Student Success Mentors
Contact Us
Room: M-Building, M-311
Phone: (718) 730-7608/7563
SSM@lagcc.cuny.edu
Contact Us
Ellen Quish
Director of First-Year Programming and Student Success
Room: M-311B
718-482-5382
equish@lagcc.cuny.edu
Estefany Gonzaga
Coordinator, Student Success Mentor Program
Room: M-311A
718-799-7608
egonzaga@lagcc.cuny.edu
David Brandt
Professional Development and Communication Coordinator for CTL Student Success Programs
Room: M-311
718-730-7563
dbrandt@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
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
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.
Kaylin (Kay) Rivera
Kayrivera@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Kay Rivera is Puerto Rican American, non-binary and was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. They love to read and would finish 700-page books in a day. Their love for the fantasy world pushed them to start writing at 12 years old. Shortly after high school, Kay decided to go to LaGuardia to be able to explore their options. They had multiple passions, from drawing to playing guitar and even wanted to go into psychology. Liberal Arts: Social Sciences and Humanities was the perfect major.
Now they’re a LaGuardia alum, and in their senior semester at Queens College majoring in English and minoring in writing. With their experience at LaGuardia, they made a vow to guide and helps others while pursuing their dream to become a CUNY English professor and well-known author.
Ajani Brown
ajani.brown37@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Ajani is a Jamaican-American student dedicated to the field of nursing. Currently studying Pre-health Science at LaGuardia Community College, she is focused on entering the nursing program at LaGuardia or transferring to Hunter College. Aspiring to become a Nurse Practitioner, Ajani is passionate about caring for and uplifting others.
As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), Ajani is motivated by the shared goal of bettering our futures despite diverse backgrounds and struggles. She aims to teach students essential skills such as proper planning, time management, and professional development. Believing in the power of focused learning, Ajani advises students to stay present and engaged in their education during in-person sessions. Through dedication and support, she strives to guide students towards achieving their academic and personal goals.
Milagros Bellido Guillen
Mbellidoguillen@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Milagros was born and raised in Lima-Peru. She studied for five years and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She worked for over five years as a lead teacher with kids of different ages. She moved to NYC some years ago and studied at LaGuardia. Milagros loves teaching and being part of the student’s learning process. She works at LaGuardia as an SSM, Spanish tutor, ASL tutor, and Spanish Professor.
Currently, Milagros is doing her master’s degree at Brooklyn College. Once she finishes, she wants to start her doctorate. One of Milagros’ favorite quotes is, “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” – Stephen Hawking. Milagros came to NYC intending to improve her English only, but then, in the process, her goals became more ambitious and more significant than she ever thought. She is happy to say that the sky is the limit.
As an SSM, Milagros always remembers that once she was there, at the starting line. Back then, she was a little lost within this new world called LAGCC. But with all the resources and guidance, she achieved her goal and graduated with higher honors. Now, she wants to share her experiences and guide new students to success, hoping they learn and enjoy their success process.
MD Mushfiq Ur Rahman
mdmrahman@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
MD Mushfiq Ur Rahman was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and moved to the United States at the age of 20. He is currently studying accounting at LaGuardia Community College. Mushfiq hopes that by learning accounting, he will learn many other technical skills such as being able to calculate quickly, as well as soft skills.
He plans to graduate in Spring 2022 with an associate degree and transfer to a four-year program to complete his bachelor’s degree. He wants to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
As an SSM, Mushfiq desires to help new students by sharing his own knowledge and experience. Also, he wants to inspire and assist new students in achieving their goals, graduating on time, and transferring to a four-year college.
Yadanar Min
yadanar.min69@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.”
Ansha Khan
ansha.khan02@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Ansha Khan was born and raised in Mumbai, India. She moved to New York in 2023 and transferred to LaGuardia Community College to continue her education in Psychology. She plans to continue her education at a 4-year school to get a BA/MA in Psychology.
She dreams of getting a doctorate and working as a Clinical therapist. Ansha has always been passionate about academia and helping others. Her dream job is to work as a Clinical Therapist to help reduce the stigma around mental illness. She vociferously advocates for mental health and aims to increase people’s emotional awareness.
