Health Science
Valencia College

Overcoming the loss of both of her parents as an 11-year-old, Bailey persevered through this traumatic experience and plans to make life science and medicine her career. Her plan includes a move to the University of Central Florida upon finishing two years at Valencia College and pursuing a pre-medicine program with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.

Business Administration
Valencia College

A licensed real estate and mortgage professional, Bernice has found a way to work as a loan officer, attend school full time and support a family of five. An entrepreneur at heart, she enjoys consulting with small businesses. Bernice’s goal is to earn her bachelor’s degree and eventually open her own loan servicing company.

Computer Engineering
University of Central Florida

Living on his own since he was a senior in high school, Brendan has turned challenging personal situations into a focus on future achievement. Finding his passion in technology through re-programming video games, he has chosen to pursue graduate studies in computer engineering. Brendan wants to conduct research on the Internet of Things (IoT) with the goal of building a technology company focused on the IoT industry.

Nursing
University of Central Florida

The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Daniella lost her father at the age of nine. She watched her mother work tirelessly to provide opportunities for her and give her the opportunity to achieve her academic and career goals, which inspired her to aim high. Daniella plans to work as a pediatric nurse after receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Florida. Ultimately, she would like to return to school, earn a master’s degree in nursing and serve as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, focusing on pediatrics.

Finance
University of Central Florida

While a young girl in Colombia, Daniella sold snack door-to-door to help her mother support her family. This early exposure to the realities of poverty inspired her interest in finance. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Central Florida with the goal of become a financial advisor after graduation. Eventually she wants to open her own financial advisory company.

Nursing
University of Central Florida

Dyanna’s interest in health science began when she researched her grandmother’s illness. Though neither of her parents attended high school in Mexico, they encouraged her to excel. She did, becoming the study body president at Oak Ridge High School and finishing in the top 5% of her class. Selected as a LEAD scholar and the University of Central Florida, Dyanna plans to pursue a career as a neonatal nurse.

Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida

Gabriela believes that attaining a college education is an important way of showing her parents that their sacrifices were worth it. In high school, Gabriela volunteered more than 250 hours organizing a book drive and fundraiser for the African Library Project and was able to ship 1,000 books for a library in Botswana. Gabriela is active in student organizations, works full time, and enjoys practicing Mandarin. Her goal is to become a general manager of a top resort

Aerospace Engineering
Seminole State College

As a NASA National Community College Aerospace Scholar, Grace already has a great start on her chosen career field. She is also pursuing her private pilot’s license. Grace is also enrolled in an AmeriCorps apprenticeship to enhance her leadership skills. After completing her associate degree at Seminole State College Grace plans to continue her studies in aerospace engineering at the University of Central Florida. Her career plans include returning to NASA.

Pre-Architecture
Valencia College

While attending five middle schools and four high schools, Jamie persevered academically and achieved a place in the National Honor Society at Oak Ridge High School, completing coursework consisting of advance placement and honors courses. In addition to success in the classroom, he also founded the Environmental Science Club and served as the club’s president. The first of his family to attend college, Jamie will start in the pre-architecture pathway at Valencia college with a goal of becoming an architect, using his interest in environmental science as his guiding principle.

Theatre
Rollins College

Juan is an aspiring actor with plans to work in film. In the past, Juan has taught theater to children in underprivileged communities in his hometown of Miami. At Rollins, Juan is a residential assistant and master carpenter at the Annie Russell Theater. He is a member of the Rollins Players and Rollins Improv Players. He was one of only two students to be honored with the talent-based Priscilla Parker Award.

Biology
University of Central Florida

A cancer survivor who endured chemotherapy during her high school years, Julie is determined to use the experience as continued inspiration while pursuing a career in medicine. Living with cancer taught Julie the value of perseverance and that you can accomplish things you never thought possible. After completing her bachelor’s degree at University of Central Florida she plans to apply for medical school and eventually help those who are dealing with cancer as she once did.

Business and Information Management
Seminole State College

Immigrating to the United States from Honduras in her early twenties, Karol spoke no English and therefor had limited employment opportunities. She eventually found work as a housekeeper and began learning English by learning the words for each item on her cleaning cart. She also found a mentor at a local women’s charity who redirected her academic career. Karol went on to earn her associate degree during the 2020 pandemic and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Seminole State College.

