Take It From Us: Jan. - Feb. 2026
"Take it From Us" is an ongoing collection of quotes from current and former QCC students on the fun of getting involved, the importance of getting student support, and the rewards of getting ahead in your studies.
This time, students chime in on undergraduate research, accessibility services, acting, and, yes, math!
Research Rocks!
Meet Johnny Sullivan, Researcher, Hydroponics Lab
“I earned a bachelors in journalism with minors in Italian and physics from Queens College in 2022. I wanted to combine my journalistic skills with my interest in science, so I took a job as a production assistant at Northwell Health. But my experiences in and out of the office and my interest in science led me to suspect that my place might be outdoors, protecting nature. That’s what drove me to return to school.
QCC was a natural choice. Yes, it’s conveniently located-I live in Queens -but it’s also affordable. Then I learned that QCC has a hydroponics lab and that science students are very active in producing research.
Research goes beyond academic success. It’s a dynamic field and often addresses societal problems like food supply issues. And it offers something for just about any student who is curious about research. And it’s a great opportunity to meet new people with common interests. My current plan is to land a seasonal environmental internship or job, continue with coursework, and apply for a graduate program in environmental science, likely at a CUNY or at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Research is a personal investment in success, your success!”
You're Not Alone!
Meet Nicole Perilla, second-year student, Environmental Science
“I attended John Bowne High School in Flushing because of its agriculture program. I wanted to combine my interests in the environmental side of farming with agricultural mechanics. In 2018, I transferred to LaGuardia Community College where I majored in industrial design.
By then I was feeling pressure financially and took a full-time job which sidelined my studies. But I didn’t forget about college and decided to enroll at QCC where I switched my area of study to Biological Sciences and Geology.
But working full-time and making it on time to my 6:00pm classes proved impossible, and I withdrew after one semester. I hoped my time would be manageable at a fully on-line college, but I felt disconnected and dropped my courses. Then I remembered my good experience at QCC and wanted to try again.
I’ve been faced with a lot of challenges, not just financial, but personal too. I’ve struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for most of my adult life.
The difference this time was reaching out to QCC’s Counseling Center and Accessibility Services. I received emotional support, and accessibility services helped me self-identify my learning disability so I could receive reasonable accommodations to help me focus in a quiet space. Now I’m pacing myself to take two classes a semester and participating in hydroponics research! The old saying is true: If I can do it, so can you.
Your Stage is Set!
Meet Hana Boachie, ‘25, associate in science (A.S.) Theatre
“I first learned about QCC when I was a student at Cardoza high school--its diversity, amazing advisors and supportive faculty who understand where you’re coming from, sometimes literally. I once met a student who commuted all the way from Yonkers to QCC because of its excellent music production program. I followed my heart into QCC’s Theatre program where I learned the craft of acting and gained experience working backstage as a sound board operator.
I returned to QCC last February as a part-time CUNY College Assistant in the Communication, Theatre and Media Production department. It was a natural choice to continue to be part of a program that shaped who I am today and helped me be comfortable in my own skin.
Now I plan to audition in the New York City area. Who knows? I have so many performance interests, including comedy and drama, and I want to be my own stuntwoman!
Whatever creative path you take, be yourself, put your mind to it and always follow your heart.
The Numbers Add Up
Meet Jhonny Ruiz, first semester, Electrical Engineering
“In high school I took lots of engineering classes and was good at math. My teachers encouraged me to continue studying math in college. They also advised me to choose an affordable college because, they said, “Many college graduates, even those who graduated decades ago, are still burdened with student debt.” That’s when I decided to enroll at QCC. Now I’m studying my major of choice. And thanks to the Q74, my commute from the Bronx isn’t so bad! I take the D train to the 71st Avenue subway stop in Forest Hills and catch the Q74 straight to QCC. My next stop will be to transfer to a four-year college to finish my bachelor’s degree.”
Meet Anaf Akand, third semester, Engineering Science, Peer Menor, Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)
“My turning point was in high school when I attended an event held at Queens College called “Math 2000”. I worked on projects with lots of students from other schools--even grad students. The experience cemented my passion for math and inspired me to take charge of my education. At QCC, doors continue to open. I am conducting undergraduate research and get so much encouragement from my professors. Now I’m focused on continuing my education and eventually pursuing a doctorate either at Stony Brook University or a CUNY college.”
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