Student Success Mentors
Contact Us
Room: M-Building, M-311
Phone: (718) 730-7608/7563
SSM@lagcc.cuny.edu
Meet the Mentors
The Student Success Mentors (SSMs) facilitate the FYS Studio Hour. They are either current students at LaGuardia, or LaGuardia alumni who have transferred to four-year colleges. Learn more about them, their experiences and what motivated them to become mentors by clicking on each mentor’s biography below. You can also contact them via email.
John Griffin
Jgriffin@lagcc.cuny.edu
John Jay College
Major: Crime Deviance Culture
Biography
John Wesley Griffin Jr. was born, buttered, and bred in the Mississippi Delta. He moved to New York at age 5 with his brothers and sister. Growing up, John loved art and video games. As a kid, he chose a dark path and suffered violent consequences for it; never finishing high school. Because of this, he faced hardships, went to court and lost his freedom. Later on, he improved his life and decided to go to LaGuardia to study Human Services/Mental Health, where he is currently pursuing his degree. He wants to give back to the community through this field. His passion is Human Service. John’s motivation as an SSM is to show students by example that past mistakes can turn into positive career choices. As an SSM, he hopes that his students learn from his life experiences and make good decisions.
Nancy Meza-Torres
Nmeza-torres@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Higher Education Administration
Biography
Nancy was born and raised in Queens, New York but her nationality is Mexican-American. Nancy is a graduate of LaGuardia Community College. She recently graduated from Queens College in Summer of 2024. Currently, she is working as a Student Success Mentor.
As a first-generation college student, Nancy knows the importance of having a proper education. Therefore, Nancy wishes to work in a college setting in the future. Being an SSM, Nancy is a great and efficient leader to guide and educate First Year students.
Nancy’s goal is to guide students in the right direction and as a graduate student from college like herself, she knows how difficult it is to be in college; especially for first-generation students like herself. Nancy hopes to guide as many students as she can toward graduating from LaGuardia Community College and transferring into a four-year college.
Yadanar Min
yadanar.min69@lagcc.cuny.edu
Hunter College
Major: Biology
Biography
Yadanar was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma), and came to the US in 2021. She regarded herself as the one who enjoys living more in the countryside than in urban areas because she used to live in Kentucky. However, she moved to New York City because she believed that there would be more opportunities waiting for her there. After she graduates from LaGuardia as a Biology: Biotechnology track student, she will transfer to a four-year college or university with the goal of becoming a biotechnician, applying her knowledge in growing research areas. Yadanar’s passion is trying to pursue her interests with determination.
She loves helping and supporting others based on her knowledge and previous experience, which gives her happiness. . She is a very detail-oriented person and loves meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and from that, she ensures she will become enriched with different knowledge and experiences.
Yadanar represents herself as the one who always keeps in mind why she started. In that way, she will encourage her fellow students to remember their dreams and goals, even though they are facing challenges and ups and downs. One tip for students from her is “do not hesitate to ask for help or ask questions.”
Ang Sherpa
ANG.SHERPA60@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Accounting
Biography
Ang Sherpa was born and raised in Nepal and came to the United States to pursue his undergraduate education. He recently graduated from LaGuardia Community College in the fall of 2025, with a major in Accounting, and is transferring to Baruch College to continue his studies. Ang is passionate about auditing and tax, with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Outside of academics, he enjoys playing soccer, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
His motivation to become a Student Success Mentor came from his own First Year Seminar experience, where his mentor shared valuable information at a time when he knew little about LaGuardia. Now, Ang hopes to support students in achieving both personal and academic success by sharing the lessons and challenges he has faced. His key advice for first-year students is to show up to class and make full use of the tools and resources that are provided by LaGuardia.
HsuPan Thazin
hsupan.thazin66@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Accounting
Biography
Hsu Pan Thazin is an accounting student at LaGuardia Community College, originally from Myanmar. After graduating high school in 2020, she sought growth and new opportunities by moving to the United States to continue her education.
At LaGuardia, Hsu Pan embraced the college’s diverse community and actively participated in various clubs and organizations, including the International Students Club, Phi Theta Kappa, HSAC, and ASAP. These experiences helped her develop valuable collaboration, communication, and leadership skills, which have been instrumental in her academic and personal growth.
Hsu Pan is currently pursuing an associate’s degree–and ultimately a bachelor’s degree–in accounting. She aims to become a Certified Public Accountant. She aspires to gain experience in the accounting field and eventually embark on her entrepreneurial journey. She believes surrounding oneself with motivated individuals enhances one’s skills and potential. As a Student Success Mentor, Hsu Pan is dedicated to helping her students achieve their academic goals, encouraging them to embrace challenges and pursue their passions.
