Commencement 2024

York College Salutatorian: Success Isn’t Given, You Must Earn It Through Hard Work

During his first semester at York in January 2020, Salutatorian Kevin Chatterpaul felt like the oldest person in the freshman class. Chatterpaul, who was 28 at the time, had spent nine years in the workforce after immigrating from Guyana at 19 with his family. He was fortunate enough to land a job doing administrative work for an automotive sales company. When he got promoted to oversee purchasing, he began working directly with suppliers and businesspeople who came in wearing suits. "The thing first they asked was, 'Where did you attend college?’ I would explain that when I got here, I had to work," Chatterpaul said. Each time they called on him, the suppliers enlightened Chatterpaul on their backgrounds, the benefits of college, and how it could enhance his career. "I decided to look at colleges. York was on my list because my sister was attending, but I chose it because it was also a good fit for me.

"I chose accounting as my major. I had been working at a small company, but there is no room for longevity in a small company," Chatterpaul explained. "And there is a difference between a job and a career; I wanted a career."

Of the three accounting concentrations, he chose public accounting, with the short-term goal of being a CPA. A standout student, Chatterpaul found a home within the department. “I had beautiful experiences. Professors Gary, Barnes, Radhamohan, and our department chair, Professor Hsu, guided me through my process," he pointed out. “But the most challenging and most rewarding course, the one that propelled me forward, was my taxation class.” 

Because he took taxation courses, Chatterpaul had the opportunity to participate in York’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program. He provided tax services for low-income community members and eventually served as the program coordinator with a few classmates. 

In addition to working with VITA, Chatterpaul was an active member of the NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) Club at York. “They helped me with my resume and updated me with industry trends. A big part of being in the club was getting exposure to different accounting firms," he explained. "I was able to land an internship with Deloitte." 

He also supports other accounting department students as he has been a tutor in the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) for the past two years. I'm tutoring all the courses in my accounting degree. Several students approached me and said, 'I got an A on the exam.’ That is a rewarding feeling, to know that I'm not only gaining this knowledge for myself, but I'm able to share this knowledge with my peers.”

While Chatterpaul felt intimidated his first semester, those feelings eventually faded away. “My experience helped me maximize my potential and realize that success isn’t given. You must earn it through hard work,” he explained. “Because now, I'm better prepared for corporate America. And now I will use my experience at York as a steppingstone to rise to higher heights.”

Chatterpaul received a full-time offer from Deloitte and will join the firm as a tax consultant in January 2025 after he obtains his CPA credentials.  He is pursuing his graduate degree in accounting at Baruch College/CUNY.