Meet Iman Zahid, Queensborough's 2026 Valedictorian
“I wanted to surprise my family the day of commencement, but the joy of being named Valedictorian was too much to contain, it was written all over my face!” said Iman Zahid, an international student who will graduate with an associate in science (A.S.) degree (3.952 G.P.A.) in Computer Science at Queensborough Community College’s 65th Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 29.
By family, Iman means her parents and nine-year-old sister back home in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates—she speaks with them most nights on Zoom-- and her other sister, Manahil, who will graduate on the same day from Queensborough with an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in Nursing. “We have so much to celebrate!” said Iman.
Iman looked back. “I used to be, by nature, very shy. My hobbies were watching Anime, drawing, and reading. But I knew I wanted more than that, a new experience, whether that was living in a new country or being part of a different educational system. So, I thought, what if I just went for it?”
Iman decided to study abroad, focusing on colleges in New York, where her family had relatives. “Once I made this decision, my goals began to fall into place.”
“Getting accepted to QCC was my first ‘yes’. The beautiful campus, the computer science programs, the affordability and exposure to various activities--QCC checked all the boxes.”
Iman obtained her F1 Visa and enrolled at Queensborough in the fall of 2023 to study computer science.
“I quickly learned that staying in my own bubble was not an option if I wanted to thrive on campus.” Iman applied for and was accepted to the Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) for academic and career guidance and to hone her communication and networking skills. Currently, Iman tutors students in engineering technology and computer science at Queensborough’s Center for Tutoring and Academic Support (CTAS).
In May of 2024, Iman was inducted into the Lambda Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society at Queensborough.
It was through PTK that Iman discovered the deep satisfaction of volunteer work at the Lucille A. Bova Food Pantry. As a member of the Male Resource Center (MRC), which welcomes all Queensborough students, faculty, and staff, Iman connected with peers and reclaimed her delight in arts and crafts activities. In 2025 she presented her research findings at the QCC Spring Student Symposium, Undergraduate Research and Creative Works Day, the CUNY-wide Celebration of Undergraduate Research at John Jay College, and the York Converge Conference.
Her passion for community service blossomed into leadership roles at New York Cares through their SAT program, Fight Against Hunger, and waterfront events for people with disabilities.
Now, she’s looking ahead. “I want to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into my future goals, whether as a software engineer, web developer or by writing script-based works. And I see myself pursuing these potential careers in the colleges and universities I’ve applied to where I will continue my path towards my bachelor’s and master's degrees and eventually doctorate studies. Of course, CUNY is right up there—I love CUNY.”
Iman paused and considered what it will be like to look out at the smiling faces of her fellow graduates and the message she wants to impart on this day.
“We found our yes!”
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