Her empathy motivates her to become an SSM and help students realize their true potential. She’d like to teach her students to dream realistically, have big goals and put in the effort to achieve them. The key to success is effort, so put in the effort and don’t give up!
Aourmi Ahmed
aourmi.ahmed67@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Christopher Picon
Cpicon@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Born in Queens to a Polish mother and Peruvian father, Christopher Picón grew up with a passion for learning. Christopher took a break from education after dealing with mental health issues in high school and college. However, after enrolling at LaGuardia, he rediscovered his passion for learning and history. Christopher has learned much from his experiences and failures, including the value of patience and hope. Christopher hopes to use these experiences to help students face the challenges of college life. He also hopes to use his experience as an SSM to gain more experience as a mentor and lab facilitator, since it’s his ambition to teach history in the future.
Aung Aung
aung.aung54@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Aung Aung was born and raised in Yangon, Myanmar. He is currently in his second semester at LaGuardia Community College, majoring in Computer Science, with an excellent GPA of 4.0. He dreams of becoming a software engineer to bring positive changes to society. Aung’s story reflects resilience and determination.
In Myanmar, he founded a News/Media platform on social media for his community, bravely speaking out for truth and democracy amid the ongoing challenging situation in the country. Faced with safety concerns, Aung boldly decided to pursue future education in the United States.
Now, as a Student Success Mentor, he offers a helping hand to his fellow students, providing support, encouragement, and valuable advice based on his own experience. Currently facing challenges himself, Aung understands the journey, especially for those learning English. His message is simple: keep going don’t be discouraged, and remember, hard work pays off.
HsuPan Thazin
hsupan.thazin66@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Giselle Galindo
Ggalindo@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Giselle Galindo was born and raised in Queens, New York by an immigrant Mexican family. At an early age, she developed an interest in films and film making. She loved to watch the behind-the-scenes productions during movies and write stories of her own. Her passions are to direct/write her own films and be able to teach film to future students at LaGuardia. Giselle earned her associate’s degree in Film and Television at LaGuardia and is currently in her last year at Hunter College to earn a bachelor’s degree in Film.
During her time at LaGuardia, Giselle grew an interest in wanting to help others and teaching. She hopes that by becoming an SSM she can help students who are nervous and anxious during their first year at LaGuardia by opening up new doors for the students, and to help them take advantage of the resources at LaGuardia.
Anuska Khadgi
anuska.khadgi80@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Anuska Khadgi was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Being loved and supported by her friends/family at every turn of her life has been one of her greatest blessings. She considers herself an introvert who prefers a small circle and enjoys spending time with close ones. Coming from a family with a business background and as someone who loves playing with numbers, she always knew she wanted to pursue a business career. This passion led her to her goal: to obtain a bachelor’s degree in finance.
As an SSM mentor, Anuska aims to support, inspire, and guide her mentees. By sharing her own experiences at LaGuardia, she plans to create an inclusive and safe environment for students. She is dedicated to helping you discover you and your potential to achieve success.
Aya Nasri
aya.nasri10@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Aya Nasri was born in Brooklyn but raised in Morocco. From a young age, she was very fond of nature. So naturally, she knew she wanted to pursue a career relating to the environment, and majored in Earth System Science & Environmental Engineering at LaGuardia Community College.
Her passion for nature is always growing and her ultimate dream is to contribute to reaching a greener and more sustainable earth. Now a sophomore looking to graduate soon and transfer to a 4-year college, she is driven to strengthen and improve her knowledge in earth sciences so that her ideas can be better implemented and have the outcomes she hopes for.
As an SSM, she is very keen on sharing her enthusiasm and passion for learning with her students and helping them overcome whatever academic obstacles they are facing just as she did.
Ei Paing Paing (Leah) Htwe
eipaingpaing.htwe60@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Ei Paing, aka Leah, a passionate thinker originally from Myanmar, is pursuing her dreams at LaGuardia Community College, majoring in Computer Science since 2023. Her love for problem-solving and programming fuels her ambition to become a professional software developer.
As a Student Success Mentor, Leah draws from her own experiences of navigating college life without enough information about available events and opportunities. She understands the challenges of balancing coursework and work commitments, having faced and conquered those pressures herself.
To solve this, Leah’s advice to students is simply, “Believe in yourself, stay persistent, and be consistent in your efforts. It sure will lead to success”. With her inspiring journey and dedication, Leah is here to support and empower her fellow students to achieve their goals.