Angie Velez
angie.velez21@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Philosophy
Biography
Born and raised in Colombia, Angie Velez is a non-binary student whose Indigenous roots are grounded in community, resistance, and care. Currently studying philosophy, she is on track to graduate in Spring 2026 and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Philosophy. They aspire to become a professor and writer.
Her work is rooted in abolition, feminism, anti- war thinking. They believe in a future built on abundance, care, and harm prevention.
As a Student Success Mentor, they are motivated by a deep commitment to student empowerment. Her goal is to guide and walk alongside fellow students throughout their academic journeys. They strive to be a safe space and a source of encouragement. Through mentorship, she hopes to help students develop skills in resource-sharing, time management, and self-care, not only to support academic success, but also to foster a campus culture rooted in empathy, solidarity, and collective growth.
Julian Poli
Jpoli@lagcc.cuny.edu
City College of New York
Major: Civil Engineering
Biography
Julian Poli was born and raised in Forest Hills, New York. He is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in civil engineering at LaGuardia Community College. Julian hopes to complete his bachelor’s degree at City College or Columbia University.
Julian always had an interest in math and science, participating in various youth programs such as the Software Engineering Program (SEP), Maker Faire, and Mouse Squad. However, after graduating high school, Julian was uncertain if college was the right choice for him. After taking a gap year to save money, Julian decided to enroll at LaGuardia Community College, promising himself that he would put 110% of his effort into succeeding. He soon came to realize that college was the right thing for him because of the environment and friends he has met along the way.
Julian hopes to one day work for the Department of Transportation in hopes to create high-speed rail networks in the United States.
Nadia Sulaiman
Nsulaiman@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Marketing
Biography
Nadia Sulaiman was born in Bangladesh and is studying Business Administration at Laguardia Community College. She moved to the U.S in 2022 to continue doing her classes. In addition, she is involved in various campus recreational and academic enrichment activities: PTK, ASAP, Student Success mentor, Presidents Society, and a few clubs. She is also a part-time digital artist who aspires to keep doing art as a hobby.
She aspires to be an SSM because she wants to inspire students to pursue their dreams and encourage them to break boundaries and stereotypes. She hopes upcoming students learn about the core SSM values, digital literacy, and all the resources and opportunities LaGuardia Community College offers.
Jaquelin Miguel
JAQUELIN.MIGUEL86@lagcc.cuny.edu
Major: Psychology
Biography
Jackie Miguel is a first generation Mexican-Guatemalan American from Queens, New York. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Jackie moved around a lot at a young age and found solace in being creative. Although she is majoring in psychology and hopes to go into a STEM related field, her true passion is being creative and indulging in the arts. She likes sketching, reading, writing and coloring.
My goal as an SSM is to help students feel better equipped for their journey at LaGuardia. I think sharing some insider knowledge is valuable. In order for students to succeed with in-person learning, my advice is to start by showing up! Always email your professor on what you’re struggling with and reaching out to mentors and resources will help you during hard times.
Grace Campis
Gcampis@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Graciela Campis was born in America and grew up in Queens. Graciela is currently a computer science major student at LaGuardia Community College, with a dream of attending the University of Michigan after she gets her associate’s degree. Her current dream is to become a Game Programmer as she believes games are not a waste of time, but a place where people could meet life-long friends.
Graciela joined the SSM program because she knows she’s a very anxious individual and thought that being a mentor and talking to multiple students at once would help her get better at public speaking. She hopes to help new LaGuardia students navigate a new chapter of their lives and will do so by being understanding and open to new things.
Camila Feijoo
camila.feijoo48@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: Psychology
Biography
Camila Feijoo is a current student at La Guardia Community College, she is a Psychology major in her last semester. She was born and raised in Ecuador and came to the U.S four years ago to pursue her university studies.
Her future plans focus on obtaining her degree as a clinical psychologist and working to help as many people as she can. She would like to be able to continue studying in another country, in order to expand her knowledge based on different cultures and to be able to do different volunteer work in which she can offer her help to people who do not have the resources to access it.
As an SSM, her empathy will help her guide and support new students in their college transition, showing them that they have someone they can lean on, and not feel disoriented in the face of the different doubts that may arise along the way.
