Meet Our Student Leaders

Parsram is also on the Student Activities Board (SAB). He is a graduate of Schenectady High School. 

What are your goals as a student leader?  
I want to create an environment where students can make more good friends and have fun when it gets stressful by creating more events like the International Gala. Let's make education fun together!

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?  
Be a role model for others seeking to be better and of course continue my education.

Hobbies:
Attending events on and off campus, hiking, camping, meditation, long walks, volunteering, making friends, hanging out with existing friends, and road trips/traveling. These are some. I have too many to list.

Who gives you the best advice?  
God and myself. Often, we face challenges in our lives and seek advice from someone we look up to, but if you seek true understanding, you’ll see that a current challenge is one you’ve also faced in the past. Whether you overcame it, or it overcame you, there was still a lesson you learned that’s worth applying to your current situation.

Who do you look up to?  
God

What’s a motto that you live by?  
“Timing is everything, meaning there is a right time to speak and/or act.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?  
I do not have one. I listen to anything and everything. Too much good music to just choose one band or artist.

What song is in your headphones now? 
I lost my headphones over the summer on my road trip. I don’t have any currently.

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I write everything in my student planner. It helps me keep track, so I don’t forget.

Favorite study snack?  
Jerk chicken on a roll with everything on it.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?  
The Library. Tutors are free and it’s a great quiet space where you can stay focused and get work done. The Library has so many perks and resources that will help you get your work done efficiently. 

Rue is a graduate of Lyceum 70 of Lviv City Council, Lviv, Ukraine.

What are your goals as a student leader?
Provide comfort and resources to students who need it.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Transfer to hopefully UAlbany, find a high paying job, and enjoy life.

Hobbies:
I was dancer for five years in kpop cover dance, but now I’m just reading and listening to music.

Who gives you the best advice?
My family because they are the only ones I trust.

Who do you look up to?
Every Ukrainian Defender who stands on the frontline so my fellow citizens can have one more day to live in independent Ukraine instead of being occupied by Russia.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Why not?” or “Do it for the plot.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Kpop bands in general, I don’t have one all-time favorite.

What song is in your headphones now?
"Fate" by Enhypen

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Honestly, I just sleep a lot, since that is the only way to have some power to do anything.

Favorite study snack?
Energy drink and some blonde oreo thins.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I really like the Library because I can relax and concentrate on studying without distractions.

Daniel is also President of the Gaming and Esports Club. He is a graduate of Duanesburg High School.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To create the “college experience” for low-income students who would otherwise miss out on the opportunity at a commuter-centric community college.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Transfer to UAlbany to get my bachelor's degree.

Hobbies:
Reading and Music

Who do you look up to?
My teachers.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“To each their own.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Alice in Chains

What song is in your headphones now?
"I Stay Away" by Alice in Chains

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I mark a to-do list on my calendar

Favorite study snack:
Salted cucumber

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The Library’s second floor, it’s peaceful and quiet.

Tysheema is a graduate of Medgar Evers College CUNY (GED).

What are your goals as a student leader?
To strengthen the Music department and raise awareness.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Further my career in music and business.

Hobbies:
Music, reading, writing, singing, rapping, dancing , social media, watching reality shows.

Who gives you the best advice?
My ex because he has a realistic outlook on things and truly cares about me.

Who do you look up to?
Aaliyah, God

What’s a motto that you live by?
“YOLO ( You only live once)”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Ashanti

What song is in your headphones now?
"Should’ve Cheated" by Keyshia Cole

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Prioritize, have a schedule

Favorite study snack:
Chips

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The practice room. I like to be silly, play the piano and the music on YouTube on my phone.

Imani is also a Member of the Student Activities Board, Student Government Association, and Faculty-Student Association Board. She is a graduate of Queens High School of Teaching.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To make this school the greatest school there is. 

Hobbies:
Reading and drawing.

Who gives you the best advice?
My mom. She always know what to say.

Who do you look up to?
My aunt.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“You can do anything.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Ruth B. 

What song is in your headphones now?
"Lost Boys"

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do? 
Skin care. 

Favorite study snack:
Cheese.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
TRIO. They make me feel seen and at home.

Deviyani is also President of the International Club and Student Activities Board, and a member of TRIO and CSTEP. She is a graduate of Schenectady High School.

What are your goals as a student leader?
I hope to get more student engagement on campus.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I want transfer to a four-year university to pursue my Bachelor's and Master’s in Business.

Hobbies:
Hanging out with family and friends.

Who gives you the best advice?
Maura from TRIO because she understands my situation and always tries her best to find me the answers I need. Student Activities Advisor, Christina, because she gives me advice on both the pros and cons of a situation.

