Disabled Student Gets Help from an Unlikely Source
A donated wheelchair has made all the difference for Robert Grimm, who was given a second chance to complete his bachelor’s degree program in Exceptional Student Education through the help of another student.
Grimm was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a child, but it never stopped him from achieving his goals. Currently in the final stages of his bachelor’s in the Teacher Education Program, specializing in
Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Grimm faced new obstacles. The same disability which inspired him to pursue teaching could stand in the way of his dream when he realized that having to balance himself while using crutches meant his hands were not free for writing on the board or using classroom equipment. It was also hindering his mobility and limiting his interaction with students. He needed a wheelchair.
Grimm embraced the idea, but was worried because he didn’t have the money to purchase a wheelchair and this was his second attempt at completing his student-teaching. They reached out to the College to see if there was any form of assistance they could provide.
Robyn Klein, placement coordinator for the Teacher Education Program, contacted the Disabilities Services Office. Sarahis Vega, disabilities services coordinator explained that the office could try to help but that it may take some time for them to find a wheelchair. That’s when Edwin Nieves, entered the picture.
Nieves was in the Disabilities Services office that morning during the telephone exchange between Vega and Klein. He was there as a matter of routine – wanting to follow-up on an issue related to his own disability. A veteran student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in IT, he has a service-connected disability related to his knees.
“I have had to deal with the challenge with my knees for 40 years so I know the importance of a wheelchair and it was just natural to want to help,” he said.
He sprang into action. “I can help,” he told Vega indicating he had heard the concerns. “Just give me a week or so.”
The cost of the wheelchair was funded by Nieves, and immediately, his good deed began to pay off. When he told the owner of the A to Z Thrift Stores the reason he was purchasing the wheelchair, they offered him an additional discount.
Within a week Grimm had his wheelchair, and the equipment has made his classroom experience with the students much easier. Rob is hopeful he will complete his degree this semester, thanks to Nieves. “We’ve never met but I just want to say thank you. Your assistance has forever changed my life.”
“…and ours,” adds Lallance, who had high praises for Grimm’s performance in the classroom. “He is doing an outstanding job with his student-teaching, in all areas. The students and staff love him. Mr. Grimm is truly an inspiration, and I am humbled by him, every day!”
If you want to join Grimm in a rewarding profession like teaching, check out the courses offered by our Education Pathway.
Read more about this inspiring story here: Sun Sentinel Story
Hot Jobs for 2017 and How to Land One
As the economy grows more competitive, it’s important to choose a career that’s not only in demand but offers paths to professional growth and advancement. Don’t know where to start? Well, the first thing to do is identify professions that are in high demand, determine if it’s a field which you will enjoy and research the requirements. There are a range of prospects across several industries, but the business sector in South Florida continues to show the most growth through to 2025.
Research done by the College has identified five positions which will be in high demand in the region. Here’s the list:
- Marketing Specialist: This field shows the greatest growth, more than 26 percent. What does the career entail? Marketing specialists do a lot of research on the industries to which they are employed. They gather information, assess trends, determine potential sales for products and services, and create campaigns to promote them. Most individuals in this field earn an average hourly wage of $26.
- Financial Analysts and Advisors: This career tops the list in earnings. Employees in this field make around $33 per hour with a 13 percent growth forecasted over the next eight years. Financial analysts and advisors work with banks and other companies in the investment industry to provide risk assessment and profitability options.
- Credit Analyst: This is another profession critical to the financial industry. With hourly wages of $30 per hour, credit analysts assess the statements and spending history of individuals and corporations to determine the risk involved in lending them money. They also prepare reports with credit information for use in decision making. The demand for employees in this field is expected to increase by just under seven percent.
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: If you’re not one for figures, here’s a non-finance position that will be in high demand over the next eight years. These professionals assist lawyers and the courts by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent in order to formulate a defense or prosecution and initiate legal action. The current hourly income is just over $25 per hour, and the number of positions are expected to grow by more than 21 percent.
- Insurance Sales Agents: We’re all familiar with insurance agents. They sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of coverage. With a competitive salary of over $25 per hour the field is one worth exploring, especially given that there will be an increased need of almost 9 percent through 2025.
Data source: EMSI for Miami Dade-Broward-Palm Beach MSA
Whether you’re already in the business pathway or want to know more about these options, check out the business programming map. If you need further guidance, make an appointment to speak to one of our career coaches.
The Science of Love
It’s that time of year when the smell of roses fills the air, heart-shaped chocolates are everywhere, and we scamper to find that perfect gift. In the excitement of celebrating Valentine’s Day have you ever wondered how love really works?
It’s more than just emotions, as “Love Biologist” Dawn Maslar (Link: http://dawnmaslar.com/) argued during her engaging discussion last week at the Willis Holcombe Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Maslar, a former adjunct biology professor at Broward College, is the author of the book “Men Chase - Women Choose”.
