For Nyaira N. Staley, walking across the stage as Nassau Community College’s valedictorian last week was about much more than earning a perfect grade-point average.
A few years ago, the 25-year-old Lynbrook resident never imagined she would return to school after struggling with mental health and family challenges that made high school in Lynbrook feel overwhelming and isolating.
“I graduated by the skin of my teeth,” Staley recalled. “I had around 80 absences my senior year, and got suspended twice. I really struggled a lot.”
Now, after graduating from NCC with a 4.0 GPA as a media major, balancing several jobs, volunteering and hosting a radio show focused on self-love and personal growth, Staley hopes her story encourages others who may feel stuck or discouraged.
“I think the main thing I want people to take away is that you can begin again at any moment,” she said.
Staley’s path to academic success was far from traditional. A first-generation college student, she graduated from Patchogue Medford High School in 2018 before stepping away from education for six years to focus on healing herself emotionally and finding direction in her life after going through family challenges.
During those years, Staley focused on her mental health after struggling with depression, personal hardships and feelings of isolation that made it difficult for her to envision a future in school.
She then unexpectedly discovered a passion for storytelling with a digital camera she received as a teenager. After therapists encouraged her to keep a journal, she was drawn instead to filming video diaries.
“I don’t like writing,” she said with a laugh. “So I started filming myself talking to the camera.”
Over the years, while working at jobs such as nannying and trying to rebuild her life, those videos became a personal record of her growth, documenting moments of heartbreak, anxiety and self-reflection. Looking back at them helped her realize that painful moments eventually passed, even when they once felt impossible to overcome.
“It reminded me that where you are right now is not where you’ll always stay,” she said.
Then, one day, she felt compelled to return to school. “I just woke up one day with a calling in me that I could not ignore,” she said.
At 23, Staley enrolled at NCC, and decided to study media and film, hoping to explore her growing love for storytelling and content creation.
“I wanted it to be a better experience now that I was an adult,” she said. “I wanted to try really hard and get good grades.”
During orientation, she discovered the college’s radio station, WHPC, and decided to push herself outside her comfort zone. “At the time, I was really shy,” she said. “I thought maybe this would help me gain confidence speaking.” The experience transformed her, she said.
Staley began by prerecording radio shows before eventually moving to live broadcasts and later hosting programs including “The Nassau Mix” and “The Nassau Morning Madhouse.” Along the way, she said, she learned confidence often comes from doing things that feel uncomfortable.
“If you keep doing things you’re afraid of, eventually you aren’t afraid anymore,” Staley said.
Shawn Novatt, NCC’s radio director, praised Staley’s leadership, professionalism and creativity at the station in an email to the Herald.
“Ny’s work ethic, communication skills, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on our station,” Novatt wrote. “It is no surprise to see her recognized as valedictorian.”
Staley’s involvement with WHPC also helped open professional doors. She completed an internship with Cox Media Group, working at WBLI and WBAB, where she helped with content creation, social media, video editing and live events. She was recently hired by Cox as a part-time activation specialist.
Outside school, Staley balanced coursework with a a variety of jobs while getting involved in volunteer work at organizations such as St. Joe’s Soup Kitchen, at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, and the New York Buddhist Vihara, a Long Island Buddhist temple and meditation center.
“I always wanted to give back,” she said. “As I was receiving good things in my life, I wanted to make sure I was giving good things to other people, too.”
She also focused on improving her physical and mental wellness during her time at NCC, adopting healthier habits and using social media to promote positivity, nutrition and self-care.
Throughout her journey, Staley said, she relied on small daily affirmations to help her stay grounded during difficult moments. “I’ll look in the mirror and say, ‘Today will be a good day no matter what happens. I am capable of persevering,’” she said.
As valedictorian, Staley hopes her story resonates with people who feel behind in life or uncertain about their future.
“People think they need a Monday or a new year to start over,” she said. “But you can begin again at any moment.”
Maria Conzatti, Nassau Community College’s chief administrative officer, said Staley’s story reflects the opportunities community colleges can provide students searching for a fresh start.
“She has a bright future ahead of her,” Conzatti wrote in an email.
After graduation, Staley plans to continue working in media, filmmaking and storytelling, with the goal of creating content that encourages resilience, healing and hope.
For now, she hopes others take one message away from her journey. “Even when you doubt yourself, keep going,” she said. “Things can change more than you think.”
