Category: Interviews

An interview with Khamit Orumbaev was conducted on April 20, 2021, in New York, NY, by Opeoluwa Olaniyan for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Khamit is a tutor for the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and at the Math Lab, and provides support with all math and physics classes taught at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). He is passionate about teaching and leaving a positive impact on the students. In this interview, Khamit discusses the importance of prioritizing the quality of human connections over money and other forms of material gains. He also reflects on the importance of improving our face-to-face interactions and communication in general so as to improve our personal lives, and also create a better world for everyone.

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An interview with Lala Ouedraogo conducted on March 17, 2021, in New York, NY by Jahkwan Taillefer for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Lala Ouedraogo comes from a culture where women’s submission to men is expected, and where women’s futures are unsure when they don’t enjoy the support of men. Breaking away from these societal norms, Lala managed to make her way to the United States where she pursued her education beyond what would have been possible for her in her own country, Burkina Faso. Her journey speaks of an inner strength and describes the transition from a young girl to an educated woman, who wishes nothing but to see similar opportunities for growth with less restraints in the lives of the women of today and tomorrow.

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An interview with Diya Qazeili Moushahwar was conducted on February 24, 2021, in New York, NY, by Wesley Sanders for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Diya Qazeili Moushahwar is a former Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) student who currently studies at New York University as a part of the Gallatin Guide Program, where she is specializing in science, medicine, and empire. Diya is an English Tutor, after-school educator, and community organizer. Diya was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and lived in New York for the past seven years. In this interview, Diya reflects on how she plans to change the world.

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An interview with Raymond Rojas was conducted on April 2, 2021, in New York, NY, by Ines Anous for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Raymond Rojas is a student of the Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs (ASAP) at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). Raymond spent his childhood in a cult that he left behind, and he is currently pursuing a degree in psychology. Raymond, in this interview, reflects on his times growing up in a cult and how this experience impacted his and other members’ lives.

An interview with Wesley Sanders was conducted on February 24, 2021, in New York, NY, by Diya Qazeili Moushahwar for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Wes is a graduate of the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and a student at New York University, concentrating on African-American representation in storytelling. Wes was born and raised in Parkchester, a neighborhood in the Bronx, where he hopes to one day teach English. In this interview, Wes discusses the urgent problem of police brutality against Black Americans and other poor communities of color, and what role he hopes to step into when approaching this problem.

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An interview with Sejlo Sagbohan was conducted on May 6, 2021, in New York, NY, by Opeoluwa Olaniyan for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Sejlo Sagbohan is a student in the Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). He is currently a freshman majoring in business management. Sejlo would love to start up his own business, and he believes the key to do that is through proper education and networking. Sejlo discusses some of the obstacles he faced when he first arrived in the United States, and how he was able to overcome them. Watch this interview to learn more about Sejlo’s journey and the change he would like to bring about.

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An interview with Jahkwan Taillefer was conducted on March 25, 2021, in New York, NY, by Ines Anous for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Jahkwan Taillefer is a native New Yorker born and raised in the Bronx. He was a student in the Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs (ASAP) at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). In Fall 2020, he graduated with a degree in computer science. Jahkwan’s graduation did not end his journey at BMCC; Jahkwan works at BMCC as an English and Computer Science Tutor. He now attends John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he is working towards a bachelor’s degree in cyber security. Jahkwan appreciates creativity for creativity’s sake. Watch his interview to hear his insight.

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An interview with Jasmin Vidal Ventura was conducted on March 20, 2021, in New York, NY, by Ines Anous for the Becoming the Change Interview Project.

Jasmin Vidal Ventura is a former student of the Accelerated Studies in the Associate Programs (ASAP) at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) and is currently studying international business at Baruch College. She worked as an ASAP Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leader providing support in math. Jasmin values diversity and is invested in learning about different cultures. In this interview, she reflects on the negative impacts of discrimination and shares her hopes for playing a role in creating a better world.

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