Sixty-First Commencement
Class of 2026
Chavindu Samaraweera
Media Arts major
Born in Sri Lanka, Chavindu Samaraweera moved to New York as a teenager in search of better education and career opportunities. "My path to Kingsborough was not a traditional one," he said. "I came back to college after taking time to work in different industries."
He spent years working in IT support, restaurant management, and freelance photography and videography before finding his way back to school. This year, he graduates from Kingsborough Community College with a degree in media arts.
“I’d originally studied computer science and engineering, but over time I realized my passion was in media production, storytelling, photography, and broadcasting. I enjoy combining technical production skills with creativity," he noted. “I chose KCC because of its strong media arts and broadcasting programs, hands-on learning environment, and supportive faculty.”
Getting to graduation after returning to school later in life had pressures of its own. It required balancing freelance photography jobs, personal responsibilities, and coursework simultaneously.
"I wanted to prove to myself that I could succeed academically while building a career," he said. "Those challenges are still there, but by staying focused, building strong routines, and using every opportunity at Kingsborough to improve my skills and confidence, I get by day to day."
He did more than get by. During his time at KCC, Chavindu worked as a college event photographer and media production assistant, helping with media labs, TV studios, radio production, and campus events. He is also a member of the student newspaper, Scepter, and the photography club.
“These experiences helped me improve technical skills such as lighting, editing, audio production, and live production workflows. I also learned how important teamwork, communication, and adaptability are in professional media environments,” he reflected.
His freelance work has taken him across New York City, covering fashion events, community programs, cultural performances, weddings, and projects for the New York City Department of Education.
“My education has strengthened both my technical skills and confidence, helping me approach projects more professionally and creatively,” he said. "What has been most meaningful to me is seeing my work used to represent the college community and tell stories that matter.”
Chavindu credits several people at KCC for changing his path, beginning with Financial Aid Specialist Ishani Gunasekara, who encouraged him to enroll in college when he was working odd jobs. "I never knew there was a media arts program, so that idea never existed for me," he said. "If she had not made this connection, I would not know when I would graduate or what I would be graduating in — or something that made me comfortable and happy."
He acknowledged Robert Wong, of Student Life and Publications, who welcomed him into Scepter. “I walked into Scepter after seeing that they wanted students for the publications in photography. Ever since, it has been my home.”
He also credited SU&IC Director Helen-Margaret Nasser and Aba Agolli, director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Events, for encouraging him to connect with media arts professor John Acosta, a meeting Chavindu says changed everything. "I never knew there was a media arts program, so that idea never existed for me," he said. "If Helen-Margaret Nasser had not made this connection, I would not know when I would graduate or what I would be graduating in — or about something that made me comfortable and happy."
“Professor John Acosta gave me insights about the program I was enrolled in, provided guidance when I had questions, and explained which courses I needed to complete to graduate,” continued Chavindu. Acosta has also advised him about colleges he could transfer to and connected him with professors from those colleges. “He even provided knowledge about the career I'm interested in and what to expect when I'm in that career, so I would have a deeper understanding and plan my future.”
After graduation, Chavindu plans to transfer to New York City College of Technology and continue building his career in broadcast production, cinematography, and documentary storytelling. His ultimate career goal is to work at a high professional level in the media industry, whether through broadcast production or film, commercial cinematography, or documentary storytelling. “I want to create impactful visual stories and tell stories that have never been told.”
“Kingsborough gave me the opportunity to rediscover my passion and build confidence in my future career path,” he concluded. “My experience here reminded me that it is never too late to pursue something you truly care about.”