As the executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, Vijah Ramjattan ’10 is making a big impact on life in the city.
Ramjattan, a first-generation college student with Caribbean roots, credits his Hunter education with giving him purpose and helping mold him into a great success — and now he’s pointing the way for others.
Ramjattan gave the keynote address to the Class of 2029 at New Student Convocation on September 3 with a speech that gave good advice not only for students, but for the Hunter community at large. Here are his themes:
1. Remember That You Belong
For many students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college, the transition can feel both exciting and daunting. Ramjattan spoke directly to this feeling of uncertainty.
“I was the first in my family to go to college, and while I felt proud, I also felt nervous,” he said. “There was no roadmap for me to follow.”
“My message to you, Class of 2029, is this: You belong here. No matter your background, no matter what obstacles you’ve faced, you are part of this community now.”
2. Embrace the Community and Its Perspectives
A college education isn’t confined to textbooks and lecture halls. Ramjattan emphasized that some of the most profound learning happens through connection. He encouraged students to lean into the incredible diversity of the Hunter community.
“I found classmates who came from every corner of the globe and who opened my eyes to different perspectives,” he said.
Your peers, faculty, and mentors are an essential part of your education. The advice is simple: Ask questions. Take risks. Learn from each other. This engagement transforms knowledge into wisdom.
3. Find the ‘Why’ in Your Education
What is the purpose of learning? For Ramjattan, a question posed in a Hunter classroom became a guiding principle for his life and career. He wrestled with the idea: “What is the point of research if it doesn’t reach people’s lives?”
He later found the answer in his work, first in medical research and now in preventing hate crimes. “Knowledge matters most when it is used to make people’s lives better,” he said, urging students to look for the real-world impact of their studies and to connect their passions to a greater purpose.
4. Embrace the Journey of “Knowing Better”
Growth is a process, not a destination. Quoting Dr. Maya Angelou, Ramjattan offered a mantra for the years ahead: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Ramjattan told students their time at Hunter is an opportunity to challenge ideas, learn from mistakes, and evolve.
“You will be challenged with late-night study sessions and a demanding schedule, but these experiences are part of the journey. Embrace this process of growth, as you develop not just in what you learn, but in who you become,” he said.
5. Pave the Way for Others
Success isn’t just a personal achievement; it is a torch to be passed on. As a first-generation student, Ramjattan said he was acutely aware that his journey was built on the dreams of his family. He reminded the Class of 2029 that they now hold a similar responsibility.
“Being here is not just about your own success,” he said. “It is about paving the way for those who will come after you, just as you are building on the dreams of those who came before.”
