A Queensborough Student Shares His Story on International Student’s Day
“This day reminds us that our journey matters. It honors our strength, growth, and pride in where we come from.”
Luckens St. Jacques loves soccer, the national sport in Les Cayes, Haiti, where he was born and raised. Growing up, he loved his home, his school, and his many good friends. But Luckens knew that his future lay beyond the familiar comforts of life in his beloved home country.
“To me, International Student’s Day celebrates the courage and resilience of international students. The courage it takes to leave home, start fresh in a new country, and learn to live among diverse cultures and traditions. Not everyone sees the quiet sacrifices or the pressure we sometimes feel, but this day reminds us that our journey matters. It honors our strength, growth, and pride in where we come from.”
The French speaking native learned Spanish so he could apply to engineering schools in Dominican Republic where his brother lived. That was fine for a start, but Luckens had his sights set on life in America. He applied for an F1 Visa, the student visa required to travel to the United States to study, so he could join his relatives in New York and continue his education at a college that would offer Engineering Science as a major.
“I did a lot of research on CUNY,” said Luckens, a full-time student now in his third semester at Queensborough. “QCC caught my attention as an affordable school with a respected Engineering Science program. The beautiful campus sealed the deal.” Luckens described his interest in Engineering Science. “I like math--problem solving--and technology classes in electricity, engineering design, and coding. I’m interested in robotics, automotive, and design.”
He added, “I also like the practical applications of the work I do in the labs.”
When Luckens is not in the lab or on the soccer field--the QCC Men’s soccer team made it to the finals this year--he tutors French and Spanish on campus for 20 hours a week. Luckens has thrived in the Collegiate Science Technology Entrance Program (CSTEP) which has offered him internship and research opportunities as well as support from faculty and advisors “who really care”.
“We do our best every day, carry our goals with us, and stay focused on our studies to keep our momentum. We also try to stay positive, even when we’re far from family, especially during the holidays.”
Luckens said that he wouldn’t have started strong without Jeff Ballerini, Academy Advisor, Designated School Official, Center for International Affairs, Immigration & Study Abroad.
“Jeff is my hero. He is never too busy to answer my questions and points me to resources that have made such a difference in my short-term and long-term goals. I’ve come so far from feeling shy and uncertain, to being outgoing and happy. That’s thanks to Jeff and the friendly community on campus. I feel very comfortable here.”
Luckens acknowledged his one and a half hour commute each way from Elmont, near the border of Nassau County and Queens. He shrugged and said, “When you know where you’re going, it’s worth every mile.”
###
