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Onofrio Bartolotta

Class of 2024. B.A. Political Science. B.A. Italian Grades 7-12. Minor in Spanish.

I am a high school Italian Teacher. While I was pursuing my undergraduate degree at CSI, I landed an internship at Minds Beyond Measure. They were particularly interested in my studies due to the cultural knowledge that one gains when majoring in a foreign language. Learning about different cultures indeed provides an individual with better capabilities for working in multinational and multicultural organizations. During my internship, I assisted in a major project, whose goals involved providing water fountains to schools in the remote and impoverished areas of the Philippines. While at CSI, I also worked as tutor and lab attendant at the Language Lab with a wonderful team of student tutors. I am currently a middle school Italian teacher, and I couldn’t be happier! My coursework and tutoring experience at CSI prepared me for my dream job.

Alan Bass

Class of 2025. B.S. Biology. B.A. Spanish.

I am pursuing a career as physician. Studying a foreign language at CSI has supported my career development since I am entering the healthcare field, and I know that as a practicing physician, I will be exposed to patients of various different backgrounds and cultures, so I feel fortunate that I will be able to provide a safer and more comfortable experience to my future Spanish speaking patients. I believe that understanding all different kinds of backgrounds and cultures is the key to connection in this modern world. As a non-Hispanic learner of the language, I am aware of my privilege, and thankful for all the history I was able to learn in my classes, as well the exposure to hearing from Latinx individuals in my classes, their stories and truths, especially with all the political turmoil of the last period. Overall, receiving a Spanish degree has had tremendous impacts on my future as a physician and on my personal growth as well.

Angelina D'Aquino

Class of 2021. B.A. English. Minor in English Literature. Minor in American Sign Language.

I am a High School ASL Teacher. I entered �鶹��Ƶ as an English Education major and took American Sign Language simply to fulfill a language requirement. What began as an interest quickly became a passion. After graduating, I began teaching in Binghamton, NY while earning my master’s degree at Binghamton University. There, the high school’s ASL teacher encouraged me to apply for her position when she announced her retirement. Thanks to my ASL minor, I had enough credits to earn a supplementary certification and was offered the job. I later completed my remaining coursework through CSI and earned my professional ASL teaching certification. I never expected a language minor I chose “for fun” to shape my career in such a meaningful way. 

Lamarana Diallo

Class of 2021. B.A. Psychology. Minor in French. 

I am completing my Master's degree in Education. I am originally from Guinea, West Africa. I chose to minor in French so I would not lose the language and could continue using it in my future. While studying French at CSI, I became a French tutor at the Modern Languages Media Center for two years, where I supported students with French practice, homework, and language development. My experience as a French tutor helped shape my passion for teaching, and in fact, I am completing this year my Master’s Degree in Education. Studying French at CSI also allowed me to travel to Paris and reconnect with people back home, as well as to use French professionally, including job opportunities as translator. My time studying French and working at the Modern Languages Media Center remains one of the highlights of my college experience.

Yesica Diaz

Class of 2023. B.A. Spanish. Minor in English Literature. Minor in LACLS

I am a high school teacher of Spanish, and I am pursing a Master's degree at the Graduate Center. Born in Guatemala, I came to the United States feeling the need to move away from my cultural roots in order to fit in. Through the Spanish program at CSI, I reconnected with my language, heritage, and identity, learning more about my culture than ever before. With the support and guidance of dedicated professors at CSI, I earned a scholarship to continue my studies at the graduate level. Today, I am a high school Spanish teacher, grateful for the education and mentorship that shaped both my personal and professional journey.

Asmaa Elamrousy

Class of 2015. B.A. International Studies. Minor in Political Science. Minor in Arabic. 

My academic journey was deeply shaped by the opportunity to study interdisciplinary courses in language, politics, economics, sociology, history, and geography at a meaningful level. The Arabic courses taught emphasized both linguistic precision and cultural depth, allowing me to develop a strong command of the Arabic language that continues to influence my professional life today. The comprehensive education I pursued at CSI cultivated adaptability, cultural awareness, and the ability to navigate complex conversations across communities. Those skills have become foundational to my work in both interpretation and real estate, industries where trust, integrity and communication are essential. I remain grateful for the mentorship and academic foundation that helped transform a passion for learning people into meaningful professional opportunities.

Laura Gambino

Class of 2023. B.A. Italian Grades 7-12

I am a high school Italian teacher. When I first arrived in the United States from Italy, I discovered a passion for sharing my native language and culture with others, which led me to pursue teaching as a profession. CSI played a key role in shaping my educational path, allowing me not only to strengthen my knowledge of Italian literature but also to develop a deeper and more critical understanding of it. I truly loved being a student at CSI. I have now been a high school Italian teacher for almost three years, and I continue to rely on CSI as I pursue my Master’s degree. The language lab was my happy place, where I had the opportunity to work as tutor of Italian, engage with other students and learn from their cultures. It was my first experience in a multicultural environment, which has greatly influenced my teaching in today’s diverse classrooms. Working as an Italian tutor helped me better understand the challenges that learners from different linguistic backgrounds face when studying Italian.

