Afghanistan native and OACES student Negina Safi named NYACCE Student of the Year

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is celebrating a powerful story of determination and resilience after one of its adult education students received a prestigious statewide honor. Negina Safi, a student at the Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES), has been named the 2026 Student of the Year by the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education.

For Negina, the recognition marks more than just an academic milestone. It represents a journey that began thousands of miles away under circumstances that made education nearly impossible.

Originally from Afghanistan, Negina was forced to abandon her high school education due to the Taliban’s restrictions on girls attending school. Under that regime, opportunities for young women to pursue education were limited or nonexistent. Like many others facing the same reality, Negina’s dreams of learning had to be put on hold.

But when she eventually arrived in Rochester, everything changed.

Instead of allowing past barriers to define her future, Negina began rebuilding her path through education. She enrolled in adult education courses through OACES and quickly stood out for her determination, discipline, and unwavering focus on her goals.

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Today, Negina is working toward earning her GED while planning for the next step—entering a community college medical program. Her long-term ambition is to pursue a career in healthcare, a field where she hopes to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Yet her responsibilities do not end in the classroom.

Within her family and the wider community, Negina has become a vital support system. She frequently assists relatives by translating between Pashto and English during important appointments, helping bridge communication gaps that many immigrant families face.

Her ability to step into that role has made everyday tasks—from medical visits to official meetings—much easier for those around her.

At the same time, Negina balances education with work. She currently holds a job at the global logistics company Amazon while attending daytime adult education classes. The demanding schedule would challenge almost anyone, yet she continues to push forward with remarkable consistency.

Since September 2025, Negina has also been part of the Making a Connection (MAC) program, an initiative designed to help adult learners prepare for both higher education and the workforce. The program focuses on mentorship, career planning, and practical skills that help students successfully transition into new professional paths.

Her dedication inside the program has been evident to the educators who work with her.

“This journey was not easy, but I did not give up,” said Negina. “I learned to stay strong and keep going. This award is not only for me, but this award is also for everyone.”

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Those who nominated her say that attitude is exactly why she stood out among students across the state.
Mr. Greer, who put her name forward for the award, says Negina’s perseverance has been inspiring to witness.
“I nominated Negina because in the face of incredible challenges, she has persisted and will accomplish her goals,” said Greer.

The recognition from the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education highlights not only academic success, but also the personal determination many adult learners bring with them to the classroom.

For Negina, the honor reflects years of persistence—moving across continents, overcoming educational barriers, balancing work and study, and supporting family members along the way.

She will officially receive the award during the NYACCE annual conference on April 30, 2026, where educators and adult learning advocates from across New York State will gather to celebrate achievements in continuing education.

The Rochester City School District says Negina’s story embodies the very spirit of adult education: opportunity, resilience, and the belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream.

As she continues working toward her GED and future medical studies, Negina’s journey is already inspiring others who may be starting their own educational paths later in life.