Computer Science
Valencia College

Arriving in the United States from her native Cuba unable to speak English, Lorena persevered through several menial jobs in manufacturing, hospitality, and food service, using her co-workers to practice the language, eventually becoming proficient. She eventually applied for and was accepted into the Seneff Honors College at Valencia College, which broadens the horizons of students by offering an enhanced curriculum and opportunities to explore numerous career and public service paths. Lorena’s immediate goal is to move on to the University of Central Florida and pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Chemistry
University of Central Florida

Luis Perdomo Hernandez is in his fourth year at the University of Central Florida. He graduated from high school Summa Cum Laude and is trilingual. He received a bronze and silver medal in the National French Contest and is also fluent in Spanish. Luis’ goal is to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering and then work in the pharmaceutical industry. He says he wants to honor his community and Hispanic heritage as a scientist to provide innovations that can facilitate a better standard of living for Americans and the generations to come.

Dental Hygiene
Valencia College

Laura’s family was politically persecuted in her native Venezuela and came to the U.S. almost three years ago. A first-generation college student, she plans to transfer to UCF, earn a bachelor’s degree and go to dental school to become a dentist specializing in maxillofacial surgery. During the pandemic Maria Laura volunteered with her school’s Hispanic Latino Student Union working with the school’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) children and volunteers. María enjoys painting and drawing in her spare time.

Education
University of Central Florida

Nalleli is a registered behavior technician who is committed to improving the lives of children, a pursuit that is informed by her own experiences in a family beset by chronic illness. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and education at the University of Central Florida and aspires to become a child life specialist, utilizing social media and emerging communications technology to connect with her clients.

Civil Engineering
University of Central Florida

Neida completed an internship with a construction company this past summer and it has solidified her desire to pursue a career in the construction industry. She’s even begun to learn to weld to have a better understanding of the trades used in the industry. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida, Neida aspires to one day take her skill in building things to the third world, and work on international development projects that build homes and critical infrastructure for communities lack access to the resources and expertise to construct them.

Nursing
Valencia College

While growing up in Ecuador, Ornella witnessed both family health struggles and the ability of the medical community to successfully address them. This is what motivated her to pursue and career in nursing and to help those facing similar challenges: helping others. As an example of her commitment to serving others, Ornella started a business during the Covid pandemics – Baker Healthy – to provide those requiring a low-sugar or sugar-free diets a way to enjoy healthy desserts. After graduation from Valencia College Ornella will continue to the University of Central Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and one day hopes to become a nurse practitioner.

Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida

During the early days of the pandemic, Rodolfo constructed 1,500 face shields using a 3D printer when PPE was non-existent. He delivered these to hospitals, nursing homes, police departments, and grocery stores. Rodolfo also organized a video game tournament at his school to raise money for a nonprofit that provides video games to the less fortunate. After graduation, Rodolfo plans to work for a major aerospace company like Boeing, Lockheed Martin or SpaceX.

Electrical Engineering
University of Central Florida

Essentially forced to become homeless in his junior year at the University of Central Florida, Sebastian was often forced to sleep in his car to attend classes, some of them the most challenging in the engineering curriculum. He persevered, maintaining a high GPA while working several on-campus jobs to cover his expenses. Sebastian is on track to complete his degree in 2023 and aspires to tackle environmental impact issues such as improving sustainability, reducing fossil fuel emissions, and advancing to adoption of alternative energy sources.

Business
Valencia College

Stephanie is unique in this year’s class by the fact that both she and one of her children will be attending college in the same academic year. Managing three children, working full-time, and completing a degree has certainly been a challenge, but Stephanie has persevered to earn her associate degree from Valencia College and is now working toward completing her bachelor’s, also at Valencia. She aspires to work in the human resources field after receiving her bachelor’s degree.

Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida

As a volunteer for Grace Medical Home, Vimalys has greeted patients, asked COVID-19 screening questions, and performed temperature checks. Seeing the relief patients express when they can freely communicate with her in their native Spanish has inspired Vimalys to pursue a career in healthcare. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a doctor.

Health Science
University of Central Florida

After losing her mother to cancer while in high school, Alejandra gained a greater appreciation for life and a passion for helping others. She makes it a priority to participate in breast cancer walks in honor of her mom. When she’s not studying, Alejandra works part-time and has volunteered at a physical therapy clinic and for Orlando Health. She is minoring in Criminal Justice and plans to either attend physician assistant graduate school or work for the FBI.