Pharlande Nessa Gaspard Zamor

Class of 2018. Major in Science, Letters, and Society. Minor in French.

Michelle Gonzalez

Class of 2022. B.S. Computer Science. Minor in Spanish

I work in Cybersecurity. When I picked my major and minor, my main goal was practical. I wanted to study something that would help me get hired and allow me to support myself and contribute to the institution and my community. However, over time, I realized that education is about much more than employment. As I progressed in my career, especially when I became a mentor, I understood even more the value of being bilingual. I have worked with new employees, and because I am fluent in Spanish, I have been able to support, motivate, and guide them. I have learned that speaking a second language is not just a skill for a résumé. It is a way to help others, to mentor new employees, and to create opportunities for connection and leadership. Spanish has strengthened my ability to connect, lead, and serve in my professional field. It has opened doors, enhanced my work experiences, and allowed me to support others in meaningful ways.

Brianna Kelly

Class of 2024.  B.S. Engineering Science and B.A. Italian Studies

I am pursuing a career as Circus Engineer. I am a passionate Aerial Arts performer and instructor, but my dream is to work as an Engineer for Cirque du Soleil.  The proficiency in Italian that I gained at CSI enabled me to attend aerial training opportunities in Italy upon graduation,  where I studied and interacted in Italian  with the engineers who setup some of the structures for Cirque du Soleil.

Xue Qing Liang

Class of 2016. B.S. Chemistry Grades 7-12. Minor in Chinese.

I am a high school Bilingual Chemistry teacher. As a native speaker, I already spoke Chinese, but studying it academically at CSI helped me gain a deeper understanding of the language. I learned how Chinese characters are formed and how they originate from daily life, which I had never formally studied before. Learning Chinese strengthened my oral communication skills, which later benefited me in my career when teaching a bilingual chemistry class. From a career perspective, being proficient in Chinese is a strong advantage when applying for jobs or internships. I can connect with more people and bridge language barriers in professional settings.

Herman Low

Class of 2022. B.A. Psychology. Minor in French.

I am a Medical student. I’m currently in a one-year linkage program at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, where I will start as a MS1 in August 2026. Learning French has helped me connect with patients, especially those who do not speak English. I’m not fluent, but being able to speak a little in their language goes a long way in making them feel more seen and heard.

Joseph Mansur

Class of 2018. B.A. Italian and Spanish Grades 7-12.

I am the Director of Information Systems for a technology company. When I first started college, my path looked very different. I fully intended to become an Italian and Spanish high school teacher. During my time at CSI, I worked as a tutor at the Modern Languages Media Center. It was an incredible experience because I got to work alongside other language lovers and meet students from all walks of life, some taking a language because they had to, others because of their family or heritage, and even some who didn't enjoy it at first, but eventually grew to appreciate it thank also to my help. Today instead, I lead global technology teams and partner with colleagues around the world. While my career ultimately took an unexpected direction, my language studies shaped me in ways that continue to influence how I lead and connect with my teams; they taught me how to listen, adapt and understand different perspectives, all skills that are fundamental to business leadership. If there is one thing that my journey has taught me is that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone, and language learning asks you to do exactly that. Language courses challenge you, stretch you, and change the way you see the world. Even if your career takes you in an unexpected direction like mine did, the perspective and adaptability you gain through studying languages and cultures will stay with you forever.

Samantha Massey

Class of 2018. B.A. Italian Grades 7-12

I am the 6th Grade Dean at George L. Egbert, I.S.2.  My professional interests are focused on instructional leadership and world language education, with the long-term goal of serving as an Assistant Principal of Foreign Languages. I developed my passion for the Italian language while studying Italian literature at CSI, and I discovered my passion for teaching while working as Italian Tutor at the CSI language lab. At CSI, I also obtained a M.A. in English Literature and studied abroad in Florence twice, a place that I continue visiting and consider my Italian home, and where I dream of taking my own students.

Dr. Amanda Oliva

Class of 2019. B.A. Psychology. Minor in American Sign Language. 

I am an American Sign Language Interpreter, the author of "Inclusion", and a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategist committed to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and human rights. My journey began at the College of Staten Island (CSI), where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in American Sign Language. Studying human behavior alongside the linguistic and cultural foundations of ASL gave me a deep understanding of how communication, identity, and accessibility shape people’s lived experiences. Immersing myself in Deaf culture while exploring psychological principles revealed the powerful intersections between language, equity, and social justice, ultimately setting the foundation for the career I have today. 

