Meet our Young Achievers - Spring 2018 Graduation Profiles
Mardwina Lasseur
Mardwina Lasseur is an impressive young woman. At 19, she has accomplished many firsts, including being the first in her family to graduate from college.
Currently living in Miramar, Florida, Mardwina has achieved a 3.94 GPA and is receiving her Associate of Arts with a concentration in pre-nursing. She plans to continue pursuing her degree through transfer to the University of Florida (UF) or Florida International University (FIU) in the fall. Although these achievements are certainly impressive, they are not the whole story.
Mardwina was one of only six awardees selected from across the United States to participate in the DREAM 2018 conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This conference brought together more than 2,300 higher education leaders, policy-makers, thought leaders, and exceptional students with the goal of empowering community college students to have better economic opportunities and achieve their dreams. When remembering her conference experience, Mardwina said, “I discovered the diligent efforts being made by Achieving the Dream, and its member institutions, to bridge the success gap between traditional students and underrepresented students, such as students of color, low-income students, and first-generation college students.” No doubt, this conference was particularly meaningful to Mardwina who wasn’t sure how she would pursue post-secondary education due to her family’s financial constraints.
During her two years at Broward, College Mardwina was an Honors Scholarship recipient, She explained that she probably wouldn’t have been able to attend Broward College without it. Even with scholarships, she has had to work part-time to help with personal needs. All this while attending classes and volunteering at Memorial Regional Hospital.
When asked what made her college experience successful, Mardwina said, in addition to her scholarship, being in the Honors Institute program was an enormous help. It not only aided her in figuring out how to complete rigorous coursework but provided her with the necessary resources to excel in higher education. She said, “I would encourage any student who is academically driven and desires fellowship with peers who have similar motivations to consider joining the Honors Institute at Broward College. Believe me, their assistance can help you achieve the dream.”
Kezia Moros-Achong
Kezia Moros-Achong was born in Miami and currently lives in Sunrise, Florida. On May 8, she will be a third generation college graduate. The witty 19-year old speaks with enthusiasm and passion when she recalls her time at Broward College. “This is home, this is family.” This institution is somewhat of a family tradition as her sister and four cousins earned their degrees here. So, when Kezia needed to decide where to start her college education, the decision was easy.
She was able to skip her senior year at Coral Glades High School to enroll early at Broward College. As a recipient of the Broward College IRM Scholarship Kezia said, “…the scholarship really helped a lot with books and tuition.” This allowed her to focus all her attention on her studies. Some of Kezia’s most memorable experiences at Broward College include attending the Disney Youth Education Series (YES) program where she learned a lot about leadership, teamwork and work culture. She was also was very active in student organizations such as the Honors Student Committee where she served as the public relations officer.
“Student involvement is key,” she said as we caught up with her at the recent Honors College Awards ceremony where she received multiple prizes for student involvement and academic achievements including multidisciplinary studies and being named to Kezia was also named to the 2018 All-USA Academic Team. With her grades, Kezia explained she could have transferred to a university after one year but treasured the support she received at the College. “The attention and dedication I received from the staff and faculty and Broward College motivated me more than I expected. Special thanks to Dr. Lulric Balzora, Professors Kaya Hamer-Small, and Kiesha King.”
Kezia is receiving her Associate of Arts and graduating as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She is looking forward to pursuing studies in law and has already been accepted to Drexel University, Boston University, the University of Tampa and Florida International University. She is waiting to hear from ivy-league institutions such as University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University before making her final decision for the fall.
Brandon Saridjo
He’s small in stature but Brandon’s personality is described as larger than life. Those who know him think he could easily be declared the poster student of the Robert “Bob” Elmore Honors College. During his time at the College Brandon could be found at several College events including co-hosting the recent April Fireside Chat on Central Campus with the legendary Dan Rather. The 20-year-old, South Florida native whose parents are originally from Suriname brings a positive attitude to everything he does.
