• Among them was Beth Grauer who received an Associate in Arts Degree while also competing for Team USA in November at the Parapan-American Games for athletes with physical disabilities , where she won a silver medal in the seated shot put .
• “ It was definitely overwhelming trying to juggle both training and my studies ,” said Grauer , who hopes to qualify for the Paralympics scheduled in Paris after the 2024 Olympics and then return to Eastern Florida to earn a Bachelor ’ s Degree .
• “ I believe the combination of veteran , student , and athlete gives me the drive and motivation to achieve my goals no matter the circumstances or obstacles that may be placed in my way .”
• Also refusing to be stopped was Associate Degree graduate Angelica Sosa , who turned to the organization at EFSC called TRiO that helps firstgeneration college students with extra support services , including tutoring .
• “ When I started this journey , I really struggled in general with my academics and got into academic probation . Math is very much my weakness ,” said Sosa , who discovered the TRiO resources that helped her pass .
• “ I share my story because people don ’ t always like to talk about the struggle . But plenty of us deal with it while in school . It is ok to talk about it because there might be someone out there who is dealing with the same situations as you .”
• Reneé Robles earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Management - Event Planning and Management specialization and shared the stage with her daughter , Associate Degree graduate Aryah Britt , who plans to go on to UCF .
• Robles did not let multiple sclerosis or a job in the aviation industry that was lost to the COVID pandemic slow her down .
• “ I was at a roadblock and was being told I needed a Bachelor level degree for every job I applied for so I decided to come back to college ,” said Robles , who found a mutual support system with her daughter . “ We would edit each other ’ s papers and ask each other for advice .”
• Also taking a family connection to the commencement stage were twin sisters Janill and Janilla Merritt-Houston who both earned Associate Degrees and plan to put their sewing and fashion design skills to use by starting a clothing business while also working in the banking industry .
• “ We grew up as Christians and we want our clothing company to help spread the mission of encouraging young people to stay in school and set goals for themselves ,” said Janilla .
• “ Coming to college helped me prepare for starting a clothing business because it gave me the tools you need from a finance perspective ,” added sister Janill .
• College President Dr . Jim Richey congratulated all the fall graduates , saying , “ Regardless of your chosen path , I encourage you to take what you have learned to advance your careers and live a rich full life . And remember , the struggles you face along the way , no matter how difficult , will ultimately strengthen you .”
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