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