In high school, Brandon was in the top eight percent of his class. Having worked hard, he applied to the Univerity of South Florida (USF), the University of Florida and Florida International University, however, his standardized test scores weren’t within range, and he wasn’t accepted. Brandon was devastated. Then a friend told him about the Robert Elmore Honors Institute at Broward College and, with a broad smile Brandon said, “…my disappointment turned into a blessing in disguise.”
It was a political science class during his first semester that sparked Brandon’s interest in the field. Joining the Honors Institute also gave focus and purpose to his political passion while feeding his drive to make a difference in the world. Brandon joined the Model United Nations (MUN) team and traveled to many cities including the UN headquarters in New York. Brandon said this visit was a turning point in his life “I feel like my purpose in the world is to work at an organization to develop peace, human rights, and sustainable living.”
Brandon is receiving his Associate of Arts and has been accepted to the University of Florida to pursue a bachelors degree in international relations. His ultimate goal is to work for the United Nations. We can all learn from Brandon’s dedication to excellence and making the world a better place for all. As Brandon is fond of saying, “Everyone has something to contribute to the world; you just have to find it. Everyone has a penny to put in the pot; you just have to find out what you want to dedicate that penny to…” and do it.
Jadd Ahmad
“I have never been surrounded by such a diverse group of students. I had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, learn from their challenges and experiences and they learned from mine,” explained Jadd. The soft-spoken 22-year-old is a Palestinian American Muslim who has done exceptionally well in his academic studies. Jadd, who boasted a 3.91 GPA when we spoke to him a few weeks before graduation was named a 2018 Jack Kent Cooke semifinalist. However, what is most impressive is his dedication to service and the community. His involvement includes a feeding program for the homeless in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, the Minority Male Initiative, a program aimed at helping young men of color achieve their academic dream and his work with the Muslim Student Association.
Jadd always wanted to be involved and that drive was strengthened when he served as treasurer of the Muslim Student Association. “This is where I came to the realization of the struggles of minority students. It made me want to work to break boundaries and common misconceptions of different race groups and bring the student body together to have a better understanding of each other.”
Jadd said being a part of the Robert “Bob” Elmore Honors College has impacted not only his academic achievements but his character. He fondly recalled how his involvement in the Model United Nation (MUN) helped him overcome his fear of public speaking. “Who knew that I would have the confidence to address a committee of over 80 people from carrying nationalities and background about issues impacting the world,” he said with a proud smile.
In addition to graduating with Associate of Arts, Brad said he will leave Broward College with a wealth of experience. “The Honors College adopted me when I thought I was not qualified to do any of the things I have achieved. It has provided me with a family and lifelong friends that are committed to making their mark on the world, and that is the greatest honor of them all.”
It’s been no easy feat to get to this stage for Jadd, he has three other siblings and has had to face a number of financial hurdles to complete his degree. “I don’t know how I could have completed my goals without the scholarships.” Jadd will move on to Florida International University in the fall as he continues his journey to becoming a biomedical engineer.
They Dared to Dream - Spring 2018 Graduation Profiles
Kathya De la Fuente
Kathya moved to the U.S. from Mexico three years ago to pursue the dream of a better education, even though she says, ”I barely spoke English when I got to the United States”. Now a 20 year-old permanent U.S. resident living in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Kathya’s passion for learning has definitely yielded results. Not only did she learn English, but she also earned several scholarships to attend Broward College including an Honors Scholarship and Books Scholarship. Kathya says that these scholarships helped pay for summer classes that she couldn’t have afforded, but needed to complete her degree.
Kathya describes her time at Broward College as “Amazing!” She joined many organizations while attending the College including the Public Relations Club, the Student Government, the Science Club, the Student Planning Board and Phi Theta Kappa, where she served as the vice president. In addition, Kathya’s Honors classes pushed her to get out of her comfort zone and helped her realize her true potential. Kathya says, “When I put no limits on what I do, I can do anything.”