Jennifer Julian
jennifer.julian58@lagcc.cuny.edu
Hunter College
Major: English
Biography
Jennifer is a LaGuardia alum currently attending Hunter College. She is an English major who is minoring in Film. Jennifer was encouraged by her advisor to apply to the SSM program to gain work experience in an educational setting, as one of her career paths leads to teaching. She looks forward to working with students in the First Year Seminar course and hopes that it will be a fun experience for her students and for her. Jennifer’s hobbies include watching anime and reading romance-fantasy novels.
Ismael Chaj
ismael.chaj11@lagcc.cuny.edu
NYC College of Technology
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Ismael Chaj was born and raised in Queens, New York. He is currently Majoring in Business Administration at LaGuardia. Once done with his time at LaGuardia, he plans to transfer to a four-year college and receive his bachelor’s degree.
Ismael Joined the SSM team for various reasons, but the biggest being to see if teaching and leading a class could be a possible future career path. He wants to help and guide incoming students to feel comfortable and give them as smooth of a transition as possible, as he knows first-hand that it isn’t always easy.
Matthew Rolfo
Mrolfo@lagcc.cuny.edu
City College of New York
Major: Electrical Engineering
Biography
Raised in Queens for almost 19 years, Matthew had an ambition forconstruction of mechanics and robotics. He pursued Lego Robotics in junior high school and chose Mechatronics & Robotics in high school, where he was introduced to circuitry. He graduated high school in 2021 and is pursuing an Associate’s Degree (expected by Summer 2023) at LaGuardia. He plans to major in Electrical Engineering after transferring to a 4-year college.
As an SSM, he feels like he is giving back to the College as well as leading and inspiring new students.
Jiten Tamang
JITEN.TAMANG17@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Jiten Tamang was born and raised in Nepal. He completed his college majoring in computer science in Nepal. Curious and willing to explore more about the world of technology, he entered the states in 2023.
He will graduate from LaGuardia CC in 2025. Afterwards, he plans to transfer to a four-year college. He wants to research and explore more about the world of data science. He is persistent about his goals and loves to learn about new concepts he is interested in. Other than that he is also interested in mobile esports and wants to professionally grow.
Jiten believes that hard work and consistency is the key to success. As a SSM, Jiten wants to guide his students on their academic journey and motivate them to not give up and enjoy the learning and life in general. Jiten’s goal is to be that light of hope at the end of the tunnel which every student and people on this earth deserves to see.
Ismael Leal
ismael.leal@live.lagcc.cuny.edu
City College of New York
Major: Psychology
Biography
Ismael Leal is a Mexican American Student who is majoring in Psychology at LaGuardia Community College. The college Ismael plans to attend after his time at LaGuardia is City College of New York in West Harlem, Manhattan to continue his studies in Psychology.
Ismael aspires to be a therapist so he can work with people on certain mental issues they are dealing with. His passion is to help people out and listen to their problems so he can help them be better humans in today’s modern world.
The thing that motivates Ismael to become an SSM is to help first year college students, especially first-generation students, navigate their first year of college. Ismael expects his students to learn how to manage their time and assignments properly in addition to telling students the only way they’ll succeed in college is to always ask questions when needed.
Jharleen Duran
jharleen.duran14@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: Design
Biography
Jharleen Duran was born and raised in Queens, New York, and graduated with a fine arts degree from LaGuardia in Spring 2023. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in design with a concentration in illustration at Queens College.
After changing her major a few times, Jharleen found her true passion in illustration. She plans to pursue a master’s degree and eventually become a children’s book illustrator. When she’s not working or studying, Jharleen enjoys drawing, crocheting, and playing piano.
As an SSM, Jharleen is committed to helping students learn about themselves, define their goals, and use their creativity. Her goal is to create an environment where students can discover their potential and achieve personal growth.
Kimberly Tchomba
kimberly.tchomba17@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Nursing
Biography
Kimberly Tchomba is a proud Trinidadian and passionate nursing student at LaGuardia Community College. With a heart rooted in compassion and service, she is pursuing her AAS in Nursing and plans to earn her PhD to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Kimberly views nursing as more than a career, it is a calling that demands compassion, integrity, and the courage to stand in the gap for the most vulnerable.
As a Student Success Mentor, she draws from her own experiences to inspire fellow students to recognize their resilience and embrace their identity. Kimberly brings a blend of empathy and purpose to every student interaction. Her mentorship is rooted in the belief that every student is worthy of being seen, heard, and empowered, reminding them they are capable, valuable, and created for more.
