Shivan Mahabir

BA in Disability Studies

Class of 2019

Shivan Mahabir headshot
"CUNY SPS has expanded my knowledge and understanding about interacting and working with people with disabilities. It helped me become the assistant director of assistive technology at the College of Staten Island."

What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS? 

I really enjoyed the professors’ teaching styles along with the freedom of completing the course during my free time. Being a new parent, that meant a lot. 

What is the best piece of advice, or most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS? 

I will give the same advice that I was given: “just start with one class.” Also learning online is a big learning curve, but for a busy person it’s very helpful. As well as my quote “Don’t be defined by your disability, but by your ability to do what some may consider impossible.” -Shivan Mahabir

Who influenced you the most? Please feel free to include anyone from the CUNY SPS community including faculty, staff, or fellow classmates.

The people that have influenced me the most are my older brother Kelvin Mahabir, my wife Stacy Mahabir, and Carlos M. Herrera. Carlos was more than a colleague at Queensborough Community College, he was a great mentor and is a great friend.   

How has your CUNY SPS influenced your current job, and your career overall? 

CUNY SPS has expanded my knowledge and understanding about interacting and working with people with disabilities. It helped me become the assistant director of assistive technology at the College of Staten Island.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing all those smiling faces of students who were first registered in our office crossing the stage on Commencement day.  

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Growing and learning more about this field.

Read more about Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies