Veteran Builds Support Network to Achieve Academic Success
Summers in South Florida are traditionally filled with sunshine and barbeques on the beach. Growing up, however, my summers were usually confined in the depressing walls of summer school. I struggled during middle school and high school. Summer school was the only way for me to earn the required credits I’d failed during the regular year. But while I fell behind during the regular school year, I performed at the top of the class during summer school and stayed on track to graduate. That was just the beginning of my educational journey.
A world of experience
Upon graduation, I joined the United States Marines. It was a lifelong goal for which I had prepared meticulously. The Marines afforded me a world of experience and cultures. Most importantly the Marines instilled in me a sense of duty, the initiative to be the change I wish to see in the world, and the determination to get the job done no matter the challenges. After six years of service, the Marines were my family and the decision to leave was not easy. But I knew it was time to start a new chapter in my life and to rectify my less than stellar performance in the academic world.
Re-focused on academics
I now put the same dedication from service towards my academic career, working towards an Associate’s degree at Miami Dade College. A major contribution to my current academic success is the support network I encountered here. Inspirational professors encouraged me to join Phi Theta Kappa, which in turn exposed me to a multitude of employees at MDC that genuinely care about my success and endeavors. Through Phi Theta Kappa I applied for and was selected as a 2017 recipient of the Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education.
Expected and unexpected benefits
One of the major obstacles nearly every student encounters in their pursuit of an education is the cost of obtaining their degree. The decision to take out student loans, work extra hours, or limit the number of classes each semester to fit your budget can be a stressful experience. The Pearson Scholarship removed that stress immediately. It has contributed to my success by providing me with a distinguished mentor, offsetting the costs of education, and providing materials for courses using Pearson products. The expected benefit that this financial award has granted me is the freedom to focus on my studies and invest more time on campus and in my community. One of the unexpected benefits of this prestigious scholarship is the degree of recognition I’ve received from my college’s senior leadership. This has opened several doors for me including additional scholarship opportunities and potential employment prospects.
Pearson Scholar Victor Garnica is studying Economics at Miami Dade College.
Building my support network
Transitioning from the military to student life was a significant adjustment for me. A strong support network has been key and my MDC professors are only one part of it. Another part is my wife, a recent college graduate herself. She helped me to develop good study habits. Pearson is a part of it now, too. They have given me the gift of an experienced mentor by pairing me with a highly accomplished leader with top-level management experience. I would not have encountered this kind of networking experience on my own. I quickly realized the value of a mentor in reaching personal and academic goals and joined the MDC Scholars program to mentor new at-risk students on campus. While many obstacles remain for me on my academic journey, I’m certain with the encouragement my support network, I will overcome them all.
Victor is a recipient of the 2017 Pearson Scholarship for Higher Education. Each Pearson Scholar is paired with a Pearson professional mentor who provides support as Scholars progress toward degree completion. We are incredibly proud of all the Pearson Scholars. Please check back as we continue to highlight each scholar’s story!