Julian Poli
Jpoli@lagcc.cuny.edu
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
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.
Bryan Perez
Brperez@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Bryan Perez was born and raised in East Elmhurst. His parents are immigrants from Mexico and came to New York more than 20 years ago. Since he was a child, Bryan never knew what he wanted to do as his career, choices such as a professional wrestler or bass player for a band, but he was indecisive on what he truly wanted to do. He realized he enjoyed math and helping out classmates when they were struggling in math, he thought becoming a math teacher would be a great career choice and studied Secondary Mathematics Education at LAGCC, graduating with his Associates Degree in June 2022, Bryan currently studies at City College aiming for his Bachelors, then Masters in Math Education. Jumping at the opportunity to become an SSM, Bryan hopes to gain further experience in mentoring students and working in a school environment by sharing his experience with students.
Naima Diana Ishrat
Idiana@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Naima Ishrat Diana came from Bangladesh in September 2019.After she moved into NYC, she completed her TASC diploma .She started her journey in Laguardia as a first generation student in March 2021.She will graduate in Fall II 2022.She wants to be Pharmacist in future .Her initial goal is to complete her bachelor’s degree and get into a good Pharmacy school.
As she lives in the U.S without her parents and without any support ,she is a full time worker and a full time student During her first year seminar course, she learned that she was also interested in helping other students .Then she got the excellent opportunity to become a Student Success Mentor. As a SSM she wants to create a safe, productive, informative, helpful and interesting environment for students.
Camila Feijoo
camila.feijoo48@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Alexandra Rivera
YAlerivera@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Alexandra Rivera was born and raised in Queens, New York. She is currently studying New Media Technology in the Digital Media track. She hopes to transfer to a 4-year college after graduating from LaGuardia.
From a young age, Alexandra enjoyed expressing her creativity in many ways, including singing and writing. As she aged, her desire to create only grew more robust, and she took on plenty of interests whilst attending LaGuardia, from game design to writing. Choosing the right major took multiple tries, but she eventually decided that Digital Media was the right place for her!
As an SSM, Alexandra hopes to approach her students in an empathetic way. She will emphasize that, just like her students, Alexandra is a current student as well. Many of the challenges the students will face, Alexandra has faced as well. She hopes to articulate that well in her future classes.
Anna Fenova
Afenova@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Anna Fenova was born and raised in Russia. She moved here in 2018 when she was 17 years old and attended high school in Brooklyn. After taking a year gap she went to LaGuardia Community College in Fall 2020. She is majoring in Accounting and after graduating from LaGCC in Spring 2022, she transferred to Baruch College to pursue an Accounting major. In the future, she wants to get her MBA and then get a CPA license and work as an auditor in a Big 4 accounting firm. As a new SSM, she wants to make sure that every new student who attends LaGCC knows about resources and activities that we have at the College, as well as share her experience and knowledge to help each and every student she works with take everything from this experience.
Jaquelin Miguel
JAQUELIN.MIGUEL86@lagcc.cuny.edu
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
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.
Manisha Dindial
Mdindial@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Manisha Dindial was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, where she pursued Medical Imaging and became the youngest radiological technologist to supervise the mammography wing at The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. However, she is currently residing in Queens, N.Y., and is in the process of becoming radiologically licensed in accordance with the U.S standards and shortly after will pursue a master’s in hospital administration.
Manisha is passionate about her family and her fascination with the healthcare system stemmed from being the eldest and thus always being propelled by her protective instincts to provide the best and most efficient patient care.
Manisha believes as an SSM, her friendly nature is her best quality to inspire her students. She considers kindness and compassion to be the greatest tools used in building any healthy relationship equipped with open communication and thoughtfulness. She believes this will allow her students to feel safe when expressing themselves.
Ismael Chaj
ismael.chaj11@lagcc.cuny.edu
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
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
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.
Priyanka Fnu
Pfnu@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Priyanka was born in Haryana, India and moved to New York when she was 20 years old as an international student. She always wanted to have a career in computer science, so she started her college journey from LaGuardia in Computer Science. Her goal is to be a software developer. She is very passionate about exploring new things, so she does whatever inspires her. As an SSM she is always motivated by her ability to do something better than before. The one quality that students can learn from her is never to give up as she was alone and started her education on her own. She never gives up whether in studies or in life. She has one tip for students which is never to miss opportunities.
