Meet Your Student Government
Steven Lakhter
Student Government Senator
Brooklyn native Steven Lakhter, who grew up in Bensonhurst and now lives in Sheepshead Bay, chose Kingsborough for its proximity and familiarity, having previously taken continuing education classes there. “I decided KCC was the best fit for me in many ways. It’s the best decision I have made in my life,” said Steven of enrolling at Kingsborough. “I have never regretted this decision and wish I’d made it as soon as I finished high school.” He chose to major in liberal arts because he feels it will leave him open to any career.
As a student on the autism spectrum, he’s appreciative of Access-Ability Services for helping him get over what would be a huge hurdle: timed tests. “I have my accommodation for having extra time for tests because I need a lot of time to think, even though I studied. For example, in spring 2023 I had a math final exam that was online for two hours, but it took me three hours and 10 minutes,” he explained. “The extra time is important for me. Without this accommodation, it most likely would have been impossible for me to complete all the questions that were on that final.”
He is very active on campus. He participates in the Honors Program, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society and the Students Unlimited Club, and plays on the tennis team. He also tries to attend many campus events. “I act like sort of a mascot for KCC—just not officially.”
Recently elected Kingsborough Community College's Student Government Association senator, he said he ran for student government to help organize events. While in office, he would also like to address issues in the library. He hopes to improve the college experience for students and staff. He believes students should join SGA for the work experience and to gain the skills needed to become a better leader.
After graduating, Steven plans to pursue a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's in library science in order to fulfill his lifelong goal of becoming a librarian. He would also like to create and teach a class on disability history, ideally at Kingsborough.
Steven credits his academic success to showing up to class and participating. He advises new students to do the same, noting the same advice can be applied to everything in life.
He is also a big believer in the benefits of socializing and encourages students to participate in as many campus events as they can. "This is how I finally was able to create proper social circles and improve my social health by significant margins," he shared.
What he really likes most about KCC are the friendly students and staff. “I feel like this is an amazing home where I can spend a lot of time. I wish that I could actually live here, even though there are no dormitories.”