When Starr Giscombe was 15-years-old, she made a promise to herself.
One day, she would earn the title “Doctor.”
Years later, that promise has been fulfilled. At age 31, Starr Giscombe’s doctoral achievement is a personal and professional milestone that represents more than a new title: It is the result of years of perseverance and belief in herself.
“This is something I always wanted to do,” Dr. Giscombe, an assistant principal at BRHS, said. “It was a personal accomplishment for me.”
Her journey was not easy. Raised by her mother, Suzanie Cruz, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica with limited resources, Dr. Giscombe grew up understanding sacrifice at a young age. There were opportunities she did not have and challenges she had to navigate. She speaks openly about learning and overcoming hard lessons. Still, she refused to let her circumstances determine her future.
“I couldn’t let my mother’s efforts go to waste,” she said. “Despite everything, I made it.”
Growing up, she remembers being told both directly and indirectly that certain spaces were not meant for people like her. Instead of accepting that narrative, she said, “I made it my goal to put myself there anyway.”
Education became her pathway forward. As a student at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School in the Bronx, teachers recognized her potential early. By 10th grade, she had completed her Regents exams and participated in programs that allowed her to travel internationally. She graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class, a sign of the academic dedication that would continue throughout her career. Those experiences expanded her worldview and reinforced her belief that she was capable of more.
Her motivation came from both within and from the people around her. She credits her grandmother, Rachael Giscombe, her mother and former high school teachers and college professors. From her teenage years through the completion of her doctorate, they remained a steady source of support.
Her dissertation for Concordia University Wisconsin focused on the impact of restorative circles on student-teacher relationships in high school and the subsequent impact these relationships had on academic achievement. Her research found that the circles made a difference.
Close friend Takeiyah Brown says Dr. Giscombe’s determination was evident long before the title.
“She always knew this was something she wanted,’’ Ms. Brown said. “She’s the example of what it means to keep going and achieve despite what others may think of you.’’
Ms. Brown is proud and heart-warmed to see her friend accomplish something she had been speaking about since she was just a teenager. For Ms. Brown, hearing the title spoken aloud carried emotional weight.
“Our ancestors were the blueprint,” Ms. Brown said. “We are the reinforcers of all their blood, sweat, and tears,” she said, adding that she believes her friend’s accomplishment will inspire younger generations.
Students at Bronx River High School echo that pride.
Senior Khimari Watkins has watched Dr. Giscombe’s growth firsthand.
“It’s a big accomplishment for her,” he said. “Ever since I’ve seen her as a teacher here, she’s slowly been moving up, getting her thing done in life.”
Despite her new title, Watkins says his perspective of her has not changed.
“She’s like the same Ms. G. It doesn’t make me think differently about her,” he said.
To him, her role goes beyond administration. “She’s like an aunt to me,” Watkins added. “She’s kind and caring, and she’d want the best for me in life.”
Senior Jacob Castillo shares similar feelings. Having seen her grow from teacher to assistant principal and now to doctor, he says the journey has been inspiring to witness.
“She came a long way. We’ve seen her grow socially and professionally,” Jacob said. “I’m proud of her.”
Although he respects her new title, he says their relationship remains grounded in mutual respect.
“She’ll always still be Ms. G to me,” he said. “We’ve reached a level where there’s mutual respect.”
Close friend and colleague Abraham Zuniga said he saw firsthand how much effort she put into balancing her career and her doctoral studies.
“I remember when we were working YABC together and our classrooms were next to each other,” Mr. Zuniga said. “She would be here working until 9 p.m., and during her breaks she would be working on her doctoral papers.”
Watching her manage long workdays while continuing her studies left a strong impression.
“She always had so many papers to work on,” he said. “The fact that she was able to work during the day, work at night, and pursue a doctorate at the same time makes me very proud of her because I’ve seen her progress over the past eight years.”
Mr. Zuniga said the achievement did not surprise him.
“It doesn’t make me think differently about her because I know her work ethic and how hard she works,” he said. “She’s one of the hardest-working people I know. Am I surprised? Absolutely not.”
As the school community celebrates her achievement, one message stands out clearly from students and friends alike: The title may have changed, but the impact she has made remains the same.
And for Dr. Giscombe, that may be the greatest accomplishment of all.
