David Lalchand’s Metamorphosis

David Lalchand was born in Guyana, but left the country in 2021 with plans to become a doctor. Lalchand was accepted into City College to pursue a degree in biology as the first in his family to go to college. His first semester was filled with math and science courses, subjects that always came naturally to him. Although after two semesters, he started getting an itch for something more aligned with his interests. “I felt burnt out from the biology classes,” says Lalchand, 23, “[I] wasn’t feeling satisfied with the work I was doing.”

As a kid, Lalchand was praised for his studious and disciplined qualities as his scholarly reputation brought respect to the family name. Leaving Guyana meant leaving behind those expectations and perceptions of him. He didn’t want those to be his defining traits, especially when his identity was much bigger than that. Lalchand now realizes that while Zeelugt, the conservative town where he grew up, offered a cocoon of safety and familiarity, it also shielded him from spreading his wings for too long.

After his first year at CCNY, he switched his major to communications. “I was interested in a career that I could use to get into the beauty, fashion, or nightlife industry,” says Lalchand.

But the decision didn’t come easily.  As the middle child in a family of four, Lalchand didn’t always feel seen for who he is. His identity was tied to his academics, and he had a calm and collected vibe, never the first to raise problems. The pressure of keeping up that image meant ignoring who he really was and rather, focused on who he needed to be for his family. As a kid, Lalchand carried a full plate of responsibilities, and figuring out who David really was usually came last.

Lalchand now enjoys being an active member of CCNY’s student body, often attending club events, and can usually be found hanging out with friends and classmates around campus. “My friends are one of the biggest support systems; they’ve helped me navigate problems in school and my personal life,” he says. “I’ve gained more self-respect these past years; honoring myself is what has given me confidence.”

In Guyana, Lalchand had been trained to dim his queerness, which also meant he toned down his self-expression. “It was tiring to be aware of all the parts you need to keep ‘in-check’,” he explains.

Lalchand dreamed of being unapologetically himself, and moving to New York City offered a gateway. He saw the people around him expressing themselves through their words, their style, and their interests. “I saw queer bars, clubs, and spaces that were made for people like me,” Lalchand says.

He felt safe and ready to grow his hair longer, wear makeup, and dress the way he felt most comfortable. “At first I was embarrassed to walk out of the room with makeup and heels on in front of my mom,” Lalchand says. “She hadn’t seen me like that before.”

His family’s acceptance meant the world to him. Lalchand’s sister, 21-year old Mariana who also attends CCNY, recalls her feelings when she saw him dressing differently “I felt happy seeing him express himself in a way I always knew he wanted to,” she says. “He became more open and confident.”

Since moving from home, Lalchand has also adopted New York’s hustle mentality, usually holding down a part-time job alongside being a full-time student. Even with a full plate, he always tries his best to preserve time for his social life. In his free time he enjoys going to the drag shows the city offers and being in nature. “It’s not ideal but I need to help support my family,” Lalchand says “It’s hard to juggle multiple responsibilities especially as a young adult trying to live life.”

Lalchand graduates with a degree in communications in December 2025. His time at CCNY has provided him with more than just textbook knowledge. “I made so many friends, went to networking events, and worked on projects I was actually passionate about,” Lalchand says with a smile.

He is also interested in becoming a flight attendant after he graduates and dreams of traveling and having more novel experiences. “Seeing new places and meeting new people is what satisfies me most.”

Now a senior in his last semester, Lalchand can look at the growth he’s had in his academic and personal life with pride. “I feel more myself than I ever had before,” he says. “The changes I had through my time here were more than physical, and it feels transformative.”