Ekaterine Abutidze
ekaterine.abutidze44@lagcc.cuny.edu
City College of New York
Major: Psychology
Biography
Ekaterine Abutidze was raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. She graduated from high school in 2022, and because of the conflict with Russia, she made the decision to emigrate to the USA in order to continue her education in a location that can provide greater prospects and stability.
She is currently a psychology student at LaGuardia. Ekaterine aspired to work as a social worker, therapist, and writer. She is inspired to produce books in the field of psychology and has already published a modest book of short stories and poems.
Ekaterine has a variety of hobbies, the majority of which are related to nature. She enjoys swimming, camping, hiking, and jogging. She also devoted ten years performing Georgian folk dances, which she considers to be her greatest passion.
Ekaterine has experienced many difficulties, confusion, and anxieties as a foreign student . She wishes to assist new students in avoiding the difficulties she had to face. She aims to make her peers’ surroundings happier and less stressful.
These difficulties have made Ekaterine stronger, more self-assured, and inquisitive. She discovered how to push herself, take chances, and never be afraid of failure. She believes that these will be the most crucial abilities for her students to master from her.
Last but not least, Ekaterine wants to create a welcoming and educational environment where her students can begin their fascinating and educational adventure.
Mia Gotuzzo
mia.gotuzzo63@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Mia Gotuzzo was born and raised in Ecuador and is set to graduate from LaGuardia Community College with an Associate’s of Science degree in Business Administration in December of 2025. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance at Queens College.
Mia has always had a passion for math and has been interested in studying accounting since she was young. Her plan is to work in the finance department of a hospital. Her dream project is to open an Ecuadorian Coffee shop to bring the flavors and culture of her hometown back to life. When she is not working or studying, Mia loves to read, listen to music, and spend time with family.
As an SSM, Mia is committed to creating an inclusive environment where her students are able to feel her empathy as she works with them. Her goal is to connect with her students and support them academically, but also personally with anything they need.
Jashanpreet Kaur Mangat
jmangat@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Jashanpreet Kaur Mangat was born and raised in Punjab, India. She is an international student at LaGuardia Community College, studying Business Administration. Once done with her studies at LaGuardia, she plans to transfer and continue at a four-year college to get a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Her dream job is to become a financial analyst. She is a detail-oriented person and enjoys helping others. She wants to pursue a career where she can combine her analytical habits with her desire to assist and serve people.
As a SSM, her empathy will help her to support and guide new college students. She wants all First Year Seminar students to succeed at LaGuardia.
Xiaoqing Uzuki
xiaoqing.uzuki39@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Xiaoqing Uzuki, originally from China, relocated to New York City in 2013 to explore fresh opportunities. Driven by her passion for healthcare, she attained a Medical Assistant certificate and embarked on a journey in the Fetal and Maternal Center. During working there, she experienced the deep joy of contributing to the well-being of pregnant mothers and their unborn children. Her education continued in 2021, as she pursued a major in Systems and Programming at LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), graduating in the Fall of 2022. Undeterred, she grabbed another chance for growth, transferring to Queens College in Spring 2023 to major in Computer Science. While on her academic path, Xiaoqing embraced an opportunity to become an SSM at LAGCC. She is eager to inspire and support her fellow students on their academic journeys. And also, she is excited to share her own experiences with new students and provide them with the best resources to fit their needs.
Juan Carlos Patarroyo
juancarlos.patarroyo51@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Juan Carlos Patarroyo was born in Colombia and moved to the United States when he was 12. Since he was a child, he has always been involved in a business environment that created in him a passion for business. Juan Carlos is currently studying business administration at LaGuardia Community College and is looking forward to transferring to Baruch College to study business marketing and promotion.
Juan Carlos’s motivation as an SSM is to create relationships where he can teach and learn from his students. He expects to teach his students how the college works and the best tips to be successful students both inside and outside of the classroom. What he recommends to all new students to succeed in an in-person class is to take advantage of all the tips and tools that are provided in class and look at their SSM as someone who is there to support, not to judge.
Pablo Merchan
pablo.merchan29@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Pablo Merchan was born in Spain and moved to the United States when he was 13. He is currently majoring in mechanical engineering at LaGuardia. Once he graduates, he plans to transfer to City College of New York in the Fall of 2025. Pablo’s objective as an SSM is to provide his experiences and guidance to students navigating through college transitions. His motivation is to inspire others to utilize LaGuardia’s opportunities, such as co-curricular activities. Additionally, he emphasizes that an SSM is a mentor who offers support without judgment.