Ismael Leal
ismael.leal@live.lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Breazaih Brumfield
Breazaih.brumfield19@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Breazaih Brumfield was born in Rochester, NY. Breazaih moved to New York City in 2020 during the pandemic to help with local hospitals and long term care facilities due to shortages and the dire need for help. Breazaih is currently undeclared in Nursing with intentions to apply for candidacy in the fall I 2023 semester to pursue a Registered Nursing degree. The ultimate goal after working during the pandemic as a nurse is being involved with travel nursing. Bre has a passion for helping others and making a significant impact in various communities. Breazaih expects to share her past experiences here at LaGuardia to help and guide new incoming students. A tip for students to succeed is to please ask for help no matter how you may view the help that is needed. There is always a resource and or answer to any problem that may present itself.
Jharleen Duran
jharleen.duran14@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Jharleen Duran was born and raised in Queens, New York. She graduated with a fine arts degree from LaGuardia in Spring 2023 and is currently majoring in art history at Queens College. She graduates in Spring 2025 and plans on working toward a master’s degree in art history.
Jharleen discovered her love of art history after taking several courses at LaGuardia and has since become interested in museum studies. She would like to pursue a museum career as she believes that it offers the opportunity to be with amazing art and creative people.
As an SSM, Jharleen is committed to helping students learn about themselves, assisting them in defining their goals, and inspiring them to use their creativity. Her goal is to create an environment where students can discover their potential and achieve personal growth.
Chaw Nandar
chaw.nandar20@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Chaw Nandar, originally born and raised in the city of Yangon, Myanmar, finished her high school graduation in 2020. Then, the crisis of the pandemic and a military coup in her home country disrupted her future plans of education. At the age of 18, she came to New York City to begin her college academic journey in her passion of Engineering.
During her time at LaGuardia, she faced various challenges which have shaped her into a fast, adapting, and open-minded person. After graduating from LaGuardia, she intends to pursue her bachelor’s degree at City College of New York. Her academic aspiration is to become a professional expert in the field of engineering, where she can apply her skills and knowledge to build a better society.
As an SSM, her motivation stems from the desire to uplift and support students to overcome challenges similar to those she encountered during her journey. She aims to give back what she received from the College to fellow students to help them happily succeed. . Finally, she just hopes to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, question and grow.
Ekaterine Abutidze
ekaterine.abutidze44@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Janelly Calix
janelly.calix58@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Janelly Calix, born in the city of New York in 2003 to an Ecuadorian mother and Honduran father who had immigrated to the U.S. 30 years prior, began the journey of self-discovery in 2021 after her high school graduation. She was initially drawn to forensic science and technology, where she chose to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice at BMCC. However, after two semesters, she realized that Criminal Justice was not the major for her. Shortly afterwards, Janelly would take a gap year to dive more into her interest in technology, originally developed during the COVID lockdown of 2020. She found herself on her computer more than ever before, which provided her with an opportunity to learn more about the work field of technology. Currently, Janelly is pursuing an Associate Degree in Programming and Software Development at LaGuardia CC. Drawing from her own experience of transferring colleges and changing majors, her goal is to assist FYS students in making better informed decisions about their major choices while they still have the opportunity to shape their own future.
Jocelyn Emily Carrasco
jocarrasco@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Jocelyn Carrasco is a first-generation CUNY BA & Psychology student at LaGuardia. She believes life’s triumphs and tribulations are stepping stones that hold the key to personal growth and self-discovery.
Her goal is to become a tenured psychology professor and do research to improve the current pedagogy in higher education, as she has observed within her experiences as well as the research and theory she’s read about that the current system promotes an
overtly passive form of learning that fails to engage students; she aims to change that.
With an infectious passion for pedagogy, she’s thrilled to lead first-year students and kickstart their successful transition into their educational expedition by arming them with resources/opportunities, while cultivating a safe and engaging space that empowers her students to uncover their true potential within themselves. Thanks to the mentors she’s had, she knows all it takes sometimes is one person to believe and support to make a difference in that student’s life.
