Fall 2018 Proud Grad - A Story of Second Chances
When talking about second chances, Broward College student Kari Casteneda can tell you that she has had many, especially as it relates to college. And now, all her hard work is about to culminate with the milestone every student aspires to reach: graduation. To celebrate this achievement, Kari has decided to share the news with her father in the most heartwarming, and surprising, way.
Second chances
The 29-year-old started her higher education journey in 2007, but at a young age, she was still unsure of what she wanted to do. After changing majors several times, Kari finally threw in the towel and returned home to South Florida, where she completed her associate of arts degree at Broward College almost four years later. She went on to secure a good job, but her dad was disappointed that she didn’t go on to complete a bachelor’s degree. He had graduated college with an associate degree and his dream was for his daughter to achieve more than he did.
Broward College offers the pathway to a dream
In January 2018, Kari decided to return to Broward College to finish her bachelor’s degree in Business Supervision and Management, the same place that had previously provided her with academic support. With help from her advisor, she decided to pursue a degree in supervision and management, concentrating on human resource management.
As her dreams to graduate started to become a reality, Kari approached her mom with the news. However, she also asked her mom not to tell her dad, as he had been disappointed each time she would enroll and then stop. After several months of intense studying and arduous work, on December 13, three days before her 30th birthday, Kari will complete her bachelor's.
This morning before her graduation, she plans to go to her dad’s home wearing her cap and gown, surprising him with the achievement he has always hoped she would realize.
“It’s amazing how everything worked out the way it needed to when it needed to,” said Kari. “Thanks to Broward College.”
Fall 2018 Proud Grad - Abigail Francois Completes the First Bar to Her Career as a Lawyer
Abigail will be the first in her family to complete a degree. It’s a proud moment for the Hollywood native whose parents are from Haiti as she graduates this fall with her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Abigail was one of the exceptional students in her high school class but chose Broward College over a four-year institution because of the affordability. “When I found out that the program I was interested in, was offered here, I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “It meant not having to take a loan, so money-wise it was better.”
But, getting to this point was no easy feat for the 20-year-old. Even as a recipient of the Broward Futures scholarship recipient she has for her two years in College worked two part-time jobs while attending school full-time. “My dad is the only one employed, she explains,” “I am from a family of eight, so I have to help I have to help my parents with bills, my younger siblings and cover day-to-day expenses for myself.”
Abigail’s days are hectic, often rushing from one job to another. She admits it’s exhausting and some days even overwhelming, but despite all that, she’s made every effort to participate in extracurricular activities at Broward College. She is an active member of the Broward College Criminal Justice Club which has helped strengthen professional goal. “The thing that has kept me going is the thought of obtaining my degree and becoming a lawyer. Just knowing that everything I'm going through now is worth it and that I will get there one day.”
She also credits her determination to succeed as a result of the support she received from classmates, professors, and staff of the Criminal Justice program. “Wow, if it wasn’t for people at Broward College like the one sitting next to me, I don’t know how I would make it,” she says turning to Kelly Newton, administrative assistant at the Institute of Public Safety.
Abigail will transfer to South Florida State University (SFU) to complete her bachelor’s in Criminology. She leaves some words of advice for students who sometimes feel like giving up ‘Always focus on the end, not the present. You’ll get there.”
If you’re inspired by Abigail’s journey, let Broward College help you get started on your career in Criminal Justice.
Fall 2018 Proud Grad – Nursing Graduate Found Life Calling After Car Accident
Edj Cadet has turned her most challenging setback into an opportunity to help others. In May 2016, the Haitian native was involved in a car accident that changed her life forever. Two years later, Edj is graduating with her Associate of Science in Nursing and plans to further her education in the field.
Her passion and dedication as a student have provided several recognitions, among them, she was one of 44 students named as the 2019 Siemens Technical Scholars.
The Accident that Changed my Life
“It was horrific.” That’s how Edj describes the car accident which took her several months to recover. “After the accident, I basically had to relearn how to do the most basic stuff,” she says. “I still have scars from it, the entire right side of the face near the ear, my whole back… But this accident inspired me to pursue my career in Nursing.”
Edj desired to become a Nurse when she was sent home from the hospital before her recovery was complete due to expensive medical bills. Her mom took over her day-to-day care. Experiencing the tenderness and compassion from her mom inspired Edj to do the same for others. “Having my mom taking care of me, seeing how dedicated she was to my care, it just made me realize that I was lucky and that not everybody had somebody to take care of them,” Edj says.
2018-19 Siemens Technical Scholar
Recovering from the accident was proof of Edj’s resilience. She knew that pursuing a career in Nursing at Broward College was demanding, but she was determined to excel. Her commitment was recognized by the Aspen Institute and Siemens Foundation which named her a 2018-19 Siemens Technical Scholar. This award is given to students preparing for high-demand jobs in Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Healthcare, and Information Technology.