Mehedi Hassan
mehedi.hassan68@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Registered Nursing (RN)
Biography
Mehedi Hassan, an international student from Bangladesh, is currently studying nursing at LaGuardia Community College. He aims to bring his rich cultural background and strong commitment to healthcare into his future career. Mehedi is driven by a desire to provide compassionate care and improve patient outcomes.
In his role as a Student Success Mentor, Mehedi is enthusiastic about supporting and guiding his peers by sharing his academic journey and experiences. He is particularly motivated by the opportunity to assist students in navigating their educational paths, emphasizing the importance of time management, perseverance, and utilizing available resources.
Mehedi believes in the power of organized, active engagement in classes and encourages students to maximize their in-person learning experiences. His involvement in various on-campus clubs and the College Senate has enhanced his leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, further preparing him to be an effective mentor and a future healthcare professional.
Aourmi Ahmed
aourmi.ahmed67@lagcc.cuny.edu
Major: Electrical Engineering
Biography
Aourmi Ahmed, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has thrived despite facing numerous challenges throughout her academic journey. Currently in her final semester at LaGuardia, she has an impressive 3.9 GPA and is set to become the first in her family to graduate college with an associate degree.
Driven by a passion for electrical design and construction, Aourmi dreams of becoming an electrical engineer. Her determination to overcome adversity, including struggles with academic probation, financial aid, and college classes, has fueled her desire to positively impact others’ academic journeys.
Looking ahead, Aourmi plans to transfer to a four-year university to further pursue her aspirations in electrical engineering. Recognizing the importance of support during challenging times, she aspires to become a Student Success Mentor, to offer guidance and encouragement to fellow students facing hardships and uncertainty. Aourmi’s goal is to share her experiences and provide a helping hand to those seeking direction on their academic paths.
Shristi Henjan
shristi.henjan77@lagcc.cuny.edu
NYC College of Technology
Major: Undeclared Pre-Health Science
Biography
Shristi K. Henjan is originally from Nepal. She began her academic journey in the U.S. at Youngstown State University and later transferred to LaGuardia, where she focused on health science and pre-nursing courses. She will be embarking on a new journey at New York City College of Technology in Fall 2024 to pursue her dream of becoming a compassionate and skilled nurse.
With a strong commitment to her education, she is driven by her passion for healthcare and helping others. As a Student Success Mentor, she is dedicated to providing valuable guidance and support to her peers, drawing from her own experiences and inspiring them to embrace perseverance and resourcefulness. Her top tip for success with in-person learning is to actively engage with course materials and seek help when needed.
Mobin Hajjafari
MOBIN.HAJJAFARI26@lagcc.cuny.edu
City College of New York
Major: Electrical Engineering
Biography
Mobin Hajjafari was born and raised in Iran and graduated from LaGuardia Community College with a degree in electrical engineering. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree while conducting research in photonics and ultrafast spectroscopy.
Mobin has always enjoyed math and physics and found his passion for research early in college. He plans to pursue a PhD and become a professor, combining his love for social interaction, research, and sharing knowledge.
As an SSM, Mobin is dedicated to helping students succeed by sharing his experiences as a LaGCC alumnus and introducing them to the resources and skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.
Degnis Lucero
degnis.lucero83@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: Philosophy
Biography
Degnis Lucero was born in the United States but moved to Mexico at the age of eight, where he continued his education. While in Mexico, he worked at a family business and earned a manager position. Later, he returned to the United States and started working as a dishwasher. He then attended trade school to become an electrician and subsequently served in the US Army. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Philosophy at LaGuardia Community College and hopes to obtain a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Queens College.
As an SSM, Degnis is trying to give the guidance he received as a new student in a school system he was not familiar with. His goal is to help others the best he can and transmit knowledge. His motto is “Every student is entitled to dedicated support, guidance, and advocacy.”
The best advice Degnis can give to every student is to manage their time wisely. The second piece of advice is to discover and rediscover everything with wonder.
Haofeng Lin
haofeng.lin74@lagcc.cuny.edu
Major: Applied Math
Biography
Haofeng was born and raised in China and moved to New York in 2022. He is currently majoring in Applied Mathematics at LaGuardia Community College, developing quantitative and computational skills for further studies. After graduating, he plans to transfer to a four-year university to study economics, business, and data analysis.
Beyond academics, Haofeng has actively engaged in leadership and mentorship roles. He is a member of the President’s Society, an API tutor, and the former President of the Chinese Students Club at LAGCC. As an immigrant, his first step is immersing himself in American culture, and networking. Haofeng believes that resources at LAGCC are valuable for supporting student growth. These resources helped Haofeng’s own growth and improvement.