Michael Pena
michael.pena75@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Michael Pena, a Latino American born in New York City, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Michael previously took a pause from academia to become an Emergency Medical Tech, Michael’s determination and perseverance led him to find his second wind at LAGCC.
He remains profoundly grateful for the resources and assistance that shaped his journey, acknowledging their instrumental role in his success. Michael’s aspirations extend beyond his goals of becoming a professional engineer.
Having personally witnessed the profound impact of mentorship, he is eager to pay it forward and is driven to establish meaningful relationships with mentees, prioritizing their trust through genuine care, empathy, and unwavering support. By fostering an environment of openness and understanding, Michael aims to create a safe space where mentees can openly share their challenges, aspirations, and dreams, empowering them to pursue their full potential.
Jashanpreet Kaur Mangat
jmangat@lagcc.cuny.edu
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
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
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.
Makenna Small
makenna.small31@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Makenna Small, a humble, ambitious, and talented young woman from Guyana, grew up surrounded by her extended family’s love and encouragement. Studying Business Administration at LaGuardia Community College, she is set to graduate in Spring 2025. Makenna is committed to academic excellence and is dedicated to deeply understanding business administration. Her journey at LaGuardia is a stepping stone toward earning her Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.
Makenna believes in making a difference in the lives of those around her. As an SSM, she is driven by the opportunity to impact students’ lives positively. She finds fulfillment in supporting students as they navigate their academic journeys, overcoming challenges, and building confidence. Makenna’s goal is to share her experiences and ensure students utilize the college’s resources, whether it’s academic support, study strategies, or networking opportunities. Her dedication to helping others reflects her passion for making a meaningful difference.
Mehedi Hassan
mehedi.hassan68@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Michael Todd Hall
michael.hall502@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
With over 40 years of accounting and management expertise, Michael Todd Hall is now transitioning into Human Services, Mental Health, and Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counseling. Leveraging his consulting background, he plans to apply his strong work ethic, diverse communication, and interpersonal skills to evaluate alcoholism and substance abuse issues.
Currently pursuing his studies in Human Services at LAGCC, he is on the path to becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). His deep-seated passion lies in aiding individuals in conquering their challenges and witnessing their personal growth.
As an SSM, he is motivated by the opportunity to guide and assist mentees in their educational journeys. He emphasizes the importance of “Empowering Potential, Inspiring Growth” to nurture confidence, ambition, and continual growth. For students aiming to thrive in face-to-face learning, he recommends active participation in class discussions and seeking help when needed.
Pablo Merchan
pablo.merchan29@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Reyli Veras
reyli.veras08@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Reyli Veras is a student from the Bronx, New York, studying Film & TV at LaGuardia Community College. He started at LaGuardia in Fall 2024 and expects to graduate in the Spring of 2025. After that, he plans to pursue his BFA in Film & Television at a senior college.
Reyli discovered his passion for filmmaking during the pandemic, seeing it as an escape from the chaos in the world. He believes that film is the perfect medium for expressing himself and sharing his voice with the public.
As a Student Success Mentor (SSM), Reyli aims to help and guide students through the new and daunting experience of college. Many students may feel unprepared or lacking in confidence, and Reyli aims to assist them in self-discovery and self-growth.
Shristi Henjan
shristi.henjan77@lagcc.cuny.edu
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.
Bishal Dahal
bishal.dahal98@lagcc.cuny.edu
Biography
Bishal Dahal was born and raised in Nepal. He joined LaGuardia Community College to pursue a degree in theatre. Bishal’s ambition extends beyond his current studies; he plans to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a BFA/MFA in acting, refining his craft to become a versatile performer.
His ultimate dream job is to portray comic character Aquaman. Alongside his acting career, he is determined to write and star in movies that resonate with audiences, telling stories that inspire and entertain. Recently, Bishal’s talent and dedication were recognized when he participated in a play that garnered four national awards at a regional theater festival. This experience has only fueled his passion for the arts and solidified his commitment to excellence.
Bishal’s journey is driven by his strong self-esteem and unwavering self-confidence. These qualities have motivated him to join the team at SSM, where he is eager to help his peers discover and reveal their hidden potential. He believes that everyone has a unique story to tell and is committed to empowering others to find their voice in the world of performance.