3 College Identity
LaGuardia welcomes students from all over the world. In 2020, just over half of our students were born outside of the U.S. LaGuardia is proud of being one of the most diverse colleges in the country, with over 60% of its students belonging to an underrepresented minority group (currently 45% of our students are Hispanic, 20% Asian, 16% Black). To celebrate the diversity of its students, LaGuardia features a wide range of organizations and initiatives, such as the newly founded Casa de las Américas, which offers a range of events and academic and career services for Latinx students, the LGBTQIA Safezone Hub, and the Black Male Empowerment Cooperative. Throughout the year, LaGuardia offers many exciting events that honor its students’ various backgrounds and identities, such as Black Heritage Month, Latinx Heritage Month, and Asian Heritage Month celebrations, and LaGuardia’s Coming Out Day.
Hear from students Ansha and Aung describing their experiences at LaGuardia and what it feels like to be a part of a welcoming community:
Student Bios
We invite you to get to know some of your peers at LaGuardia Community College. These profiles showcase the diversity and inspiring stories of students who are part of our community. Each biography offers a glimpse into their lives, challenges, and achievements, emphasizing how LaGuardia supports its students. We hope these stories will motivate you and help you feel more connected to your fellow students and the college.
Sheila Patricia Rubira, Honor Student
My name is Sheila Patricia Rubira and I was born and raised in Brazil. My mother and two siblings are my world. Our strong bond was partly formed because of racism we experienced from our European father’s family. They never accepted that he had married a woman of Black-Indian ancestry. My mother longed for a college education, but it was always out of reach. This is why I am passionate about furthering my education at LaGuardia, where I have found a sense of belonging in the Honors Program as well as the scholarship resources to thrive. I hope that my work on green card marriages shows how immigrants can make America a better place to live for everyone.
Nina Diaz, Student-Parent
My name is Nina Diaz and I’m a seasoned student. I have been to several colleges before making the best decision to attend LaGuardia Community College. I chose LaGuardia because of the location and the support I received when I enrolled. A tip I have for any student who is interested in transferring to LaGuardia or who is just starting college is utilize all the support systems the school has to offer you. Do not limit your expectations and continue to persevere! I found LaGuardia unexpectedly. Currently I’m a preschool teacher and my ambition is to continue school so I can advocate for youth and adults. My major is Philosophy and my goal is to go to graduate school and become a lawyer. I have been immersed with education for many years and learning is lifelong. The best piece of advice I received from LaGuardia was to utilize all resources, and especially the Wellness Center. I believe this allowed me to look ahead to my goal and have work life balance. The three helpful habits I would recommend going to college are 1) look over the syllabus to be aware of the professors expectations, 2) don’t show up late and 3) do all your work to the best of your ability. What I like to do in my spare time is spend time with my family, drink a good cup of coffee and read a thriller.
Andrea Nagy Teulea, First Generation American
My name is Andrea Nagy Teulea and I was born in the beautiful small city of Szekesfehervar in Hungary. I came to the U.S. because this country offered me opportunities and freedom and for the fact that the possibilities are endless. I am currently a Physical Therapist Assistant major at LaGuardia Community College, which I’m very excited and passionate about. I love to learn and help people, I love nature and animals, but most of all I love my family.
Eddie Wilson, Student Parent
My name is Eddie Wilson. My major is Film and Television. I chose film because of my love for the art of storytelling. I saw no better medium to do so than film. My expected graduation date is June 2026. My goals once I graduate are to find work within the industry as a camera operator. However, my main goal is to establish my production company and direct films for people whose story goes untold. I chose LaGCC because it has a reputation of helping those who strive to help themselves. One thing I really like about my college is the amount of effort that has been put into place to help people find jobs. My best advice would be don’t be afraid to ask for help. Education continues to impact my life in positive ways I could have never imagined. It has helped me grow as a man. The best advice I was given was by one of my amazing professors. She said “Don’t rely solely on your advisors. Some things YOU can handle, and, in some cases, it might get done faster.” Well, something like that. Three helpful habits I gained are communication, grit, and managing my time.
Karen Bignardi, Transfer Student
My name is Karen Bignardi and I’m currently a Transfer Student at LaGuardia Community College as an Undeclared Pre-Health student. I chose LaGuardia due to its affordable education, high passing rate with the NCLEX, and strong curriculum. Transferring during the COVID-19 pandemic had its challenges for students, professors, and staff alike but I feel that that school did its best to keep us informed, safe, and supported. Upon acceptance, I learned that LaGuardia also requires its students to take the First Year Seminar course which initially you may be wondering “why do I need this?” but the reality is that this course brings to light all resources available to you as a student while also giving you one on one time with a professor or student mentor that’ll guide you in the right direction. This course creates a bridge for students to the school. I’ve learned to and highly recommend using all the resources available to us! There are tutors, professors with office hours, and assistance in many ways beyond academics and it’s easy to not ask for help but it is there! These tools are all set in place for your success and will help you achieve your goals.
Degnis Lucero, Veteran
My name is Degnis Lucero, and my major is Philosophy. I chose this major because I wanted to learn more about how to get involved and have a better understanding of what philosophers are trying to communicate. I am planning to graduate in the spring of 2025. My credits from the Army National Guard will help me graduate a bit quicker. I chose LaGuardia because the enrollment process was easy, and the Veterans Services Center was very helpful. It only took me about an hour to become a part of the College. After graduating from LaGuardia, I plan to transfer to pursue my Bachelor’s degree. For new students, I would recommend making use of all the available resources, as they can make a difference during the college journey. College has helped me expand my way of thinking and find new approaches to situations. Education is what you make of it and how you use it. Creating a schedule to manage your time is important, as we cannot waste this finite resource.