As a SSM, he wants to bridge information gaps, share insights and encourage students to independently explore career growth. Looking ahead, he aims to continue learning and applying knowledge to help students enhance their employment skills and develop self-awareness.
Imrana Ali Boubacar
imrana.aliboubacar82@lagcc.cuny.edu
John Jay College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Imrana was born and raised in Niger, west Africa. After completing his high school, he had the opportunity to continue his education in the U.S.
Majoring in Computer Science, Imrana is currently attending LaGuardia Community College.
He has always been fascinated by computers and their ability to change our world. His ultimate goal is to become a software engineer and land a position in a big tech company.
First-year students can expect guidance, support and sympathy from Imrana throughout the semester. Imrana will also provide valuable college resources available at LaGuardia Community College to support student success. Because college can be stressful, a good tip for students for having a successful semester is practicing good time management skills.
Jade Bush
jade.bush88@lagcc.cuny.edu
Lehman College
Major: Speech Language Pathology
Biography
Jade Bush, from The Bronx, NY, is dedicated to advocating for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. She majored in Deaf Studies at LaGuardia Community College, where she developed a passion for the field. Currently, Jade attends Lehman College, majoring in Speech Language Pathology. She plans to transfer to Columbia University’s Teachers College to achieve a master’s degree in Deaf Education.
As a SSM, Jade is motivated by guiding students to better their college experiences and opportunities. Her passion lies in creating inclusive educational environments where every student feels valued and heard. Jade wants her students to learn that they can present their authentic selves and still be successful. One tip she offers for students to succeed in in-person learning is to find one way to engage actively in class discussions even if it’s by asking one question.
Jennifer Jean Louis
jennifer.jeanlouis83@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Biology
Biography
Jennifer Jean Louis is a Biology student at LaGuardia Community College with aspirations of entering the healthcare field. Born in Haiti, her background has fueled her passion for science and understanding the human body. Her curiosity about how science improves lives led her to pursue Biology, with plans to transfer to a four-year institution and further her studies.
As a Student Success Mentor, Jennifer is motivated by the opportunity to support and guide students as they navigate college life. She values LaGuardia’s diverse and inclusive environment and hopes to inspire students to take advantage of every opportunity. She encourages them to stay engaged, ask questions, and seek support when needed. Her advice for students is simple: stay organized, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and believe in your ability to succeed.
MD Nayeem Hossain
Email coming soon
John Jay College
Major: Cybersecurity
Biography
Nayeem was born and raised in Bangladesh. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast and mentor currently studying Network and Security Administration at LaGuardia Community College. His ultimate goal is to become a professor specializing in cybersecurity and AI security applications, contributing to building a safer and more secure digital world. He is also interested in completing a degree in International Affairs/Relations.
He currently works as a Student Success Mentor (SSM) at LaGuardia, where he helps students navigate college resources, overcome academic challenges, and explore career interests relating to their major . He chose this mentorship role because of his passion for helping others and guiding them to success. This opportunity has also allowed him to collaborate with outstanding students and alumni, further enriching his own experiences.
His advice for in-person learning success? Stay positive. It might take some time, but trust the process—it will all come together beautifully in the end.
Nabila Akther
nabila.akther79@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Psychology
Biography
Nabila Akther is a psychology major at LaGuardia Community College with a strong passion for forensic psychology and criminal justice.
Originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh, she values education as a privilege and strives to make the most of every opportunity. She became a Student Success Mentor because she understands the challenges students face, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and wants to help them navigate college with confidence. Nabila believes extracurricular activities play a vital role in personal and academic growth, as they did for her. She encourages students to get involved and seek help when needed.
One tip she offers for students to succeed is to stay organized by using a planner or calendar to keep track of deadlines. Her advice for in-person learning is to actively participate in class and manage time effectively. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in psychology and law.
Reehum Nissar
Email coming soon
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Business administration and healthcare management
Biography
Reehum Nisar is a Business Administration major with a focus on Healthcare Management at LaGuardia Community College. Born in New York and raised in Pakistan, she returned to the U.S. two years ago with her twin sister to pursue higher education. Currently, she works as a phone call operator at Best Medical Care, where her passion for helping others shines through. Living independently, Reehum is a strong and determined individual with a goal of transferring to Baruch College to continue her studies.
Her passion for guiding and supporting others inspired her to become a Student Success Mentor (SSM). She is dedicated to helping students navigate college life, access valuable resources, and stay on track to achieve their academic and personal goals. As an SSM, she encourages students to stay engaged, communicate openly, and seek help when needed. She wants them to understand that they are not alone in their journey.
