I am a proud HCC alumni. I was the first in my family to attend college and two things, among many, made my experience at HCC hugely beneficial. First, the classes were small enough for teachers and students to know each other personally. This environment enabled me to network, make friendships and absorb more from my classroom experience. Second, HCC had tremendous diversity, which made it culturally enriching and inviting. I graduated with honors with an AA degree and transferred to the University of South Florida where I earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. In 2004, I graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences with my D.O. while simultaneously earning my MBA in Health Care Administration/ Management from Rockhurst University. In 2015, I earned an additional master’s degree in Medical Informatics from Northwestern University. Today I am a physician, board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Pulmonary/Critical Care. While studying at HCC I learned the importance and fulfillment of giving back while tutoring students with special needs. It is my hope to give back to this wonderful country that has presented so many opportunities, and recently I have applied to serve as a physician with the Florida Army National Guard.