Two-Time Valedictorian Strives to Uplift Others

Last year, Rachel Medina Lantigua served as valedictorian at her graduation from Rosa Parks High School in Paterson, an amazing achievement for a student who struggled through elementary school.

This year, Rashel graduated from PCCC with highest honors and her Associate in Science degree in exercise science. The first-generation college graduate delivered an impassioned and powerful address as a co-valedictorian at PCCC’s 53^rd Commencement, another amazing achievement for a student who described herself as “shy and insecure’ when she started college.

Both times, it was the transformative power of education, along with her own determination and faith, that brought Rashel further than she thought she could go.

As a child growing up in the Dominican Republic, Rashel had an even earlier learning experience that impressed upon her the value of education and influenced her choice to pursue a career as an occupational therapist.

“I had flat feet and received therapy that required me to wear big bulky boots. I was bullied by some of the other kids for that.”   Recognizing that young Rashel needed more than just   physical treatment, her therapist also provided the encouragement to face the bullies.  “I want to do that for others,” she said. “I want to help them with their physical needs, but it’s important to help with their mental and emotional needs, too.”

When Rashel was seven years old, her parents moved the family to the United States seeking better opportunities for their children. However, Rashel encountered bullies again in her new country and new school in Paterson.   

 “I had nobody to talk to,” she says. The other kids in the class spoke only English to me and ridiculed me, when I couldn’t.”  But when Rashel failed a school year and had to attend summer school, she experienced a turning point.  

“My summer school teacher helped me to see the learning process from a whole different perspective,” said Rashel. “She made me fall in love with literature and English, and writing.”

The youngest of seven siblings, Rashel also felt a debt to her parents. “They came to this country to give their children better opportunities,” she said. “I didn’t want to disappoint them.”

Inspired by her teacher, Rashel transformed into an honor student and became the valedictorian of her high school graduating class.

She was also among the first group of Paterson students to participate in Achieve 30, a new initiative that enables Paterson high school students to earn 30 college credits at PCCC during their senior year. “It was a really great opportunity to save money on college.”

Anticipating her first year on a college campus, Rashel set another goal for herself: To overcome her shyness.

Encouraged by her advisors, she joined PCCC’s  Student Government Association (SGA). was elected a senator, and also served on the student programming committee.

“Being in SGA really helped to improve my public speaking skills.” Even more, Rashel felt engaged and empowered.

“I learned to plan events, talk to caterers, and work with a team.” Rashel enjoyed the role of an SGA senator. “We advocate for students, so anytime the students needed anything, they would come to us, and we would work to make the changes needed.”

To prepare for her chosen career as an occupational therapist, Rashel majored in exercise science and loved learning about the intricate connections of the body and how they function in movement.  “Professor (Ann) Deblinger is so amazing in the way she explains the body. I really learned a lot in her class.”

Following through on her goal to offer more than just physical healing to her future patients, Rashel plans to transfer to Montclair State College to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology.  

In her valedictory address, Rashel said, “I arrived at PCCC a shy, timid girl… and depart a confident leader.”   She acknowledged her parents and other immigrant parents who took risks to give their children a better life, and expressed her deep religious faith that God “got me to this moment today.”

Focused on uplifting others, Rashel declared, “College isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about leveraging our knowledge to give back to our communities and uplift underserved areas like our own.” 

To her fellow graduates, she said “The education that you gained is not just for yourselves. It’s a tool to empower others and create a lasting impact.”  

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos by John O’Boyle