Her key advice for students is to stay determined, never lose hope, and always ask for help. She believes that success in in-person learning comes from active participation, consistency, and building strong connections with peers and mentors.
Seongjun An
Email coming soon
Baruch College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Seongjun An was born in South Korea and moved to Guatemala when he was 10 years old. He was studying at a university in Guatemala, but wasn’t sure about his major. In 2024, he moved to New York and started his new major, Business Administration, at LaGuardia Community College.
Seongjun An aspires to become a role model for many people, helping to motivate and encourage others to become successful and be better than before. As an SSM, he hopes to guide and empower new students to break out of their comfort zone so that by the end of the semester, students know all the college resources and knowledge to become successful LaGuardia students. In Studio Hour he will use different assignments and technology so that the students learn about college resources as well as other crucial skills to succeed in college.
Sreya Celesti Dias
sreya.dias00@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Sreya was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is currently a Computer Science student who wishes to thrive in the cybersecurity field as well as focus on graphic designing. She enjoys playing video games and hopes to be an indie game developer in the future.
As an SSM, Sreya wants to lead her students to their path of dreaming big and learning more. With a foundation in mentoring, inspiration, and real-world problem-solving, she hopes that every student gets the support they require to succeed. When it comes to seeking new chances, Sreya would like to advise her students to never give up and to not limit themselves when it comes to opportunities.
Samia Shahid
samia.shahid12@lagcc.cuny.edu
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Samia Shahid is a third-semester Computer Science student at LaGuardia Community College. Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, she embarked on a transformative journey to the United States in 2023, leaving behind her hometown and cherished memories to pursue new opportunities.
Her passion for technology began with a deep curiosity about how computers function and their potential to solve real-world problems. She aspires to work in the field of technology, using her skills to develop innovative solutions that improve lives. As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), she aims to inspire, guide and encourage students to embrace new opportunities and achieve academic success. Her advice for students is to stay curious, stay focused, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed.
Toe Htin Lin Nyo
toehtinlin.nyo28@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Toe was born and raised in Myanmar (Burma). Toe started his academic journey at LaGuardia Community College majoring in Business Administration. He is now pursuing his bachelor’s degree in finance at Baruch College.
During his time at LaGuardia, Toe has been an active participant in various organizations and events; including the Honors Student Advisory Committee (HSAC), ASAP Program, Conferences, and has engaged in leadership and mentorship roles as an Academic Peer Instruction (API) tutor, and currently, an SSM.
The chance to inspire students, by guiding them to their own personal qualities, resilience, and potential academic success, is what keeps him going to be a Student Success Mentor.
A tip for new LaGuardia students; showing interest is crucial! Engage with your professors and other students by contributing to class discussions, asking insightful questions, and forming meaningful relationships.
Maritza Padilla
maritza.padilla62@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Maritza Padilla is currently majoring in Business Administration at LaGuardia Community College. Dedicated to reaching her career goals, Maritza plans to transfer to a four-year college once she’s done at LaGuardia.
As a Student Success Mentor, she hopes to guide and encourage students. Her goal is to guide students in the right direction by sharing her college experience, giving students the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas, and creating a supportive environment. Her goal is to help students build their academic journey and vision of their career goals.
Her advice to all students is to be positive because all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
Binita Shrestha
binita.shrestha63@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Business Administration: Healthcare management
Biography
Binita Shrestha is an international student from Nepal who came to New York in 2022 to pursue her education. She is currently studying Business Administration (Healthcare Management). Committed to achieving her academic and career goals, she plans to continue her education at a four-year college and aspires to become a healthcare manager.
Binita has a passion for art and drawing and enjoys expressing her creativity. Binita also loves meeting new people and learning new things, always looking for opportunities to grow.
As an SSM, she hopes to support and encourage students. Having faced similar challenges as a student herself, she understands their struggles and wants to help them succeed in their journey. She hopes her students learn the importance of time management, persistence, and self-confidence. Her top tip for in-person learning is to stay organized, ask questions, and actively participate in class to get the most out of their education.
Ryan Tenesaca
RYAN.TENESACA98@lagcc.cuny.edu
Queens College
Major: English
Biography
Ryan Tenesaca was born and raised in the Bronx and graduated from Laguardia Community College in Liberal Arts. He is currently studying English at Queens College in pursuit of his dream of being a writer.
He had always admired how stories could drift you away from reality and put you in a world that isn’t your own. He hopes to inspire and spread that admiration he has with his own writing.
