaGuardia. A first-generation college student, Sujal moved to the U.S. in 2022 to pursue his dream of becoming an Aerospace Engineer. He chose LaGuardia Community College not only for its vibrant and supportive community, which includes one of the largest Nepalese student populations in New York with approximately 450 Nepalese students but also for the opportunity to access better education and experience the dynamic city life of New York—a lifelong dream of his.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. was challenging, but today, Sujal lives independently in Queens. Sujal credits the resources at LaGuardia, including Foundation scholarships and food vouchers from LaGuardia CARES, for allowing him to continue working towards his degree. Through the CUNY Career Launch, Sujal interned with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and is conducting research with Dr. Yves Ngabonziza, Professor and Director of the Engineering Program, through the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP). Sujal is president of the Nepali Student Association and is actively involved in the President’s Society. Sujal participates in the Peer Advisor Academy and is a peer advisor in the Mathematics, Engineering And Computer Science (MEC) department, helping guide and mentor fellow students.
Sujal plans to graduate in Spring 2025 and is excited about his future career prospects. He aims to work for aerospace companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin and dreams of attending prestigious institutions such as MIT or Stanford. With a 3.8 GPA and a strong support system, Sujal is well on his way to achieving these goals. Currently, he’s looking forward to going hiking in upstate New York over the Thanksgiving break with his LaGuardia friends. “The mountains remind me of home,” said Sujal.
James Nunez, 38, a Brooklyn-native and first-generation college student of Puerto Rican heritage, is a Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management major. James credits his best friend for encouraging him to return to school after a 20-year hiatus, with the aim of moving up in his career working in NYC cultural and tourist institutions. The return to academia was not without its challenges for James. The most significant hurdle was overcoming self-doubt and believing in the ability to succeed academically. “The scariest decision I ever made was to go back to school,” James said. With faith, family support, and mentorship from professors like Dr. Linda Chandler, Professor of English, he regained his confidence.
James works as a student ambassador for Casa de las Américas and plans to graduate in 2026. He is considering pursuing a bachelor’s degree at either Hunter College or Columbia University. He aspires to be promoted to an administrative role in the hospitality and tourism field, and dreams of traveling with his husband.
“LaGuardia Community College has given me the foundation and confidence needed to pursue these aspirations,” James said.
Samia Shahid, who hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh, is an Computer Science major. At LaGuardia, she found a supportive community that helped her navigate the challenges of being an international student. Adjusting to a new education system and navigating job opportunities initially felt overwhelming. Sharon Long from the Center for Career and Professional Development provided invaluable guidance. The diverse and welcoming environment at LaGuardia has been instrumental in her academic journey. Samia appreciates the dedication of the staff and faculty, who go above and beyond to support students through mentorship, career advice, and programs like LaGuardia CARES. The pantry services provided by LaGuardia CARES have been particularly helpful in managing her needs as a student.
Samia is actively involved in the Bangladesh Student Club and other campus clubs, which have enriched her college experience. “Whether it’s meeting amazing peers or connecting with faculty who genuinely care about your success, there’s always something to appreciate,” said Samia.
Samia plans to graduate in December 2025 and pursue a bachelor’s degree, possibly in data analysis or education. She’s excited about the opportunities ahead. “My goal is to find a path where I can apply my skills and make a meaningful impact,” Samia said.
To learn more about LaGuardia’s #CUNYTUESDAY initiative and make a donation, visit https://www.cunytuesday.org/organizations/laguardia-community-college.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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