Rosa Palmeri

Class of 2022. B.A. Italian Grades 7-12. Minor in Disabilities Studies. 

I am a high school Italian teacher. Studying Italian at the College of Staten Island helped shape my path as an educator. Working in the language tutoring lab as an Italian tutor allowed me to build strong connections with students and gain the confidence I needed to pursue a career in teaching. Today I'm an Italian teacher and I continue to support students with language skills and cultural understanding, and these are all things that I learned to do at CSI.

Emily Phelps

Class of 2014. CUNY B.A. International Political Studies and Chinese Language and Literature Studies.

I am the Assistant Director of Afterschool Programs for the New York Center for Interpersonal Development. Learning Chinese has given me the opportunity to do things in my life that I never would have dreamed of.  It is something that I am very passionate about, and it makes me very proud.  I have travelled to China and studied there,  I have worked in a Chinese art gallery and school, I have taught calligraphy to American students, and English to Chinese students. In my capacity as Assistant Director, I write curriculum and help supervise programs. I use my ability to speak Chinese to communicate with our families, and I believe that it has helped some of our programs grow, and it has given us a stronger relationship with the communities that we serve. 

Brianna Richardson

Class of 2016. B.S. Biology. Minor in Chinese. 

I am a Dental Hygienist.  Learning Mandarin has helped me academically in more ways than one than beyond just learning a second language. It has strengthened my pattern recognition skills, focus, and my ability to stay calm when I'm working through complex information. Mandarin requires attention to tone and structure and context, which train me to recognize patterns rather than rely on just memorization regarding academics. Academically, it has been especially helpful in learning subjects like pharmacology or oral pathology. Instead of seeing drug names in pharmacology and mechanisms as isolated facts that can be overwhelming to a student that has never learned this before, I am able to recognize patterns in names and compositions. It has trained me to extract key details and sequence information clearly and paraphrase patient statements to ultimately better cater my treatment to that specific patient.

Eugenia Tejeda

Class of 2018. B.A. Spanish. Minor in LACLS. Minor in Sociology/Anthropology.

I am the Director of Support Services at Community Health Action of Staten Island. After graduation, I became a bilingual case manager in New Jersey, supporting Latin families navigating cultural and language barriers. I conducted home studies for children arriving at the  U.S.–Mexico border, communicating entirely in Spanish. Every child that  I interviewed, every family that I supported, Spanish was what made me effective in my role. It went beyond translating words. The cultural studies that I gained at CSI enabled me to translate their stories, their experiences, and their struggles, so they felt understood and supported.

Jonathan Torres

Class of 2018. B.A. Spanish Grades 7-12. Minor in LACLS

I am a High School Spanish teacher. Since graduating from CSI, I have had the privilege of teaching Spanish at my alma mater, Fort Hamilton High School. Thanks to the confidence I built at CSI, I have been able to work with beginner and heritage language learners using authentic material that deepens their understanding of language and culture. While at CSI, I also studied abroad in Cuba through a unique CUNY program, which strengthened my understanding of pedagogy and expanded my perspective as an educator.  I am deeply grateful for the preparation and opportunities that the CSI Spanish program gave me.

Marisa Toth

Class of 2017. B.A. International Studies. B.A. Political Science. Minor in Chinese.

I am a ESL Teacher in Taiwan China. Upon graduation, I wanted to use my language skills to travel, and I applied to work as a ESL Teacher in China. I had never traveled abroad on my own, and the profiency in Chinese that I gained at CSI gave me the confidence to do so. Despite having no prior plans for a career in education, I quickly discovered a passion for teaching young children. This leap into a new culture not only launched an unexpected career, but it also led me to meet my husband while we were both working in China. We now live in Taiwan, where we raise our daughter in a Chinese-speaking household.

Dr. Sophia Varriano

Class of 2015. B.S. Biology. Minor in Spanish.

I am a Senior Scientist in Translational Pathology. My time at CSI launched my research career and strengthened my language skills, which have been integral to my professional growth. Speaking Spanish has opened doors to meaningful connections and impactful professional experiences. During my Ph.D. training, speaking Spanish allowed me to build strong scientific connections with mentors, faculty, and researchers across the Hispanic world. During my Postdoctoral fellowship, I collaborated with scientists to help translate medical and scientific program curricula. While working in academia, I was able to partake in meaningful cultural experiences because of my knowledge of Spanish, and I led a science outreach program in Argentina, where I taught hands-on Science courses to sixth graders and high school students. Currently working in the pharmaceutical industry, I regularly use Spanish to collaborate with global partners on research projects and to exchange mentorship. I also volunteer in industry events that celebrate, connect, and engage Hispanic and Latino professional networks. I am deeply grateful for every opportunity to practice and strengthen my Spanish. Speaking Spanish is a lasting part of who I am, and it has allowed me to pursue professional and personal growth opportunities across multiple languages and communities.