Meet Members of the Class of 2025

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. “My parents were unable to attend college. I’ve had the privilege of growing up in America, and I recognize the opportunities that come with that,” she explained. “Pursuing a higher education is extremely important to me, and I’m committed to working hard, earning a degree, and building a meaningful future for myself while making my family proud.”

Originally a nursing student studying at college in New Jersey, Lipovetsky questioned whether she’d chosen the right major. Like most 18-year-olds, she didn’t 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. “I just knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how,” she said.

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

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

While at Kingsborough, Lipovetsky made the Dean’s List, received the Speech Communication Award, and was invited to lunch with President Suri Duitch. “There’s nothing better than having your hard work and achievements be recognized and celebrated,” she noted. “It inspires me to keep persevering, learning, and growing.”

She credits professors like Loretta Brancaccio-Taras, Anne Weaverling, David Costello, and Puisan Wong for fostering a supportive learning environment. “Their passion for teaching is evident,” she said. “When a professor truly loves what they do, it shows.”

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

Her advice to new students? “Give yourself grace. Don’t compare yourself to others. Celebrate your growth, even the small wins.”

She also encourages them to connect with their peers. “There are so many amazing and interesting people you’ll meet throughout college, and building those relationships can make your experience even better.”

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