Health Sciences University of Central Florida

Alondra has a strong commitment to giving back. She has performed free blood pressure screenings for the homeless, served as a translator for Shepherd’s Hope, and worked as a medical assistant for a nonprofit that helps the uninsured. Alondra was selected to participate in a STEM apprenticeship program and is very active in campus organizations. She is pursuing a minor in business and plans to go to PA school or work in the business side of healthcare.

Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida

Shortly after his eighth birthday, Aref was diagnosed with stage four Ewing Sarcoma and ended up beating cancer three times. His experience led him to volunteer with Camp Fiesta, which serves kids battling terminal diseases. During his senior year of high school, the pandemic affected his family’s business, so he began working full-time to earn money for college while finishing high school. Today, Aref continues to work part-time while juggling academics, extracurriculars, and volunteering.

Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management
Florida Technical College

Carmen is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and radio show personality who provides the Latino community with financial planning and business advice. A single mother to a teenage daughter, Carmen is finally achieving her dream of attending college. Her journey has not been easy. Carmen has weathered financial hardships, personal adversity, and illness. She is focused on fulfilling a promise to her late father to use her life experiences and voice to encourage others.

Biomedical Sciences Seminole State College

A two-time scholarship recipient and first-generation college student, Cecilia is a member of the Grindle Honors Institute at Seminole State College. After earning her associate degree, Cecilia plans to transfer to UCF and study Biology or Biomedical Sciences. Her long-term goal is to become a veterinarian. When she’s not studying or volunteering with animal rescue organizations, Cecilia enjoys photography and collecting vinyl records.

Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida

Christian dreams of attending medical school and becoming a physician. After transferring to UCF from Valencia College, he became a member of Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity and began volunteering in the emergency department at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. In addition to earning excellent grades, he has managed to work at least 20 hours a week. Christian enjoys soccer, weightlifting, and swimming.

Musical Theater Valencia College

A musical theater lover since the fifth grade, Dafne aspires to finish her associate degree and transfer to an arts college. A first-generation college student, Dafne was born and raised in Mexico where she lived until moving to the U.S. for a student exchange program. She later moved with her family to Orlando. In addition to school and working a part-time job, Dafne has been active in chorus, jazz, and musical theater productions.

Health Sciences University of Central Florida

Daniel has a profound drive to help others. Upon arriving in the U.S. from Colombia in 2018 just before the midterm elections, he was inspired to encourage fellow young people to vote even when he could not. He hosted voter registration events and an informative webinar to educate the community on the political process. As a first-generation college student, Daniel plans to attend medical school and become a primary care physician serving rural communities.

Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida

Gabriela believes that attaining a college education is an important way of showing her parents that their sacrifices were worth it. In high school, Gabriela volunteered more than 250 hours organizing a book drive and fundraiser for the African Library Project and was able to ship 1,000 books for a library in Botswana. Gabriela is active in student organizations, works full time, and enjoys practicing Mandarin. Her goal is to become a general manager of a top resort.

Architecture
University of Central Floridae

Upon graduation, Isabella plans to attend graduate school. Her goal is to create harmonious architecture between our built and natural worlds. Before transferring to UCF from Valencia College, she participated in the Beyond 34 initiative aimed at boosting recycling in the U.S. In addition to her academics and independent honors research, Isabella mentors younger architecture students and high school students.

Business Management
Rollins College

Jessica is a two-time recipient of this scholarship. Despite a busy schedule and financial challenges, she has made it a priority to volunteer at a middle school serving disadvantaged and at-risk children, sharing her story of growing up as the oldest of six children in a migrant family. A first-generation college student, Jessica works at a State Farm agency while managing a full course load. After graduation, she has a five-year action plan to open her own agency.

Mechanical Engineering
University of Central Florida

At the age of 9, Jovani remembers giving his late grandmother insulin shots and reminding her to check her blood sugar. Witnessing her struggles with diabetes led him to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. Jovani is a first-generation student and a McNair Scholar. After graduation, he plans to enter a doctoral program at Stanford University and develop medical devices and drug delivery techniques for people living with diabetes.

Elementary Education
University of Central Florida

As a lifelong dancer, Kitana is the Artistic Director of the Knights and Damsels Dance Company. She volunteered as team captain for the group’s fundraising team for Knight-thon, a university-wide fundraiser benefiting the Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital. When the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, Kitana found creative ways to motivate her fellow dancers through Zoom. After graduation she plans to work as an elementary school teacher and continue choreographing dance on the side.