She is earning her Associate of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and plans to continue her bachelors degree studies in environmental engineering and has applied to UF and Georgia Tech.
Ultimately, Kathya’s goal is to help people in third-world countries with limited access to clean water not only improve their water quality, but also their quality of life through education which becomes possible when children don’t have to walk miles each day to fetch water for their family’s daily needs.
Sara Varela
The outgoing Editor in Chief of the student-led newspaper, The Observer, Sara readily admits that she never imagined the opportunities and experience she has gained. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Sara moved to the U.S. in January 2012, at the age of 18. Soon after, the country she called home descended into political and economic turmoil.
She didn't speak English well and her first step was to learn English. Within a year she had mastered the language and moved on to her associate degree. After researching various colleges and the programs she knew Broward College was the right one for her.
Originally, Sara enrolled in the Digital Multimedia program but when the Film Production program was introduced in the fall of 2015, she had finally found a way to study the two things she loved- video production and writing!
Sara was also able to pursue her passion for writing by becoming a staff member and eventually leading The Observer. "My first meeting I signed up for three articles. I had never written for any publication in my life and now look at me. Never let reluctance or fear deter you from trying. You could be closing the door on your future," she said.
During her time at Broward College, Sara has won three writing awards and one design award from the Florida College System Publications Association. In addition, during the summer of 2017, Sara was invited to attend the prestigious POLITICO Journalism Institute, a fully-paid two-week program in Washington D.C. where she produced, filmed and edited a 2-minute video and 500-word article which appeared on POLITICO.com. Sara is the first community college student in the history of POLITICO to be chosen for this prestigious program. She currently works part-time in the Marketing department of the College assisting with video production and writing.
Caryn Warner
Caryn Warner is originally from Port Shepstone, South Africa and has lived in South Florida for 20 years. She came to South Florida with her parents as a child. They operated a local business for more than 10 years before returning to South Africa. “I missed having them around but wanted to explore the educational opportunities available in the U.S.,” she said.
After completing high school in 2003, Caryn enrolled in Broward College as an international student but couldn’t afford to keep paying for it. Almost ten years later after her residency status changed and with the encouragement from her husband she re-enrolled to complete her Associate of Arts degree.
She worked hard and earned straight A’s in her classes even while raising her young son and balancing family and academic life. She successfully completed her associate degree, but then decided to push herself even further to pursue her bachelors. Caryn didn’t know if she would be able to continue her classes because she didn’t think her family could afford it. Never one to back away from a challenge, she explored financial support available at Broward College and was awarded an American Dream Scholarship which allowed her to pursue her American Dream.
On May 8, Caryn graduates with a 4.0 GPA and is receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Supervision and Management, with a Minor in Project Management. Caryn says her studies have already boosted her performance in her current role as an office manager, but now, with her degree in-hand, Caryn will fulfill her dream of becoming a financial or project manager. Caryn’s husband and 8-year-old son couldn’t be more proud!
Minority Male Initiative Holds Future Leaders Conference for Students’ Success
As part of the Minority Male Initiative (MMI), Broward College will host the first annual Future Leaders Student Success Conference (FLSSC) on Saturday, April 14, which seeks to bring together minority male students striving for success in their education and professional goals.
The 2018 FLSSC will take place at the Junior Achievement World Huizenga Center on North Campus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature keynote speakers Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (via skype) and Robert Jackson.
Future Leaders Student Success Conference
The FLSSC is a free event organized by Broward College’s Minority Male Initiative. The objective is to inspire minority male students to overcome the obstacles they may face as they work towards their educational and professional goals. This motivational learning experience is designed to bring together everyone in the community, including students, parents, educators, and community leaders to engage in a conversation on opportunities for minority males in the community. The conference is divided into three morning sessions followed by the keynote speakers session at 2 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served.
