The TRIO program at 51吃瓜 is extraordinarily proud to announce that for the second time, a TRIO student has been named Valedictorian. This is Don Mahalli鈥檚 story.
Don was not always the most dedicated student academically before college. Like many others, he was unsure of what he wanted to do with his future career. In high school, he was a 鈥淏 average鈥� student and not very involved with extracurriculars; often feeling like an outsider. That would all change during his time at FSC. Amongst his many achievements at FSC, Don will graduate this month with having earned a cumulative 4.0 GPA through his final semester.
With the help of TRIO, Don reinvented himself at 51吃瓜 and was determined to perform at his best in all he did. He set high goals for himself and utilized the resources available to achieve them; which was how he found himself in the TRIO Student Support Services program in the fall of 2017.
Don consistently met with his initial TRIO Counselor, Ms. Tiffany Jamieson-Ward, who helped him stay on track academically and broadened his options for campus involvement. For example, with Ms. Ward鈥檚 support, Don took action in his desire to help break down ethnic stereotypes at Farmingdale and eventually became the Vice President of the Black Student Union.
In time, however, Don considered transferring to a 鈥渕ore prestigious鈥� Ivy League university. After several conversations with his subsequent TRIO Counselor, Mr. Ken Grotell, Don ultimately decided to not only complete his Bachelor's degree at FSC, but to make the most of his experience. He joined several campus committees including the Campus Safety Advisory Committee and RamChella. Don founded and is President of the Law Club, was Secretary of the Art and Design Club, and helped compose the mission statement for the Entrepreneur and Innovation Club, winning third place at the PSEG Innovation Challenge.
Was that enough for Don? NO!
He also served as a Senator in the Student Government Association, was a member of the Campus Life and Student Affairs Committee, interned for both New York State Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and Huntington Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and was the Marketing Director for MouthPeace Incorporated all while participating in TRIO events.
The beauty of Don鈥檚 college journey was that it was an adventurous exploration into what his passions were, how he could affect change, and ways he could improve himself without regret.
Don鈥檚 dedication and hard work ultimately paid off. TRIO is honored to celebrate Don鈥檚 many accomplishments and contributions. He is truly worthy of serving as Farmingdale State College鈥檚 Spring 2021 Valedictorian. Don exemplifies what it means to be a TRIO student and we look forward to seeing what else he will achieve in the future!