Corinna McCall, Student-Parent
An independent, strong, hard working mom aspiring to be an American Sign Language interpreter giving college another go. I was originally born in Brooklyn, New York raised in Binghamton, New York. My major is Liberal Arts; Deaf Studies. After I had my daughter, I started to realize what was important to me as well as want I need to have in my life to have growth and success. Now that I’m giving it another chance to complete my degree, I’ve found what I’m passionate about and sticking to it. My passion is American Sign Language. When I complete my degree, my goal is to change lives by becoming an Interpreter for the deaf. I want to be the bridge that fills the gap between Deaf and hearing community.
Ioanna Odysseos, International Student
International students coming to the United States to study are going through many difficulties but also find many opportunities. Starting a new life in a new country includes many life, academic, and professional lessons.
New York City is well known for its diversity among people. This creates a feeling of belongingness for each international student, especially when all of their family and friends are back home. It is a great way for each student to get to know more cultures and lifestyles. Going into campus and classes full of people with different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds helps a student create a new mindset and worldview.
Each country has a different education system. The education system in the US offers another way of learning which can expand each student’s learning experience. On the other hand, it is easy for a student to get lost in the process and not know how to proceed or make mistakes. With the help of international student services, academic or peer advisors, mentors, professors, etc students can get the necessary support so they can adjust as smoothly and fast as possible.
Making new friends and creating a social life from scratch is very difficult. Colleges offer so many co-curricular opportunities that can help each international student create a social life. Getting involved on campus, like clubs, attending events, volunteering, and getting a job can help international students create a support system and social circle.
As an international student, one piece of advice that I would like to give to new international students is to take advantage of any good academic or professional opportunity and live this experience fully!
Nadia Sulaiman, Working Student
My name is Nadia Sulaiman. My major at Laguardia Community College is Business Administration. I chose LaGuardia because I have heard how welcoming and diverse it is. My expected graduation is spring 2023, and my goal after graduating is to transfer to a four-year institution. I love how my college has so many opportunities, like working on the campus as a Student Success Mentor (SSM), and how understanding the faculty and the students are. The importance of mentoring and sharing my experiences with new students will help them in their college life. Working as a student has been great for me because I don’t have to commute anywhere out of school, and the flexibility in timing allows me to focus on my studies. Working at school has taught me the importance of organization, time management and helped me strengthen my interpersonal skills. My biggest challenge has been balancing my work and student life, but being on campus helped immensely. New and future students, I encourage you to look for and take advantage of opportunities that could interest you. Even though you might not realize it yet, I can assure you that LaGuardia has something for everyone!
Isabel Ramirez, Veteran
Isabel Nicole Ramirez was born and raised in a traditional Mexican-American household in El Paso, Texas. She is the oldest of three children and is very family oriented. After serving three and a half years in the United States Navy, Isabel was given the financial opportunity to continue her education and pursue a degree in the medical field. In the fall of 2016, Isabel was able to continue her education at LaGuardia Community College. During her time at LaGuardia Isabel had the opportunity to take part in an internship at Incarnation Children’s Center, where she participated in learning her field of study, Therapeutic Recreation. She also is an active member of the Phi Thea Kappa Honor Society, served as the Vice President of the Therapeutic Recreation Student Association and was a member of the Student Veteran Club. Isabel was also awarded the Guttman Transfer Scholarship for High-Achieving Community College Graduates. Isabel graduated with her Associate of Science in Therapeutic Recreation in the Spring of 2018 from LaGuardia Community College. She is now attending Lehman College where she is in pursuit of her Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Isabel is very dedicated and does not let any obstacles keep her from achieving her goals. She continues to persevere and hopes to one day become certified as a Recreation Therapist in order to help her fellow veterans recover from any disability they may have received while serving in the military.
Shirley Fernandez, First Generation Student
Hello! My name is Shirley Fernandez and I am from Ecuador. My major is Early Childhood Education and I started my career at LaGuardia about two years ago. I expect to graduate in Fall 2023. I’m a first-generation college student. All of my family is back home and to be honest I never thought that I was going to leave Ecuador but life is surprising us all the time and here I am. My husband has become my support during this journey and he is proud of me. LaGuardia was like a dream for me when I first arrived in the United States. I love the diversity and all the resources that it has to help us to be on track and get our degree. The professors are amazing and I have never had a boring class. The most wonderful advice that I have was given to me by one of my Psychology professors:“ Our life is a blank slate, we write on every page”. So, that is what I’m doing- writing every day in my book, making mistakes, erasing, adding colors and editing headers and footers to achieve my dream to become an educator and follow what inspires me.
Keys Rigual, LGBTQIA+
I’m Keys Rigual and I am currently majoring in computer science. I am expected to graduate in the Spring of 2024. I chose LaGuardia because I plan on double majoring in computer science and Japanese at a four-year college. I like LaGuardia because I find that, at least all the professors I’ve interacted with, are very passionate about their subjects. My number one recommendation for new students is to never miss a single class. I would say I’m most influenced by Nathan Tosh, Program Coordinator of the LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub.. I want to influence others to be more confident in themselves and strive for their goals. Being a college student has made me realize my writing, public speaking, and leadership are a lot stronger than I imagined. When it comes to co-curricular activities, I have been encouraged by so many people to get involved that I couldn’t name just one person. Being involved in co-curricular activities has introduced me to hundreds of new people and in doing so creates a nice network if I or they need help with anything class-wise. My favorite class so far is Life in the Universe. My role model growing up was Gambit from X-Men.
Test Your Knowledge
WHAT’S NEXT: INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Next, you will learn more about research at LaGuardia. This chapter will cover the importance of the Library, how to write a research question, and how to find resources through the Library website to support your coursework.