As an SSM, Ryan’s determination and experience will help students newly entering Laguardia not only use the resources available to them but get the most out of their time here on campus.
Sadikshya Pun
sadikshya.pun39@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Business Administration
Biography
Sadikshya, an international student from Nepal, is currently studying at LaGuardia community college. From an early age, she found joy in tutoring neighborhood children and actively helping her mother with her retail business. These early experiences sparked her twin passions for teaching and business.
As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), Sadikhya is gaining valuable experience working directly with students, a role she sees as the perfect starting point. She wants her students to feel confident and believe that no matter their circumstances, with discipline, their future is full of possibilities. Her guiding belief is: You must do it yourself but never by yourself.
Sadikshya encourages students to ask for help and be resourceful to help create a smooth path to their success. She strives to be a reliable resource and ally for her students, while steadily working toward her dream of becoming a business professor who inspires both heart and mind.
Sarishma Ghimire
Email coming soon
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Undeclared Pre-Health Science
Biography
Sarishma Ghimire is from Nepal and now lives in New York. She is a kind, curious, and hardworking person who loves learning about health and science.
As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), she wants to help first-year students by sharing her own college experiences. She knows that starting something new can feel confusing and stressful, so she hopes to make things easier for others.
Sarishma enjoys helping people and wants to see students feel more confident. Her goal is to grow not just as a good student, but also as a kind and educated person who makes a difference.
SD Shadman Karim
Email coming soon
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Computer Science
Biography
Sd Shadman Karim was born and raised in Bangladesh and came to the United States to pursue his undergraduate education. He is currently majoring in Computer Science at LaGuardia Community College, with plans to further his studies in technology. Shadman is passionate about exploring different programming languages and dreams of building a career in data science and ethical hacking. Outside of academics, he enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures, and exploring the world around him.
Shadman’s motivation to become an Student Success Mentor comes from his five years of experience working closely with students, during which he developed a strong passion for guiding and supporting others. Through these years, he learned the value of mentorship in helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Now, he hopes to inspire and support first-year students by sharing both the lessons he has learned and the resources available at LaGuardia. His key advice for new students is to stay curious, actively participate in class, and make full use of the opportunities the college offers for both academic and personal growth.
Sebastian Samayoa Melendez
SSAMAYOAMELENDEZ30@lagcc.cuny.edu
Brooklyn College
Major: CUNY BA – Linguistics and Comparative Literature
Biography
Sebastian is majoring in Linguistics and Comparative Literature through the CUNY BA program. He takes classes at LaGuardia, Brooklyn College, and City College. His goal is to further develop his skills and knowledge to become a diversified and agile person able to find work in areas like education, public service and no-profits.
From the country of Guatemala, he likes to read mostly fantasy and science fiction, as well as enjoys running and rock climbing. He has a passion for history and can tell you all sorts of interesting facts.
He has been serving the community at LaGuardia – first as a student and now staff since 2022 – and wants to help new students to enjoy their time at LaGuardia.
Serena Rattray
serena.rattray25@lagcc.cuny.edu
LaGuardia Community College
Major: Public and community Health
Biography
Serena Rattray is an international student from the island of Jamaica. She is currently a second-year student at La Guardia pursuing a degree in Public and Community Health. Serena is deeply passionate about helping others and hopes to also become a Registered Nurse in the future specializing in Midwifery. While that is a desire of hers, she plans to transfer from bedside care and more into the statics and policies side of health care, hence her choice in doing Public Health. She is a reserved, curious and somewhat of an adventurous individual who enjoys learning new things and cultures and would describe herself as ambitious and purpose driven.
Her drive is not only for personal growth and career but also for mentorship. She cares about helping to bring out the best in others and as a SSM she hopes to create a safe space for students where they can express themselves freely, be creative, share ideas and guide them in the direction of great success.
Sunlin Rama
sunlin.rama469@lagcc.cuny.edu
Baruch College
Major: Accounting
Biography
Sunlin Rama was born and raised in Bangladesh before moving to New York City five years ago. She graduated from LaGuardia Community College with a major in business administration and is currently pursuing an accounting major at Baruch College.
Sunlin aspires to become an accountant, aiming to contribute to businesses by providing insightful financial guidance. She is also driven by her passion for baking and reading novels.
As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), she is motivated by the opportunity to guide students through their academic journey. Her goal is to ensure that students have a successful and smooth experience by helping them find and utilize all the college resources she has learned about. Sunlin hopes her mentees feel confident and secure on their educational path, equipped with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.