Campus Leadership with Arturo

Transcript

Now, here’s Arturo, a senior History Secondary Education major and President of the Committee for Disabled Students at Queens College. Through his classes and extracurricular activities, Arturo has grown into a campus leader organizing and speaking at many campus events while advocating for a more inclusive campus at both Queens and CUNY. Arturo, tell us more.

– Thanks, Desi. Hey, everyone. When I was in high school, I lost my vision. And for a while, it felt like a light in me dimmed, but getting my guide dog, Vangie, helped me regain my confidence. Choosing a college wasn’t just about academics. It was about finding a place where we could both thrive. And Queens College, with its beautiful open campus, was the perfect fit. Now, it’s even more than that. It’s a place where we can lead and make an impact as I pursue a degree in education. For most of my time at QC, I’ve served as president of the Committee for Disabled Students and worked with the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities to advocate for a more inclusive campus. These experiences have taught me that leadership is more than just speaking up. It’s about opening doors for those who come next, and this has inspired my love for teaching. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved storytelling. History isn’t just about dates and events to me. It’s about stories that shape who we are and the lessons we carry forward. I want to share this passion through teaching, helping students see history not as something in the past, but as something that impacts our lives today. Student life here is dynamic and full of opportunities. From cultural events to student led initiatives, there’s always something happening. One of my proudest moments was organizing our annual CUNY and citywide ADA barbecue hosted at Queens College, an event that brought together students from all backgrounds to celebrate accessibility and inclusion. After graduation, I plan to continue advocating for disability rights while I pursue a career in education. Queens College has not only prepared me for the classroom, but has empowered me to be a voice for change. That’s my story. Back to you, Desi.

– What an inspiring story, Arturo. Thanks for sharing. Queens College has become a leader in inclusivity, making it a key part of its most recent strategic plan, ensuring that students of any background can succeed at Queens College. Thanks again, Arturo and Vangie.