Edj shared a $25,000 prize with two other Broward College Nursing students who were also named winners of the prestigious award. The scholarship will allow her to cover tuition costs and other expenses when she returns to school to further her education.
“This recognition inspires me to continue to be great at whatever I do to show that just because you chose a community college as your route doesn’t mean that you’re not going to be successful,” she says.
Edj will be the first college graduate in her family.
Are you a first-generation student? Learn more about the College’s #Firstgenproud initiative.
Learn more about the career opportunities in Health Sciences and Nursing.
Fall 2018 Proud Grad - Jose Perez Combines Nursing and Boxing to Promote Community
Jose Perez is a South Florida transplant who has proven that if you dare to dream and remain determined, nothing is impossible. Jose, 36, a single father of two young girls, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing after pursuing careers in the Culinary Arts, Emergency Management Services and Boxing.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to a Puerto Rican Father, and a mother of Israeli descent, Jose was always encouraged to pursue his dreams. That’s what initially led him to Boxing. While following the path to professional Boxing, he eventually attended culinary school and graduated with a degree in the Culinary Arts. For a while, Jose enjoyed a successful career in the restaurant industry in New York City. Then, in 2004 when his mother died, he quit his job and moved to Miami to help raise his younger siblings.
A Passion for Nursing
Once again, he started pursuing professional boxing, even competing in the Olympic Team Trials. Shortly after he returned from trials, his oldest daughter was born. Jose quit professional Boxing, so he could go back to school to become a firefighter or paramedic.
He struggled to find employment in the field, working for a private ambulance company and then in the Emergency Room at Cleveland Clinic. It was there that he discovered his love for medicine. Committed to always completing what he started, he finished his degree in Emergency Medical Services and went on to an Associate degree in Nursing. In December 2014, he passed his Nursing Council exams and hired at Jackson North Medical Emergency Room.
Giving Back to the Community
Working in the Emergency Room, Jose saw first-hand the effect of illnesses and diseases on patients. He wanted a way to encourage people to take more interest in health and wellness. This desire led him back to his passion – Boxing. He soon opened his Boxing gym - Flaco’s Community Gym for kids and adults in Hollywood. It was a way to help promote a healthy environment and support family health using physical activity.
Today, Flaco’s Community Gym offers more than physical activity. Jose is giving back to the community through multiple programs including partnering with Fort Lauderdale Independence Training and Education, (F.L.I.T.E)., through which he sponsors older children, who are phasing out of foster care, offering them a physical outlet for their emotions and stress. He also hosts two charity events a year, both named after his daughters Briana, and Thaia.
The first is Thai’s bookbag giveaway, a back to school event where he donates 200 bookbags filled with school supplies and the second, Breezy’s Butterball Bash where he gives away 100 frozen turkeys.
Jose has always used his knowledge of anatomy and the body system to promote health and wellness, but, after graduation, he sees more of a future in servicing the community through nursing and healthcare. Do you want to use your profession to do more in the community? Learn more about a career in Nursing and the Health Sciences.
Fall 2018 Proud Grad - Overcoming a Challenging Past and Finding a Secure Future at Broward College
Ros Serrano was raised on a small farm in Mexico. At age ten his parents divorced, and Ros lived with his mother. He supported them both by selling peaches at local gas stations. By age 15, Ros was forced to leave home due to domestic abuse. He had to finish high school without family or financial support often sleeping in abandoned buildings and on rooftops. He was determined and continued to work hard despite the challenges, eventually completing high school on time
Although his dream was to become an Architect, the cost was too high, and he chose to pursue a degree in Environmental Science instead. Ros persevered and completed his coursework but was unable to afford the cost of applying for his license which is a requirement in Mexico.
Still, Ros managed to find employment with a non-profit organization sponsored by the Mexican government/ONU in his field. He was finally earning enough to live a comfortable life. Then, one weekend in 1997, Ros and a friend decided to visit a rural community. While traveling, he and his friend were kidnapped and robbed. Traumatized by the experience, Ros resigned his job and moved to another part of the country. His attackers found him, and the harassment continued. Fearing for his life, Ros fled the country.
Renewed Dreams
After spending several years in Canada and then the Southwestern United States, he took a trip to Deerfield Beach. While on vacation visiting friends. He said, “As soon as I got there, I immediately felt like I was home.” Ros quickly moved to the area working any job he could to support himself.
Once again, things started to look up. Then in 2014, Ros’s spouse was diagnosed with cancer. Ros stayed home to care for him during treatment and recovery, and during that time, Ros realized life was short, and he recommitted himself to following his dreams. Fueled by a love for the Arts, he decided to pursue an Associate of Science in Graphic Design which also incorporated his passion for photography.
The Financial Aid and work/study programs available at Broward College made Ros’s dream a reality. Although it was challenging to work full-time while studying full-time, Ros says his encouragement came from the support he received from his fellow students of all ages and nationalities. Ros truly feels diversity is celebrated at Broward College.