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill – Career and Activism
Dr. Hill is an award-winning journalist, political contributor for CNN, and host of BET News. He is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. Dr. Hill has been an activist for social justice since his youth and has been named as one of America’s 100 most influential Black leaders by Ebony magazine. As part of his activism, Dr. Hill is a founding board member of My5th, a non-profit organization devoted to educating youth about their legal rights and responsibilities. He is also a board member and organizer of the Philadelphia Student Union. He is the author of four books, including the New York Times bestseller “Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on The Vulnerable from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond”.
Robert Jackson - Inspiring the youth
A nationally renowned speaker, educator, and author of several books, Jackson is dedicated to helping and inspiring the minority youth to achieve greatness. His workshops mostly focus on education, effective communication among different cultures, parenting, among others. He has developed this workshops as a way to bring closer parents, students, and educators and improve their quality of life. Jackson is the owner of Lavelle Publishing and Robert Jackson Consulting.
Minority Male Initiative
The Minority Male Initiative is a program focused on providing tools and resources that would help increase retention and completion within the minority male students at Broward College.
The initiative offers an ongoing mentorship program via different opportunities that include the Ignite Luncheon Series, Peer Academic Leader (PAL) program, and other networking opportunities.
in addition to the FLSSC, the MMI will host a Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute for high school students from July 9-27. For more information, you can contact Dr. Thomas Walker, chair of the MMI at [email protected].
Register Now
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. People planning on attending must RSVP through the Future Leaders Student Success Conference 2018 Eventbrite page.
Broward College introduces Risk Management concentration area
Students who pursue an A.S. degree in Business Administration now have the opportunity to specialize in Risk Management.
The specialization, which was launched two years ago, allows students to obtain three different licenses to work in the insurance industry. This is part of a new law that establishes that degree-seeking students who take three insurance courses as part of their program of study will receive licenses 2-15 (Health & Life), 20-44 (Personal lines), and 4-40 (Customer Representative) exam-free after they graduate with their associate or bachelor’s degree.
Students graduating with these licenses can go into different career paths within the insurance industry such as insurance sales representative, underwriter, agent, producer, director, and more. Starting salary ranges from $37,000 a year as an underwriter to $137,000 as a manager/director.
“In my previous career, I was a physical therapist so I was used to dealing with health insurance. I became curious about exploring the other side of it, the business side,” said Broward College graduate Yveline Belizaire, who specialized in Risk Management.
She decided to do so because of the vast sea of possibilities within the industry.
“I’m working right now as a licensed agent, I sell life insurance with a company called Combined Insurance,” she said. “But the opportunities within this field are endless,” Belizaire says that studying Risk Management also provided her with several other career opportunities. She recommends students consider the specialization as a backup plan within their majors regardless of the pathway.
Due to the close partnership between the College and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA), Broward College graduates have an increased chance of finding a job within the industry faster than graduates from other universities in South Florida.
“A lot of insurance companies that are aware of the program are interested in working with our students by providing them internships and job opportunities,” explained Fortin Jean-Pierre, senior specialist of the career and technical education programs at Broward College, who is also responsible for the introduction of the specialization.
Through the partnership with the FAIA, the College also organizes “mixers” where members of the FAIA speak and recruit students for jobs within the industry. According to Jean-Pierre, the mixers have been a success with students getting job offers through the event. Currently, the insurance industry is facing a decline in the number of employees because of the lack of young people entering the field.
“The problem is that a majority of the people who work in insurance are getting ready to retire,” said Jean-Pierre.
This decline is encouraging employers to come together to incentivize young people to pursue careers within the field. Because of the potential of increased job opportunities in the industry, Broward College is working on expanding the program to a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to internships and job opportunities, the FAIA, through their Good Works Foundation, also provides a scholarship of $500 to students admitted to the program. The eligibility criteria include a 2.75 GPA and a grade of ‘B’ or better in the three RM courses, and to be a degree-seeking student.
For a chance to network with professionals within this booming industry and learn more about it, check out the RMI Career Social on April 3.
To learn more about Risk Management, visit http://www.broward.edu/academics/programs/business/Pages/risk-management-insurance-specialization.aspx.
