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MCC Daily Tribune

MCC Proud: Meet Afiya Farrell

Afiya Farrell joined Monroe Community College (MCC) in February 2025 as a First Year Experience Librarian at the LeRoy V. Good Library on the Brighton Campus. She serves as a liaison to the School of Social Sciences & Global Studies.

Family and her love of books led her to her current career. “When I came to America (I am from Trinidad & Tobago), my mother used to read to me every night,” she said. “I loved books and would spend all of my time in Borders and Books or the Arnett Library.”

Farrell attended Nazareth College, now Nazareth University, for English, psychology, and studio art (metalsmithing). She later attended the University at Buffalo for her Master of Library and Information Science degree.

Originally, Farrell wanted to become a forensic psychologist/journalist, later shifting her interest to art therapy. “When I was finishing my senior year at Nazareth, a librarian showed me how to do research in a different way than I was used to, and I was gobsmacked,” she said. “I realized that I truly want to help disseminate information to people, and by being a librarian, I can continuously learn and share things with people who need it.” 

Reflecting on her early days at MCC, Farrell recalls arriving during a tense period when Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity was escalating in Rochester. She was struck by the faculty and staff’s dedication to ensuring the safety of students and colleagues. “I knew then how much faculty and staff care about the MCC community,” she said. “It is truly telling when others put themselves in front of others to ensure their safety and access to education.”

When asked what advice Farrell would give current students or those considering enrolling in MCC, Farrell said, “Ask questions. Ask where to go for research help (Me!). Ask how to get help with resources while living on campus (DWIGHT). Ask yourself if you are in a safe space. You are in control of your future, and college is where you will grow more into yourself than anywhere else. Please take advantage of everything that MCC and the libraries have to offer.”

Outside of MCC, Farrell also works as a public librarian, serving at several libraries across Rochester. “I am part of the Archive of Black History and Culture committee here in Rochester, and I help out various people to put on events,” she said. In fact, Farrell recently helped Glorified by Gloria put on the Rooted in Radiance hair show!

Fun Facts About Afiya:

  • Courtney: If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be?
    • Afiya: Eggs. I love eggs. I will have extra in my Mangu, my noodles, rice, anything really that pairs well with eggs, I will eat it. 
  • Courtney: What is your favorite movie?
    • Afiya: This is hard. Maybe it's the librarian in me, but it depends on the genre. For now, I will say The Fifth Element.
  • Courtney: What is your favorite sports team?
    • Afiya: Manchester United! 
  • Courtney: What is your biggest fear?
    • Afiya: Heights. And worms. *shivers*
  • Courtney: Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?
    • Afiya: I'm kind of a Renaissance woman. I know how to do a lot of things that you won't really expect. 
  • Courtney: If you could attend a dinner with any celebrity, living or dead, who would you choose?
    • Afiya: This is hard. Every celebrity will be a musician, so I think either Doechii or Pusha T or Kendrick or Pharrell. 
  • Courtney: Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning?
    • Afiya: Staying up late. I work better at night.
  • Courtney: Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
    • Afiya: You do not have to be everyone's friend. I believe the first friend you should make is yourself. 
  • Courtney: What destination do you hope to visit one day?
    • Afiya: I want to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible. (I love traveling)
  • Courtney: What activities do you participate in over the weekend?
    • Afiya: I am a HUGE napper. But when my friends drag me out of bed, I like going to random music festivals and trying new foods. 
  • Courtney: Is there anything else that you want people to know about you?
    • Afiya: I have a cat, Nero Willywumpus Farrell, and I love him dearly. Y'all can see his picture on our gallery wall in the library! I have a lot of interests, but right now I am looking into making my own teas. 

Photo caption: A professional headshot of Afiya Farrell wearing a black top and gold jewelry as she smiles at the camera.

Attached Files:
afiya 2.jpg

Courtney Weimar
Community Relations
11/12/2025