Scholars 2016

2016 SoLII Scholarship Recipient Profiles

Spring 2016 Recipients

Rose Marie Oliviero – Michael J. Grant Campus

St. Joseph's College - Psychology with a Minor in Journalism
While at Suffolk County Community College, Rose Marie was Secretary of the Chemical Dependency Counseling Club and belonged to PTK and the Psychology Club. Outside of the campus, she is a Recovery Advocate, and is a co–founder of SAFE (Supporting Addicts and Families Everywhere).

What advice would you give to future SoLII applicants?
"Work hard, get involved, and most of all enjoy yourself!"

Fall 2016 Recipients

	Colm Ashe – Ammerman Campus Molloy College - New Media Studies Colm is excited to enter a field in which he can use his voice as a writer to expand the perspectives of others. What advice would you give to future SoLII applicants? "Explore your potential. SoLII, other colleges, and the rest of the world aren't in need of someone who just follows the basic formula to success. You will be recognized for effort, but you will be remembered for uniqueness. How will you make a difference?"

	Madina Aziz – Michael J. Grant Campus NYIT - Computer Engineering: Information Technology Madina is interested in technology and how it affects our lives. She wants to be one of the first female computer engineers from Afghanistan, and wants to use technology to help solve some of their problems. How has winning a SoLII Scholarship affected you? "It has proven that no matter where ever around the world you come from, it's all about the hard work that is considered not where you are coming from."

	Andrew Cruz – Michael J. Grant Campus Farmingdale State College - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Technologies Andrew's leadership abilities and love of helping people, as well as his fascination with law enforcement since childhood have set him on a path to follow his father's footsteps into this field. What advice would you give to future SoLII applicants? "I would tell them to continue striving for their goals, to not let anybody doubt them, and to continue working hard and doing the best that they can."

	Kevin Dumas – Ammerman Campus SUNY Old Westbury - Media and Communications Kevin began learning about media in high school. Attending Suffolk County Community College allowed him to enhance his skills on state–of–the–art audio equipment in Suffolk County Community College's live remote van. What advice would you give to future SoLII applicants? "My advice to future SOLII applicants would be to work hard and always put in your best effort. When applying for the scholarship, write the essays from your heart and be personal."

	Giancarlo Estrada – Michael J. Grant Campus Five Towns College - Filmmaking Giancarlo has been inspired by films and theatre throughout his life. He aspires to use film to give voice to the voiceless and bring light to issues that affect people while engaging audiences with ideas that may challenge prior beliefs. While at Suffolk County Community College, Giancarlo had the opportunity to assist, act, and direct as part of the Michael J. Grant Campus Theatre Club. While gaining a behind–the–scenes look, he was also able to forge connections that will help in his future endeavors.

	Elisandra Fini – Michael J. Grant Campus St. Joseph's College - Adolescent Education/ English Notwithstanding the countless awards, honors, and recognitions received while at Suffolk County Community College, including the All–USA Academic Team, Elisandra considers community service to be among her most impactful memories. As VP of Service for PTK, she organized a Make–A–Wish fundraiser and helped build a community playground. Elisandra recognizes that the encouragement and guidance she received from everyone at Suffolk County Community College helped her to tap into her potential, and she plans to pay that forward throughout her teaching career.

	Shelby Graves – Michael J, Grant Campus LIU Post - Business Administration Shelby drew upon the lessons she learned throughout her years as a Girl Scout to help her succeed in college. Dedication, time management, understanding others, and giving back to the community are important skills that she will continue to use toward future success. What advice you give to future SoLII applicants? "Stand out and be different from everyone else because it helps to get you noticed. Get involved."

	Alisha Hartmann – Ammerman Campus Stony Brook University - Biology While studying biology at Suffolk County Community College, Alisha excelled in student leadership. She was president of the Community Service Club, an Orientation Leader, and a chair member of Campus Activities Board. How has winning a SoLII Scholarship affected you? "It has motivated me and given me the confidence to go into Stony Brook University ready to take on whatever challenges and opportunities that come my way."

	Rachel Heinicke – Michael J. Grant Campus Stony Brook University - Psychology Influenced by her own experiences with the Latino community, Rachel wants to direct her research in Psychology toward making a global impact: helping minorities living in countries divided by racism and discrimination. How has winning a SoLII Scholarship affected you? "It has truly inspired faith in myself and I have discovered strengths I wasn't aware of from this whole experience."

	Deanna Keen – Ammerman Campus St. Joseph's College - Human Relations In addition to her course work, Deanna honed her leadership skills while working her way up to being an Executive Member of Campus Activities Board and as an Orientation Leader. Deanna's leadership experience under the mentorship of Suffolk County Community College Counselor Frank Vino helped solidify her career goal as a College Counselor; she wants to impact students' lives the way he impacted hers.

	Rachel Piliere – Ammerman Campus LIU Post - Art Therapy While still in high school, Rachel realized that she wanted a career that would combine her love of both art and psychology. Her psychology courses at Suffolk County Community College increased her interest in the field. Outside of the classroom, Rachel belonged to several organizations including PTK and Brothers And Sisters In Christ. What advice would you give to future SoLII applicants? "Always strive to be the best in all you do and work hard. Set goals for yourself and chase after them."

	Josmary Vergara – Ammerman Campus LIU Riverhead - Communication Studies–New Media While at Suffolk County Community College, Josmary worked at the Counseling Office and volunteered as a Spanish tutor in the Academic Skills Center. Off campus, she is actively involved in her son's academic success, and also volunteers for the Jacob's Light Foundation. How has winning a SoLII Scholarship affected you? "It is a reminder that the American dream is still possible to accomplish."