Guest Blog: “I Achieved the Dream” – Mardwina Lasseur
Mardwina Lasseur is a Nursing major, Honors College student and part-time employee in the Student Affairs department. She was one of six awardees selected from hundreds of applicants across the United States to participate in the Achieving the Dream, DREAM 2018 conference in Nashville, Tennessee from February 20-23, 2018. Mardwina shares her experience.
“My last semester at Broward College has been filled with the typical struggles that many college students face, including staying up all night completing applications for numerous scholarships, universities, and jobs. So, discovering that I was selected as one of Achieving the Dream’s DREAM scholars during this overwhelming time was a wonderful revelation for me, and it made me feel as if all the hard work I had done was not in vain.
I had one of the most remarkable experiences of my life attending the Achieving the Dream’s 2018 DREAM conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Meeting other DREAM scholars, exploring the city known as the “Music City” of the United States, and site seeing to several locations, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hatch Show Pint, which is one of the oldest letterpress shops in the United States are experiences that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
In addition to the fun I had exploring and touring around Nashville, I discovered the diligent efforts being made by Achieving the Dream and its member institutions to bridge the success gap between traditional students and underrepresented students, such as students of color, low-income students, and first-generation college students. During the conference, members of several community colleges across the nation shared their efforts to increase student achievement, which ranged from diversifying course curriculums by avoiding a “one size fits all” teaching approach to implementing open educational resources (OERs) to ensure that every student has access to class materials. These, along with changes in institutional policies to reflect equitable practices help underserved students evade the barriers that can prevent them from succeeding in postsecondary institutions.
Not only did I learn all that and so much more at the 2018 DREAM conference, I created a bond with the other scholars even though our time together was only for a few days. As a member of Broward College’s Rob “Bob” Elmore Honors College, this wonderful opportunity is among the many ways students are exposed through the honors institute. I would encourage any student who is academically driven and desires fellowship with peers who have similar motivations to consider joining the Honors College at Broward College. Believe me, their assistance can help you achieve the dream.”
Student organization DECA breaks records at state competition
Broward College DECA continues to break its own performance record in the state competition. Recently, representatives of the North Campus DECA chapter placed in the top 10 in all events in which they competed. Their performance qualifies them for the international competition in Washington, D.C., in April.
The team faced competition from more than 20 chapters and 230 students from across the state including Florida International University, Florida State University and the University of Florida.
The team competed in 12 events, placing in the top 10 in 11 of them. The Broward College DECA North Campus chapter also broke their own record for the number of awards collected at a single competition. They earned nine prizes including First, Second, and Third place in several events. Participants were required to take knowledge-based tests and present in front of a judging panel for 15 to 20 minutes. The judges praised Broward College students for their excellent written and oral presentation skills and commended their critical thinking and deep knowledge of the content in the respective fields.
Bernard Durandisse earned First place as an individual participant in Retail Management and Nekita Burnett and Luigh Joseph earned First place as a team in Business Ethics.
“I was elated to find out that we had won First place in Business Ethics. It was phenomenal because I competed and gave it my best despite being sick, it was definitely a dream come true,” said Burnett.
Other winners were:
- Advertising Campaign: Marsha Sainthilaire—Second in State
- Entrepreneurship: Marsha Sainthilaire—Third in State
- International Business: Karla Siberian and Karina Franco (team)—Third in State
- Event Planning: Karla Sibirian and Karina Franco (team)—Third in State
- Travel & Tourism: Yazmin Avila—Third in State
- Sports & Entertainment: Yazmin Avila & Bernard Durandisse (team)—Third in State
- Hotel & Lodging: Victor Hoyos—Third in State
- Restaurant & Food Service: Victor Hoyos—Fourth in State, and
- Andres Predoom—Eighth in State
- Marketing Management: Andres Perdomo—Ninth in State
“Broward College faculty and administration should be proud,” said Gross. “The goodness of how we do [in competitions] reflects how students are taught across the Broward College.”
