Robert G., a Champions For Learning alumnus who participated in our Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs, has demonstrated that putting the effort in one’s education paves the way for future success. He is currently attending the 27-month Physician’s Assistant Program at Nova Southeastern University’s Jacksonville campus, where he is working at a local family medicine clinic for his clinical rotation. His dream career is one where he can build strong relationships with patients, regardless of the medical specialty.
When he first enrolled in our programs as an eighth grade student through Take Stock in Children, Robert recalled feeling overwhelmed at times. Our Take Stock in Children program specifically empowers students from households classified as economically disadvantaged, many of whom are the first their families to consider college. These students face unique challenges in attaining academic success and career achievement. However, Robert never gave up on himself. As he progressed and began participating in more vigorous and hands-on workshops on scholarship and college applications, building resumes, and developing communication skills, Robert remained committed to his education, even though it was hard work. And now, he is grateful for those years of guidance, resources, and support. “I don’t think I could have gotten this far without Champions,” he said.
As a Take Stock in Children student, Robert was paired with his Champions For Learning mentor, Gary Miles, who Robert felt comfortable talking to about anything and everything. Our mentors are often the first non-authority, adult relationship that students form. They provide guidance, motivation, support, and role-modeling to grow our students’ life skills and help them prepare for postsecondary success. Although most of his peers in high school had the leisure to enjoy free time outside of class, Robert worked full time while juggling school assignments, extracurricular activities, and planning for his future. When he and Gary (who liked to bring them both lunch) would meet, it was a calming experience away from the typical high-stress hustle and bustle. “Gary believed in me, which helped me believe in myself and believe that I was ready for college,” Robert said. When Gary needed to step down as a mentor for medical reasons, Robert was then matched with Jack Feinberg, who became another cheerleader and positive influence on Robert’s self-esteem. He kept in touch with Gary until his passing and still reconnects with Jack if the two happen to be in Naples or Jacksonville at the same time. “I never felt lost when I got to college because I felt confident and was always backed up by both of my mentors,” he said.
While an undergraduate at Florida State University, Robert participated in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, which offered activities and workshops on campus. Because he had already excelled through Champions For Learning’s programs, he was already comfortable connecting to his peers and further building on the skills he had developed while in high school. When he committed to majoring in Exercise Science/Physiology, Robert also joined the Student Support Services (SSS) STEM group, an extension for the CARE program specifically for STEM students that provided extra guidance and hands-on support, and Pre-PA Club, where he discovered different graduate programs and pathways. Through SSS STEM and PA-Club, Robert could always turn to someone when he had questions about his career goals, pursuing PA school, and what resources were available.
Because of Champions For Learning and the CARE program, Robert finished his bachelor’s degree 100% debt free, giving him more flexibility to pursue his next level of education and work towards earning his PA degree. As a first-generation college student, this was monumental for him because his family had a limited understanding of how to navigate college and scholarship applications and the complex financial aid process. Our Take Stock in Children and College and Career Preparation programs closed the gap in helping Robert graduate from high school with a solid foundation in place to reach his postsecondary goals. In addition to receiving financial support, Robert is so grateful to Champions For Learning for igniting the spark within him to chase after his dreams and to pursue new opportunities. Those life skills are ones that he will carry with him throughout his academic and career journey.
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