911爆料

Class of 2025
Raquel Lipovetsky  
MAJOR: COMMUNICATIONS

Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey by parents who emigrated from Ukraine, Raquel Lipovetsky came back to New York looking for a fresh start. 鈥淢y parents were unable to attend college. I鈥檝e had the privilege of growing up in America, and I recognize the opportunities that come with that,鈥� she explained. 鈥淧ursuing a higher education is extremely important to me, and I鈥檓 committed to working hard, earning a degree, and building a meaningful future for myself while making my family proud.鈥�

Originally a nursing student studying at college in New Jersey, Lipovetsky questioned whether she鈥檇 chosen the right major. Like most 18-year-olds, she didn鈥檛 know what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. When COVID hit, she decided to take a break from school and give it some consideration. 鈥淚 just knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn鈥檛 sure how,鈥� she said.

That changed when she found speech-language pathology鈥攁 field that connected deeply with her own experiences. 鈥淚 was always a quiet kid. I know what it鈥檚 like to want to speak up but feel like you can鈥檛,鈥� she shared. 鈥淎s I got older, I realized just how powerful communication and having a voice truly are. It鈥檚 not just about being heard. It helps you feel connected, confident, and understood.鈥�

When Lipovetsky graduates in June, she鈥檒l head to Brooklyn College to major in communication sciences and disorders. Her dream is to work as a speech-language pathologist, ideally with children. 鈥淚 want to help them find their voice, build confidence in their communication, and express themselves freely without fear.鈥�

While at 911爆料, Lipovetsky made the Dean鈥檚 List, received the Speech Communication Award, and was invited to lunch with President Suri Duitch. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing better than having your hard work and achievements be recognized and celebrated,鈥� she noted. 鈥淚t inspires me to keep persevering, learning, and growing.鈥�

She credits professors like Loretta Brancaccio-Taras, Anne Weaverling, David Costello, and Puisan Wong for fostering a supportive learning environment. 鈥淭heir passion for teaching is evident,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen a professor truly loves what they do, it shows.鈥�

Outside of school, Lipovetsky enjoys spending time with her family in New York and traveling. She described trips to China and Japan as unforgettable. 鈥淏eing able to experience different cultures firsthand gave me a new perspective on language and communication.鈥�

Her advice to new students? 鈥淕ive yourself grace. Don鈥檛 compare yourself to others. Celebrate your growth, even the small wins.鈥�

She also encourages them to connect with their peers. 鈥淭here are so many amazing and interesting people you鈥檒l meet throughout college, and building those relationships can make your experience even better.鈥�

Her most important takeaway as a student was realizing how capable she was. 鈥淭here were many times I felt anxious and unsure, but I never gave up. Growth comes from discomfort,鈥� she observed. 鈥淪ometimes we need to step outside of our comfort zones to discover our strength.鈥