DECA is an international student organization that prepares leaders in many fields including marketing, business management, hospitality and more. Students from any major can join.
Benefits include training in critical thinking, analysis, and presentation skills.
Earn From $20 to $35 per Hour with South Florida's Hottest Jobs- Part 2
In our first blog post, we started exploring some of the fastest-growing occupations in South Florida. Recent research from labor analytics firm Emsi shows that there are high demands for some careers in health care, business and IT. Here are a few more to consider.
Information Technology
Over the last decade, advances in technology have driven demand for tech jobs at a record pace. If you’re looking for a high-tech job, you may want to consider these:
- Computer Network Support Specialist: These IT professionals help with the creation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer network products. Broward College currently offers 20 associate’s degrees and certificate programs in computer science and information technology. The median hourly earnings are $25.18.
- Information Security Analyst: This specialty is responsible for maintaining the security of computer network systems and preventing cyber attacks. Many information security analysts earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming or engineering. The Computer Science programs at Broward College are specifically designed to provide the necessary training in as little as one to two years as a full-time student. The median hourly earnings are $35.48.
- Information Technology Project Manager: This role involves the creation and management of IT infrastructures and systems. The Technology Project Management Associate in Science degree at Broward College prepares students for employment opportunities as entry-level project management professionals, especially in the field of Information Technology. The median hourly earnings are $35.48.
Learn more about computer science jobs and other fields through the Science Technology, Engineering and Math programs at Broward College
Want to land a hot job?
Make sure to take advantage Broward College Career Centers. Meet with a career coach to match your skills with a career pathway and create an education. Broward College offers more than 140 programs including bachelor’s and associate’s degrees or certificates. Explore our areas of study to find the college degree program that’s right for you.
Protecting Yourself During a Mass Shooting
No one ever imagines that a mass shooting like the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland could happen in their own community, but sadly, it has become a frequent occurrence. Is it possible to stay safe dusing a mass shooting? Safety and security experts all agree that the best way to protect yourself is to prepare mentally and physically so you can safeguard your life during the situation.
Here are some tips that can help.
Be aware of your surroundings
Know what’s going on around you. Paying attention to people and places can help you spot potential danger. Also, always take notice of the nearest emergency exits, and all entrance and exit points where you are. If you see something, say something.
Take Action
During a shooting you have three options, Run, Hide or Fight. This can greatly increase your chance of survival.
• If there is a possibility to evacuate, take it and do so whether others agree to follow or not. After you’re safe, call 911.
• If evacuation isn’t possible, hide. Choose a place that’s out of the shooter’s view, that has a door that can be locked, and with heavy furniture inside to barricade the door. Turn off lights and stay out of view so that it appears to be unoccupied.
• If you’re hiding, silence your cell phone and any other electronic device. If neither evacuation or hiding is possible, the last resort when your life is in immediate danger is to fight. Choose any item that can be used as a weapon and be as aggressive as possible against the attacker. If you can take on him or her as a group, the better the chances.
Have a plan
The most effective and important way to increase your survival during a mass shooting is to always have an emergency plan.
• If you are at work or school, be sure to know your surroundings such as the emergency exits and layout of the building. The same applies to any event you attend such as concerts, movie theaters, etc.
• Emergency plans should also include the type of action you can take in case immediate evacuation is not possible.
Get out and keep moving
Staying in one place even if hiding under a desk, may make you more of a target.
• If your first instinct is to flee, even if the attacker sees you, running and moving will make it more difficult for the shooter.
• Even if you don’t have cover, running away from the “kill zone” is may be your best option.
Resources
The Department of Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness at Broward College offers several resources to prepare you for an active shooter situation. You can find an active shooter booklet and other materials on their website.
We hope you never have to experience an event like this, but preparation is key to survival. There are many tips that can help you during a mass shooting, but the aftermath can be a traumatic time. In response to the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, several local support resources and services have been made available to anyone in need.