During the talk, she explored the less talked about angle of love – the brain. The three-hour event focused on how the brain reacts when two people first meet, start to date, fall in love, and then move 
on to a more passionate, lifelong love. The TEDx speaker of “How Your Brain Falls in Love” (Link: http://dawnmaslar.com/1-love-expert/tedx-how-your-brain-falls-in-love/), explained to a packed audience how the mind reacts to behaviors. “It’s a chemical reaction that affects the brain. The real boss behind attraction is your brain, which runs through a very quick, very complex series of calculations when assessing a potential partner.”
Love Turns Your Brain to Mush
So what happens to your brain when you’re in love? Researchers at Linden University used fMRI, a neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow, to show that people lose cognitive ability when they fall in love. That’s why they say love is blind.
Illustrating with a play dough version of the brain and a scalpel, Maslar slowly dissected the parts of the brain which are made inactive or slowed down when someone falls in love. A major part that stops working is the amygdala, the section that sounds the alarm that something is wrong. She pointed out that this is the reason individuals stay in relationships, even when there are warning signs that things are not well with their partner’s character or personality.
The Science of Love Allows You to Enhance Your Attraction
Using participants for interactive demonstrations, the “Love Biologist” illustrated the four different stages of love and the part of the brain is engaged.
- Attraction
- Dating
- Falling in Love
- True Love
Love, from the perspective of the brain, is not all bad. If you’re having a hard time finding a partner, there are things you can do to make others more drawn to you. Much to the amusement of the audience, Maslar provided tips to men and women on how to enhance their attractiveness:
- Chicks Dig Manly Men - For men, it’s less about the smile and more about how you present yourself. For instance, if you’re taking a picture show your profile from the left side. If you’re looking for props, forget gym equipment and add a guitar! Seriously, it’s less about the looks and more about what initiates a woman’s brain.
- Say Cheese! - For the ladies, the smile is the most captivating factor for men. Couple that megawatt smile with sexually attractive colors, like red, and you’ll win his mind.
If the whole science of love theory has appealed to your academic senses, take a look into our biology program (Link:http://www.broward.edu/academics/programs/Program%20Maps%2020162017/STEM/Biology_12_12_6FINAL.pdf).
Want to know more? Grab a copy at Barnes and Nobles or retailers online.
Celebrate Black History Month at Broward College
Black History Month has been observed for more than 40 years in the United States, celebrating and honoring African American figures from all walks of life who have impacted our world. No matter what campus you are on, there are numerous free events throughout February:
Must-See Events
Barrington Irving Talk
Tuesday, February 14, 2 p.m.
Building 3, Room 100
In 2007, then 23-year-old Captain Barrington Irving was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the world. He has traveled to 50 countries and conducted more than 30 STEM expeditions. Barrington developed a “Flying Classroom”, curriculum which transforms the way students learn STEM. He created the nonprofit Experience Aviation offering hands-on STEM-based programs and career guidance to middle and high school students in Florida, Georgia and Texas.
Rev. Sharon Washington Risher Talk
Monday, February 27, 11 a.m.
Building 3, Room 100
Rev. Sharon Washington Risher was thrust into the limelight after the Charleston shooting at the Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in June 2015. It’s where she served as associate pastor for congressional care, preached and led the women’s ministries of the church. Since losing her mother and eight others in the tragedy, Risher has been outspoken about gun laws and national spokesperson for advocacy groups such as Everytown and Moms Demand Gun Sense. She also has appeared on CNN and been interviewed by a number of other media outlets. For more information on the below listings, visit here.
If You’re in the Area, Check Out
A. Hugh Adams Central Campus
• Festival of Icons
Wednesday, February 8, 11 a.m.
Building 19, Patio
• Author of Black Miami
Wednesday, February 15, 1 p.m.
Building 3, Room 117
• Journey of the Drums
Wednesday, February 22, 12 p.m.
Building 19, Patio
Judson A. Samuels South Campus
• “I and I: The Politics of Self-Love” Opening Reception
Wednesday, February 15, 4 p.m.
Art Gallery
• “Space Apes” performed by Joshua Jean-Baptiste
Thursday, February 16, 7:30 p.m.
Performing and Cultural Arts Theatre (PCAT)
North Campus
• Black History Month Movie Series
Monday to Thursday, February 6 to 9
11 a.m. 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Building 46, Room 126 (Coffeehouse)
• Drum Circle
Tuesday, February 21, 12:30 p.m.
Building 46, Room 152
• Black History Month Luncheon
Tuesday, February 28, 12:30 p.m.
Building 46, Room 152
Willis Holcombe Center in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
• Malcom X Panel
Tuesday, February 21, 12:30 p.m.
Building 33, Room 1110a
• Journey of the Drums
Thursday, February 23, 12 p.m.
College Plaza