|
Andres Soto
Physical Education Major
Class of 2025 Valedictorian
Two decades ago, Andres Soto walked away from college with a low GPA and a lingering
sense of failure. This June, he’ll walk the stage as Kingsborough Community College’s
Class of 2025 valedictorian, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a renewed sense
of purpose.
Soto, now 40, returned to school after years in a job that left him unfulfilled. Encouraged
by his partner, inspired by his sister—who had recently returned to college and completed
her degree—and driven by the desire to right an old wrong, he enrolled at Kingsborough
to study physical education.
“I always knew I could do better than I did my first time around, so the desire to
right a wrong from my past was always there,” Soto said. “I would constantly tell
my significant other how I had so much talent when I was younger, and she would always
tell me the talent was still there. She was very straightforward. She told me, if
I wanted to go teach, do it!
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn since the age of 5, Soto chose physical
education because it combined two things he is passionate about: sports and teaching.
“I love sports,” he enthused. “I grew up playing baseball starting at 8 years old,
playing for St. Michael’s Church in Sunset Park until I hit the age limit, and I was
on the handball team in high school. Outside of formal teams, I played basketball
and football regularly. I also played many other sports any chance I got, like during
family/friend reunions, random park visits, and school events.”
“I’ve always enjoyed teaching others,” he shared. “When I was younger, I tutored friends
and helped classmates study. In my current job, I take every opportunity to train
my coworkers. Many of them have told me I have a natural talent and the patience for
teaching—and that I’d missed my calling. So I decided to make it my calling.”
At Kingsborough, Soto did more than succeed—he thrived. He joined the Recreation Club
and quickly became its secretary, then president. Under his leadership, the club created
events that brought students, staff, and faculty together across campus. He designed
flyers, logos, and t-shirts. He hosted events from basketball games to Olympics-themed
activities. For his efforts, he received Kingsborough’s 2025 Gold Student Leadership
Award.
But academics always came first. Soto was accepted into the Honors Program and Phi
Theta Kappa and made the Dean’s List several times. His honors projects ranged from
research on risk management in high school baseball to attempting to build an open
educational resource (OER) curriculum for adapted physical education.
One of his proudest moments came during a fieldwork internship at the Melissa Riggio
Higher Education Program. He adapted physical education courses for a class of about
20 adults with developmental disabilities for a semester, applying principles learned
in a required course on therapeutic recreation taught by Prof. MaryLou Fierle and
his experience helping students with disabilities during Recreation Club events. “It
was a challenge I never expected. I learned a lot about building meaningful bonds
with my students,” Soto said. “The experience was another example of Kingsborough
faculty being exceptionally supportive outside of the classroom. Prof. Fierle was
there to assist me with any questions I had and helped me brainstorm ideas for my
classes. It was not an easy feat, and I admire those who advocate for people with
disabilities even more now than I did before.”
Balancing work, school, and leadership wasn’t easy. Soto managed it with discipline
and careful planning. “You have to be willing to sacrifice,” he said. “But if you
organize early, it gets easier.”
He also credits Kingsborough faculty for supporting him every step of the way. Prof.
Juan Carlos Franquiz, in particular, stood out. “He was the reason I knew I was doing
the right thing by going back to school. From day one, he would answer or return my
calls—no matter the day or time. He gave me academic and personal advice, especially
on how to balance my busy life,” Soto said. “His passion for teaching, his caring
nature for students, and his appreciation for those who help others are qualities
I want to emulate myself when I become a teacher.”
Having graduated from Kingsborough in January 2025, Soto is now resuming his studies
at Brooklyn College, determined to complete the work he began years ago. He hopes
to teach physical education at the high school or college level and is already thinking
about a master’s degree and a doctorate.
Being named valedictorian is something he’s dreamed of since elementary school. “I
remember wishing I was that person up there on stage at every graduation I attended—including
the ones that were not my own—just so that I could make my parents prouder. I am excited
to have a platform to share my story.”
As valedictorian, he sees his speech as a chance to motivate others. “Take advantage
of your youth,” he said. “But if you stumble, it’s never too late. The time will pass
anyway—use it wisely.”
Soto’s advice to anyone in a similar situation: Don’t give up. “It’s okay to ask for
help. Be honest about your struggles. And remember, showing up is more than half the
battle.”
Looking back, Soto doesn’t just see a diploma. He sees proof of what’s possible. “Where
others see a certificate,” he said, “I see hard work, dedication, and the chance to
finally make my family proud.”
|