Broward 211
If you have been affected by the recent tragedy or any other crisis, Broward County offers an emotional support hotline as well as other community resources. You can call 211 anytime.
Grief Counseling
Broward County Public Schools is offering grief counseling. Contact your local school for more information.
Broward College Student Assitance and Employee Support Services
Broward College students can receive free counseling services by contacting the Henderson Student Counseling Services 24-hour hotline at . Similar services are available for employees and students through CIGNA by calling the Employee Assistance Program at 1-.
Learn More
For more information, contact your local police department or the Department of Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness at Broward College for additional resources to prepare an active shooter situation.
Broward College Love Stories to Celebrate this Valentine's Day
Today is Valentine’s Day. Cupid is busy spreading romance around the world—Broward College is no exception. With love in the air, we asked a few couples, who work at the College, to share their secrets for love and lasting relationships.
Esmeralda and Mark Sweeney
Esmeralda Sweeney is the interim assistant vice president of student achievement initiatives on South Campus. Mark Sweeney is a senior specialist, campus technology information technology on North Campus
Q: How did you meet?
A: We actually met right at Broward College North Campus. Back in 1995, I got a part-time job at the ASC, and Mark was a tech support specialist for the ASC as well. We became best friends and started dating about four years later.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: We got married in 2001, so almost 17 years this coming November.
Q: What’s the size of your family?
A: We have two kids. Arianna who is 13, and Kian who is 11. We also have a pet hamster named Mushi Mushi.
Q: The phrase ‘Love at first sight’ comes to mind. Did you know he/she was “the one,” when you first met?
A: We were really good friends for several years before we began dating.
Q: What is it like to work together?
A: It’s fun! We used to work in the same department and be around each other all day and night. Now, we don’t as much but it is still is great to go out to lunch together whenever possible and it is really cool to have the same vacations like our and spring breaks.
Q: How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
A: It’s really hard with kids and work, and just life in general, but we make sure to not stop growing and exploring new interests which we share together.
Q: How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
A: We typically go out to dinner at a nice romantic restaurant. We tend to splurge on nice dinners for special occasions.
Jennifer and Caleb Cornelius
Some couples will tell you that if they had to work together their relationship would not have survived, not so for Jennifer and Caleb. This Valentine’s Day their relationship is stronger than ever.
Jennifer Cornelius is the coordinator of recruitment and retention at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus. Caleb is the senior associate vice president of student financial services at the Cypress Creek Administrative Center.
Q: How did you meet?
A: We met in New Hampshire at The Soulfest, a four-day Christian music festival. We were both volunteers.
Q: How long have you been married?
A. It will be 9 years this May.
Q: What’s the size of your family?
A: We have 4 young children. 1 boy and 3 girls.
Q: Describe the feeling you had when you first met?
A: Jennifer: I thought Caleb was cute and intelligent. He was so kind and patient with everyone that we worked with. I never wanted to have children until I met Caleb. I saw the type of person he was (still is) and I couldn’t deny a child from being raised by such a wonderful role model. Now we have 4 kids! I would have married him the day we met, but Caleb was in his last year of college. So, we waited and got married 6 days after his graduation!
Caleb: I was overwhelmed by Jennifer’s desire to change the world around her, whether that was in the classroom as a teacher, or by supporting those around her to achieve their dreams to change the world. She cared about others interest, which in this world doesn’t happen as often as it should.
Q: What is it like to work together?
A: Since we met while volunteering, we have worked together for as long as we have known each other. We work very well together.
Jennifer: Caleb encourages me to be a better person and to be the best that I can be in my career. I try my best to do the same for him.
Caleb: Jen encourages me in my career and provides the needed support when I have a rough day or need to make a decision that is hard.
Both: Sometimes it gets interesting working together. Especially when we are in the same meeting and we don’t agree on something. We are both professionals so we don’t cross lines between our personal and professional lives.
