Class of 2024
CCNY CWE's 2024 Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Christanya Symplice, a first-generation graduate born to immigrant Haitian parents, embarked on her higher education journey amidst the pandemic, earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Motivated by a profound desire to effect positive change, she passionately engages in volunteer work, connecting children with sponsors through Food for the Hunger and supporting therapeutic horsemanship programs at the Bronx Equestrian Center. Her philanthropic efforts extend to organizations like the Red Cross and Bridging Africa and Black America Incorporated, where she installs carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for Bronx families. Honored with the Edward I. Koch Fellowship, Christanya interned at the NYC Department of Education's Office of School Performance, gaining insights into educational policies. Committed to growth, she participates in the Racial Justice Fellowship, tackling racial and socio-economic disparities in education. As a recipient of this fellowship, she completed an internship at RESI at Teachers College, Columbia University, engaging in initiatives aimed at tackling amplified racial and socio-economic disparities in education precipitated by the pandemic. Christanya's journey exemplifies resilience and a commitment to serving her community.
Tiffany Ramirez Duncan, a Bronx native and first-generation college student, embarked on her academic journey amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Juggling roles as a mother, caregiver, and full-time employee, she navigated through the obstacles with resilience and excelled academically, earning a remarkable 3.982 GPA in her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Disabilities Studies. Her dedication to excellence earned her a place on the Dean's List every semester and induction into Phi Beta Kappa. What's more, she dedicated herself to community service, advocating for ASL integration and supporting the disabled. Transitioning to a teaching role in Austin, Texas, Tiffany continues to inspire others with her unwavering dedication and perseverance. Her journey symbolizes the transformative power of resilience in the face of adversity.
2024 Commencement & IG Live Streaming
2024 Graduation Photo Galleries
CCNY CWE's Students Listed as CCNY Great Grads 2024
RAINBOW SARAH FARR
B.S in Early Childhood Education: Childhood Studies
Bronx native Rainbow Sarah Farr enrolled at Borough of Manhattan Community College after high school. Her Nigerian parents saw college as a mandatory step in her future, but she struggled and ended up leaving to focus on being a stay at home mother.
She attempted to go back twice, but ended up dropping out because her third child was born with an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and had to undergo emergency surgery. She also had to focus on helping her two children with their schoolwork.
In 2011, while giving birth to her fourth child, she suffered from internal bleeding and had to have one of her ovaries removed. During this time, she was forced to raise her four boys alone because her husband was incarcerated. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and received a liver transplant in 2015.
Her near-death experience compelled her to focus on her studies once again, and she enrolled at CCNY. “The knowledge I have obtained as an early childhood education major has given me more love and insight into teaching and how I can provide children with a solid foundation they will use for their entire academic futures,” said the 48-year-old.
She was part of the National Society of Leadership and Success and made the 2020 Dean’s List. She received the Women’s Forum Education Fund Award, Quest Peter Cott/Ken Leedom Memorial Scholarship, and the Quest Scholarship. She hopes to obtain her master’s degree in education focusing on children with learning disabilities and her New York State Teaching Certification.
FARLEY GULSTON
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: History, Politics and Society
At 12 years old, Farley Gulston journeyed to the U.S. with his West Indian family, settling in South Jamaica, Queens. His elementary and high school years were filled with challenges, leaving him unprepared when he first entered Queensborough Community College in 1978.
He left Queensborough from 1980 to 1990 after being put on probation, finding employment at a nursing facility that treated HIV and AIDS. He eventually worked his way up to director of support services. Told that he needed a degree for future advancement opportunities, he enrolled at Medgar Evers College. At 41, he ran cross country for the College’s track team and was voted MVP. Although he was excelling at his studies, they would come to a halt when he lost his job, and had to prioritize taking care of his family and focus on paying his daughter’s college tuition.
Gulston started a cleaning service and, a few years later, started working as a senior supervisor in CCNY’s custodial department. From there, the CCNY-based CUNY School of Medicine hired him, and he enrolled at the Center for Worker Education. He graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
“As an immigrant who faced significant challenges in the education system, CCNY provided me with a second chance to pursue higher education and fulfill my potential,” said the 64-year-old. “The supportive environment and dedicated faculty helped me develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in my career.”
After graduation, Gulston would like to pursue a master’s degree in history at CWE.
Last Updated: 06/25/2024 13:08