- Home
- EFSC Foundation & Alumni Association
- Student Testimonials
The impact of making a difference
Thanks to donors to the Eastern Florida State College Foundation, students at the College can realize their dreams for a better life through higher education. From paying course tuition to buying expensive textbooks, the dollars given translate into real-life differences for thousands of students thanks to the Titan Awards Scholarship system. Here are a few of the recipient's stories to watch and read. Please help more students by donating to the EFSC Foundation.
Carina Rodriguez Transforms Her Life Thanks to Scholarship Donors
Eastern Florida State College graduate Carina Rodriguez is now attending the University
of Central Florida and her goal is to become a doctor. Carina had to leave another
college due to her mother's health. She arrived at EFSC with a passion for soccer
(she played for the EFSC Titans) — and a passion for volunteering. Carina put in countless
volunteer hours through the College's service-learning program. It's part of the way
she gives back for the generosity of EFSC Foundation donors who helped her return
to college and get the degree she needed to transfer to UCF.
Click the video to watch more of Carina's story
Stuart Braudrick Combines a Career and College to Achieve His Dreams
Engineering Technology major Stuart Braudrick fell in love with his job as a specialized
computer-automated machine operator at a Space Coast manufacturer. He works full time
and wanted to earn the credentials required to advance in his career. Thanks to an
EFSC Foundation scholarship he is on his way to that accomplishment.
Click the video to watch more of Stuart's story
A Desire to "Pay it Forward": Sophia Najarro's Plan to Give Back
EFSC student Sophia Najarro is studying to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.
Her goal is to work in the healthcare field so she can help others. Sophia says her
scholarship allows her to focus on her studies without the worry of the financial
burdens that come with college. When she graduates she wants to "pay it forward" and
become a donor to EFSC scholarships because she says she understands the struggle
and the difference it makes.
Click the video to watch more of Sophia's story
Niccole Patellis: EFSC Aerospace Technology graduate
"This scholarship means more to me than just money because it gave me the ability
to focus more on my studies and worry less about the financial aspect of going back
to school. Having a family, it's difficult to raise them and go to school at the same
time without worrying about the financial obligations that go along with that. If
you were the donor I would say thank you so much. It meant a lot. It made me feel
like I had a team."
Click the video to watch more of Niccole's story
Raquel Magalhaes on the emotional impact of a scholarship
"Having someone believe I deserve a scholarship is really motivational. It has helped
me to realize that all the work and effort I put into learning is even more valuable
than I thought. I promise I will make this opportunity count and do my best to make
sure you know that your choice was the right one. I hope someday I can repay this
gift by helping somebody else feel the same joy I am feeling right now."
Read more of Raquel's story
Janelis Rodriguez wants to pay it forward in life and her career
"Many people take life, kindness and even other people for granted. They feel entitled and never pay it forward. I am the total opposite. This scholarship has taught me that people who have suffered can be noticed and appreciated, as well or better than those who just get handed things in life. I live each and every day to the fullest because I know the people who selected me for this scholarship believe in me." Read the rest of Janelis' story
Scholarship recipient Chardé Brown plans to give back
"The scholarship definitely lifted a heavy burden off of my shoulders. I promised
myself long before I knew about this Foundation program that I would give back to
EFSC by creating a scholarship for students like me who didn’t receive grants or free
money from the state."
Read more of Chardé's story
Scholarship helps Natasha Diaz balance home life and college
"Nursing has always been my dream. Now I can focus on my studies without having to
worry about a financial burden at the end. Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to
purchase supplemental books to aid in my studies. It also provided me with funds for
transportation. This was huge for me as I have clinicals every week, classes and a
child to care for all at the same time. The scholarship you provided me has made my
journey easier and less stressful."
Read the rest of Natasha's story
Graduate Carlo Canales sets example for children
"I graduated from the Eastern Florida State College Aerospace Technology program Spring
2015 — a task that was possible thanks to the financial help I received. Now, I am
applying to many companies and I’m sure the sacrifice will be worth it! Thank you,
to every single person who believed in me enough to pay my way to a better me."
Read more of Carlo's story
Local mom Rachel Williams combines college and family
"Before I turned 30, I lost both my mother and my father. Not having their support
has been rough and made it hard to fulfill my goals. My husband and I have had to
struggle and sacrifice to keep my education on track. Being a stay-at-home mother
trying to pursue a degree at the same time has left us with only one income to support
us all. This scholarship is a much needed and greatly appreciated godsend. Thank you
again for your generosity"
Read more of Rachel's story
Contact Us
EFSC Foundation, Inc.
3865 N Wickham Rd
Melbourne, FL 32955
321-433-7055
efscfoundation@easternflorida.edu
Titan Scholarships: Spring 2024 Update
The priority application for Spring Term 2024 Titan Scholarships will be open from
October 3 until October 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Applications will be reviewed and applicants
contacted via their Titan email. Students can also contact the EFSC Foundation about scholarship applications for special limited access programs or specific scholarship
needs outside of the priority application timeframe. Students also are encouraged
to research external scholarships and apply for need-based financial aid.