He became an employee of the College in April of 2018 as an Academic Pathway Support Specialist. While graduating this fall will be the fulfillment of one of his academic goals, Ros wants to give back to the community which has offered him such support. He plans to transfer to FIU to pursue his bachelor’s degree. Ros hopes to bring all he’s learned back to Broward College by someday, teaching students with similar backgrounds. He wants them to know that no matter what adversity they face, they can overcome it and let their future, not their past, define them.
Speaking of the future, Ros recently received notice that his U.S. citizenship ceremony is scheduled soon.
Struggling with a difficult past? Find out more aboutBroward College Student Resourcesand Counseling.
Pursue a degree in GraphicDesign.
Fall 2018 Proud Grad – Get REAL! Grant Helps First Gen Student Complete Her Degree
Elonie Georges had almost given up hope that she would one day achieve her academic goals. The single mother didn’t have the financial means to attend college and didn’t qualify for Financial Aid, grants or scholarships, but thanks to the Get REAL! (Ready for Education And Learning) Program at Broward College Elonie’s journey has a happy ending. She will be the first in her family to graduate from College when she completes her Associate of Arts degree.
The Haitian native who immigrated to the U.S. at a young age started her studies at the College in fall 2016 and plans to transfer to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to pursue her bachelor’s degree.
Benefits of the Get Real! Program
Get REAL! provides financial assistance to students with challenging situations including high school dropouts, returning veterans, LGBTQ youth, and single parents. Participants must be highly motivated students working to complete their program in two years or less.
For the mother-of-three, being a recipient for the grant was life-changing. In addition to tuition assistance, the program provided help with books, transportation costs, and professional clothing. Recipients of the Get REAL scholarship also enjoy personal counseling, professional mentoring, and job placement assistance.
“A lot of people don’t know that initiatives like this exist. This program is an excellent resource for youth to attend college because a lot of them are in the situation where they have to choose between school and work,” says Elonie. “If they knew there of programs that pay fifty to one hundred percent of their degree, I feel like a lot of students would choose to continue their education.”
Working at Broward College
As part of the program, Elonie has been working at the College for the past year and a half as a work-study. Thanks to her work ethic, she was recently hired part-time in the Business Affairs department.
The 27-year-old is thankful for the opportunities provided by the program. “Get REAL ensures you can get into different fields and offers the possibility to secure a job after graduation,” she says.
Are you a First Gen student? Learn more about the Broward College #Firstgenproud initiative.
Do you want to further your education? Learn about the programs offered at Broward College here.
For more information about Get REAL!, contact Olivia Sarson at [email protected] or call .
Fall 2018 Proud Grad – Gabriel Dos Santos Balances Academics and Extracurricular Activities for the Ultimate College Experience
Gabriel Dos Santos arrived in the United States in 2016 without really knowing what he wanted to study. Two years later, he is graduating with his Associate of Arts in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Gabriel is the recipient of several accolades during his time at the College, including the Student Achievement Award in 2017. He’s been named to the President’s List which recognizes outstanding academic achievement, every semester he’s been at Broward College. But, behind all the accomplishments, there is a story of dedication and passion.
We caught up with Gabriel as he prepared for the last couple of weeks of his journey at the College.
How my childhood influenced me
Gabriel was born in Brazil but at the age of three his mom took him to Italy. After finishing middle school, they moved to England where Gabriel attended high school. “I know I wasn’t born in England but I spent the best years of my life there and honestly, I feel like I’m English,” he says, in what can only be described as a natural English accent. In addition to English, Gabriel speaks Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish.
Following my mother’s advice
“I have to thank my mom because she was the one that pushed me to join the clubs and get involved, and I have to admit that her advice completely changed my life,” says Gabriel. Even with all the effort to keep up with extracurricular activities Gabriel says he has no regrets. He says its taught him balance and his GPA of 3.9 is proof that with the right approach, students can be successfully involved in activities.
Following his mother’s advice helped him to meet friends and build connections. He first joined Phi Theta Kappa, where he met his best friend and who would introduce him to the rest of the clubs he joined. Over the past two years, he’s served as a senator for Student Government, the International Club, and the Engineering Club, which he also helped create. He is also the vice president of the Honors Society and has joined the National Society of Leadership.
Gabriel has attended several conferences in New York, Washington D.C., Orlando, and South Florida as part of his work for the different clubs.“ I definitely feel that being exposed to all the different cultures and learning has been an advantage. People have been more open and welcoming to me because of it. I have been able to reach more people and make more friends, from all over the world.”
Pursuing the dream
After graduation Gabriel is transferring to the University of Florida to pursue his bachelor’s degree. His dream is to one day work for Tesla or SpaceX. “I have always been a fan of the work they do and it would be a dream for me to contribute somehow with it. I would love to be a part of the company and maybe work on an electric aircraft,” he says.
Learn more about the Industry, Manufacturing, Construction & Transportation pathway here.
Interested in joining the Honors College? Visit broward.edu/honors.