Mathematics
University of Central Florida

Laila is fascinated by the human mind and plans to pursue a PhD studying how mathematics can help us understand it. A first-generation college student, she was accepted to Carnegie Mellon University’s summer research program to study how computer algorithms can help solve mysteries of the brain. Recently, she completed another summer program at MIT researching cognitive neuroscience. Laila is president and vice president of two clubs on campus and enjoys tutoring fellow students enrolled in STEM programs.

Biology
Seminole State College

Originally from Cuba, Laurent came to the U.S. 11 years ago. Her father was a doctor there and has served as her inspiration. In the future, Laurent plans to attend medical school and become a doctor specializing in neonatology. She aspires to serve Spanish-speaking immigrant communities. Laurent has volunteered in the postpartum unit at a local hospital and daycare center. She also served as a pole assistant during the 2020 elections.

Dental Hygiene
Valencia College

Laura’s family was politically persecuted in her native Venezuela and came to the U.S. almost three years ago. A first-generation college student, she plans to transfer to UCF, earn a bachelor’s degree and go to dental school to become a dentist specializing in maxillofacial surgery. During the pandemic Maria Laura volunteered with her school’s Hispanic Latino Student Union working with the school’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) children and volunteers. María enjoys painting and drawing in her spare time.

Computer Science
University of Central Florida

Mariana’s father became a homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity, and Mariana fulfilled the organization’s volunteer requirement by helping build homes every Saturday morning for a year and half. A first-generation student, her professional interests lie in computer automation. She would like to contribute to the advancement and predicting of harmful diseases in humans using artificial intelligence and automation. After graduation, Mariana plans to attend medical school and provide accessible healthcare as a geriatric doctor.

Mechanical Engineering
University of Central Florida

Originally from Texas, Mariana competes on the UCF Track and Field team. In the summer of 2020, Mariana’s father tested positive for COVID-19 and an infection required him to have heart surgery. As a result, Mariana applied to the scholarship to find the funds to pay for her education expenses while also helping her family. A first-generation college student, she plans to work for a heavy civil construction company or in the aerospace industry.

Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida

Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Rocio’s university classes were postponed for several months. She chose to move to Orlando alone to resume her studies at UCF. A three-time scholarship recipient, she plans to attend medical school, earn a PhD, and become a surgical pediatric oncologist. A proud accomplishment for Rocio was gaining acceptance to the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute Summer Research Program.

Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida

During the early days of the pandemic, Rodolfo constructed 1,500 face shields using a 3D printer when PPE was non-existent. He delivered these to hospitals, nursing homes, police departments, and grocery stores. Rodolfo also organized a video game tournament at his school to raise money for a nonprofit that provides video games to the less fortunate. After graduation, Rodolfo plans to work for a major aerospace company like Boeing, Lockheed Martin or SpaceX.

Mechanical Engineering
University of Central Florida

A first-generation student, Ronald dreams of creating the next generation of robots. In the future, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in either Mechatronics or Mechanical Engineering. Ronald hopes to one day work for a company like Tesla in its mission to fight against climate change. Aside from academics, he is a four-time Spartan Race Trifecta champion. Through his non-profit, Books for You, Ronald collected and distributed over 9,000 books to hundreds of people.

Psychology
University of Central Florida

Raised by a mother from Costa Rica and father from Hong Kong, Sylvia began playing soccer at age 4. One of her most meaningful volunteer opportunities has been with an organization that helps children with mental and physical disabilities play soccer. It was during this experience that she made a lifelong friend who taught her extremely valuable life lessons in the short amount of time that they had together. Sylvia plans to pursue graduate and doctorate degrees and one day work for the FBI.

Legal Studies
University of Central Florida

At the age of 16, Tanya left Mexico to move the U.S. with her mother and sisters. Her family’s immigration processing took nearly 12 years and has inspired her to help other immigrants. After transferring to UCF from Valencia College, Tanya founded the Immigrant Justice Center that connects students with organizations focused on assisting underrepresented immigrants such as asylum seekers, refugees, victims of domestic violence and other crimes. Her dream is to attend law school and become an immigration attorney.

Biomedical Sciences
University of Central Florida

As a volunteer for Grace Medical Home, Vimalys has greeted patients, asked COVID-19 screening questions, and performed temperature checks. Seeing the relief patients express when they can freely communicate with her in their native Spanish has inspired Vimalys to pursue a career in healthcare. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and become a doctor.