Who do you look up to?
My parents.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Don’t be the deer in the headlight.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Backstreet Boys, Shaggy, Akon

What song is in your headphones now?
"The Lady In Red" by Chris de Burgh

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I try my best to not procrastinate. I’m in school two or three days a week so I get most of my classwork/homework done at home which makes it easy for me to balance school and other things.

Favorite study snack:
Snacks are too distractive and messy for study time.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
TRIO and Christina’s office because these places always lift my spirit up, they are very lively and full of positive people and vibe.

Corey is also a Student Worker in TRIO and a member of the Student Activities Board, Sustainability Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, and International Club. He is a graduate of Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School.

What are your goals as a student leader?
I hope to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities to have their voices heard, to celebrate all that makes them unique, and to achieve everything they set out to accomplish as a student of SUNY Schenectady.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady? I plan to transfer and continue my education to build a career in the field of either computer programming or digital media production.

Hobbies:
Music, singing, reading, video games, puzzles, and LEGO.

Who gives you the best advice?
My mother; she has seen me throughout all phases of my life, has experience managing mental disorder while in college, and always encourages me to turn to God in my times of need.

Who do you look up to?
Jesus

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Jeremy Camp

What song is in your headphones now?
"That’s Who I Praise" by Brandon Lake

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I try to assess when different projects need to be accomplished and structure times to focus on a single project before moving on, and I also talk with my family and instructors to keep them informed and request help when I need it.

Favorite study snack:
Pretzels

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
Begley Learning Commons because the Library provides plenty of resources and a quiet environment that is ideal for work and study, and the café area is a great place to relax and converse with friends.

Josh is also Co-host of the College’s podcast, student liaison for the College on the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council, and a member of CSTEP. He earned his G.E.D. prior to attending SUNY Schenectady.  

What are your goals as a student leader?
Environmental advocacy. 

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Transfer to UAlbany. 

Hobbies:
Hiking, cycling, araneology, nature photography, meditation, and reading. 

Who gives you the best advice?
My Aunt Erika because she has a lot of life experience. 

Who do you look up to?
Eugene V. Debs. 

What’s a motto that you live by?
“This too shall pass.” 

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Cattle Decapitation

What song is in your headphones now?
"Nothingness of Being" by Hate Eternal 

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Routine, time management, and planning. 

Favorite study snack:
Black coffee with peanut butter and graham cracker sandwiches.  

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The fountain courtyard because it is peaceful and occasionally you can see rabbits. 

Jasmatie is also in TRIO, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Activities Board, Intercultural Affairs Committee, International Club, and CSTEP: Teen Science Café; Technovation. She is a graduate of Berbice High School, Guyana.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To use my voice to represent the student body, to bring about the positive changes they want on campus, and to initiate activities that will foster academic and mental well-being.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I plan to attend a four-year college to attain a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Hobbies:
Coding, cooking, and playing amateur basketball.

Who gives you the best advice?
My mentors because they are both experienced in their fields, and they understand me as an individual so their advice is tailored to me and the field they are mentoring in.

Who do you look up to?
My Brother, Anand Lutawan.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Respect is earned, not given.” ~My mom.

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Anirudh Ravichander (South-Indian Composer)

What song is in your headphones now?
"Paththavaikkum"

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I keep a color coordinated, organized planner that helps me keep track of what I have to do when, but also leaves room for spontaneity.

What’s your favorite study snack?
Pizza or tacos

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
CSTEP and TRIO

Mubashra is also a Member of the Student Activities Board, International Club, and TRIO. She is a graduate of Albany High School.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To foster an inclusive, supportive, and motivating environment within the student community. I aim to encourage greater student participation in school activities, organizations, and events. Additionally, I plan to lead or contribute to projects that positively impact both the College and the local community, such as fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and community service initiatives

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Gain work experience related to my degree as part of my academic and career development.

Hobbies:
Fitness, cooking, music, travelling and photography.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
My brothers, because they see things from a different angle than I do.

Who do you look up to?
My Mother

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Every day is a new beginning. Start fresh each day.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Arijit Singh

What song is in your headphones now?
"One Love" by  Blue

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I stay organized by using a planner to schedule tasks and set deadlines. I make sure to manage my time well and avoid taking on too much. Setting clear goals and breaking tasks into smaller steps helps me stay focused. I also make time for self-care and relaxing activities, like working out at the outdoor gym by the river, to keep everything balanced.

What’s your favorite study snack?
Dry fruits and potato chips

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the outdoor gym by the river because I enjoy nature it calms my soul. I love it there because being in nature really calms my soul.

Elijah is also in the Gaming and Esports Club. He is a graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School.