ESSAYS
 First Place Starloe Galletta '99 |
"Thank you, SCF, for" allowing a random girl to be educated as soon she walked in the door; for planting this seed that would grow into a massive tree; for teaching me more than my tuition could have ever paid for.
I remember my first day on campus, and the feeling that I had arrived. I was a 20 year old "drop out" with a dream of being a teacher. Within months, I carried a 4.0 GPA and was president-elect of the Student Government. During the next 2 years, while traveling to Tallahassee, lobbying the legislature and representing our students to government officials, SCF became an integral part of me - the sap within my tree, remaining even after I earned my Degree.The skills I learned from Dr. Pappas as she mentored me; the endless budget meetings; and all the other knowledge gained outside of the classroom have prepared me for who I am today. I have utilized these skills in a Los Angeles inner-city school; before the director of education in Toronto, Canada; while cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina; and in countless other cities around the country. When I arrived at College of Florida I was a little seed. My dreams provided the roots, my professors gave me a strong trunk of knowledge, and my mentors covered me in leaves. Now that I am a teacher, every year I water 800 individual seeds using the same spout as my teachers used for me. Thank you SCF ................................................................................................. |
 First Place Jeremy Doerrfeld '98 |
Thank you, SCF, for helping "ignite" a change in my life. I always wanted to go to college after high school, but I got kicked out and hope seemed to fade away. If it were not for SCF, and the love and support of my parents, I would not be where I am today. But before I get to that, here's how I got there. I grew up wanting to be an engineer and quickly realized it would be a challenge to pursue that degree. I had to start with the lowest courses SCF offered, but thankfully they were there for me to do so. A few years of intense junior college education followed under the tutelage of some of the most inspiring and supportive professors. From flunking out of high school to graduating cum laude I could have stopped there with my many thanks to SCF, but I wasn't finished. The next stop for me was one of the nation’s top engineering schools, the University of Florida. My stay at UF led to two engineering degrees and where I am today. I am currently working as a design engineer for NASA's Space Shuttle program and specifically the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Element. As an award winning team member of the new SRB video camera system to my current responsibilities, designing the next generation space vehicle, Ares 1, I say, thank you, SCF, for providing the launch pad to a whole new world of opportunities. ................................................................................................. |
 Honorable Mention Helen Tomlinson '74 |
Thank you SCF for a most unforgettable experience. My educational endeavor at SCF started in 1972, ending with graduation in 1974. Little did I know what an impact it would have on my life. From the first moment I set foot on the MJC campus, I felt something magical taking place. I was filled with enthusiasm, elation, and great expectations for the future. I was thankful for the chance I had been given to attend this school. Then and there began a love affair I still carry in my heart: love for the school, its’ setting, the faculty and students, the learning activities, the educational benefits, the warm and helpful attitudes, the acceptance and belonging.
I entered the Nursing Program with wide-eyed wonder and, yes, questions, questions, questions. The faculty was wonderful and promoted interest and determination to succeed. Other faculty members in diverse supplementary subjects played a great role also. I enjoyed each and everyone, and I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to all who touched my life and had such a profound and lasting effect. My educational pursuits did not end with an AA and AS at MJC, but continued on the path toward a BSN (1980) and a MSN (1983) at USF, resulting in an ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner). ................................................................................................. |