Q: How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
A: We try not to talk about work at home. The most important thing is to take time for each other. Our lives can be so crazy and busy at times, but it is so important to take time every day, even if it is only a few minutes, to focus on each other, discuss our dreams of the future, and to encourage each other to succeed. It is the little things that matter. Sometimes, Caleb will stop on his way home and pick up tulips just because he was thinking about me. If he is on campus and I am at a meeting, he will leave me a note on my desk just to say, “Have a great day!” Caleb also makes me coffee every morning. It is a simple act, but it goes a long way to remind me that he cares.
Q: How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
A: It is fun to go out, but our favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day is to stay home. We have an at-home date after the kids go to bed. We either cook a special meal together or order food from our favorite restaurant to enjoy together. We also order our favorite chocolate, Bridgewater Chocolate, which we share with the little loves in our lives, our babies.
Chinara and Teth Milligan
Meet Chinara and Teth Milligan. Chinara is the executive assistant and admissions coordinator at the Honors College on the Central Campus. Teth works there too—in the Facilities Department.
Q: How did you meet?
A: Teth and I became friends in middle school (1993) but we didn’t fall in love until years later. In 2003, we were both at a nightclub in Miami. The club was super dark but we saw each other from across the room, it was like a spotlight over us. I called him over to me. We danced and talked the rest of the night. I think I fell in love that night. And we have been together since.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: We have been married for 11 years; we got married on Christmas Eve 2006.
Q: What’s the size of your family?
A: We have two kids a son and a daughter.
Q: Describe the feeling you had when you first met?
A: Teth: I was excited and at peace whenever Chinara was around. She brought peace to my chaotic world.
Chinara: I felt butterflies whenever he was around, I couldn’t stop smiling just knowing I was going to see him or talk to him that day.
Q: What is it like to work together?
A: It’s a blessing and comforting to work with someone who understands you and the work environment and always has your back. It’s also great being able to have lunch together sometimes.
Q: How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
A; It’s hard to keep romance alive when you have been together for a while, work together and have kids but we still date each other (concerts, dinners, movies, and walks on the beach, etc.) Sometimes he will surprise me with flowers (I love flowers). We talk, laugh, and joke about everything. We don’t take work home.
Q: How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
A: If our kids don’t have an obligation, we try to have a nice candlelight dinner at home with love music and champagne, just the two of us.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Celebrate Valentine's Day at Broward College
The day of love and friendship is here and we know you will be looking for something romantic to do or just a place to hang out with friends. The Broward College Student Life Department has events scheduled on each of its main campuses and partnership centers for Valentine’s Day. Here are a few that may interest you.
Love Fest
Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A Hugh Adams Central Campus, building 19 (Patio)
Enjoy Valentine’s Day festivities with your friends and family. The Love Fest will feature a photo booth, a cookie decorating station, arts & crafts, and games.
Be Our Valentine’s
Wednesday, February 14, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Willis Holcombe Center, building 33, room 120 (Student Activity Center)
Miramar West Center, building 3101, Café
In the mood for some free Valentine’s Day cupcakes, cookies, and maybe some flowers? Then you should pass by any of these two events.
The Relationship Game & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, February 14, 12:30 p.m.
Judson A. Samuels South Campus, building 68B, PCAT
What is love? The Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services and Education Pathways presents a fantastic panel discussion about love and relationships.
Valentine’s Under the Stars
Wednesday, February 14, 7 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
A Hugh Adams Central Campus, building 18 (Observatory)
What can be more romantic than watching the stars? The Observatory will be open on Valentine’s Day. Spend the night stargazing with your other half.
Valentine’s Dance
Friday, February 16, 6 - 10:30 p.m.
North Campus, building 62, room 154
Celebrate with your other half and friends during the annual Valentine's dance. Enjoy a romantic dance date with music from DJ Afrimix and guest appearances from Nu-Life-Kompa and Surprise Dance. Dress code: Semi-formal.