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Timothy Atchison – Michael J. Grant Campus
Stony Brook University - Psychology
After spending nearly a decade in the workforce after high school, Timothy threw himself
into his studies at Suffolk County Community College. While earning a perfect 4.0,
he was a student scribe (taking notes for students with disabilities), Peer Mentor,
and winner of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. After
obtaining his undergraduate degree from SBU, he plans on pursuing his PhD and becoming
a mental health therapist.
Who/what inspires you?
“Everywhere I look around me at Suffolk County Community College, there is someone or something that inspires me. There is an undeniable feeling that
the faculty of this school truly, honestly want their students to build a strong foundation
for their futures, and every student who puts the effort in is met with support and
encouragement.”
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Jerome Bost – Eastern Campus
St. John's University - Government and Political Science
As a non-traditional student, Jerome came into Suffolk County Community College with
a diverse set of skills that he immediately put to use not only in the classroom,
but in the larger community. He served first as an SGA senator and Vice President,
and then was elected by his peers to two consecutive terms as the Student Trustee
at Suffolk County Community College from 2017-2019. Jerome was also a member of the
PTK and ASL Honor Societies, and became a Get There From Here scholar and SUNY Chancellor’s
Award for Student Excellence recipient.
What are your long-term career goals?
"I am excited about collective bargaining, and advocacy for workers’ rights. I know
unequivocally that my purpose in life is to practice law with a concentration in labor
relations."
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Victoria Constantine – Ammerman Campus
St. Joseph's College - Child Study with a concentration in mathematics
Victoria has always wanted to be an elementary school teacher because she is passionate
about helping others become the best versions of themselves. At Suffolk she was an
active member in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), fundraising and putting together Thanksgiving
baskets, as well as being an integral part of the PTK team that focused on raising
awareness about recycling campus-wide.
What advice would you give to future SoLII/NYSPTS applicants?
“I would tell them to be truthful to themselves, they should be honest in their essays
and share both the good and the bad. Being open and honest is the only way to go about
the application. The difficult times in life that are far from perfect are often the
moments that make us grow the most and help shape who we are as individuals.”
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Justin DeRosa – Eastern Campus
St. Joseph's College - Secondary Education, Social Studies
As a future educator, Justin realizes how important it is to advocate for one’s self
as a student. At Suffolk County Community College he wasn’t shy about talking to his
professors, visiting the writing center, or spending time at the library, which he
credits with helping him with his success at Suffolk. When he isn’t busy with schoolwork,
he can be found coaching a travel baseball team, painting rocks for the Center Moriches
Rocks kindness movement, or fine-tuning his fantasy football lineup.
What are your long-term career goals?
“My ultimate dream as a teacher is to have a student tell me that I inspired them.”
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Patrick Felician – Ammerman Campus
Farmingdale State College - Geographical Informational Systems
A first-generation college student, Patrick took the opportunity to explore career
options while at Suffolk County Community College. He discovered that he enjoyed discussing
higher-level scientific concepts, and taking a Geography 101 course inspired him to
investigate the field of geography and geographic information systems. As a young
and charismatic GIS Analyst/Technician, he would like to help raise awareness of how
our actions affect the natural systems we depend on.
What course at Suffolk County Community College inspired you the most?
“Geography 101 inspired me to investigate the field of geography/GIS. I was fascinated
by the amount of jobs and industries that integrate a form of geography.”
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Raimy Fernandez Portorreal – Ammerman Campus
NYIT - Architecture Technology, Construction Management
Moving from the Dominican Republic by himself and having to learn English didn’t stop
Raimy from earning a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarship
in 2018. Raimy has always had a passion for creating and building along with a love
of technology, so pursuing a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in architecture
are the perfect goals to blend his passions. He intends to focus on designing and
educating others about “green” buildings to make construction less destructive for
our planet.
Besides winning this scholarship, what achievement in your life are you most proud
of?
“Every little rock I put together into a pile to be the best version of myself is
an achievement that I'm proud of. From moving to the USA on my own when I was only
17, becoming a USA citizen, getting my first car, to enrolling and eventually graduating
from Suffolk.”
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Lindsey Hernandez – Michael J. Grant Campus
St. Joseph's College - English Education
This Honors Program student’s experiences working with her ESL peers in high school
inspired her to become an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher. At Suffolk County
Community College she had the opportunity to work with students with disabilities
in the Student Services Center, and now she is planning on minoring in Spanish at
St. Joseph’s and continuing on to obtain her Master’s in Bilingual Studies. Over the
past two years she has worked as passionate volunteer with Habitat for Humanity; she
has done an Alternative Spring Break collegiate build in Delaware for the organization,
and usually tries to contribute to at least two builds a month.
What course at Suffolk County Community College inspired you the most?
“My Advanced Expository Writing class inspired me the most at SCCC. It was my professor’s
mastery in not only the art of writing, but the art of teaching, that sparked a creative
joy in my work.”
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Zianna Khachaturian – Michael J. Grant Campus
LIU Brentwood - Social Work
As the Event Coordinator of the Chemical Dependency Club, Zianna was instrumental
in organizing a toy drive that provided hundreds of toys to children whose parents
were in treatment for substance use disorders. Also, during her final semester she
secured a 270-hour internship at an in-patient rehabilitation facility for substance
use disorder, where she now works full-time as a counselor. After receiving her degree
from LIU Brentwood, her goal is to become the clinical director of a substance use
disorder facility.
Describe yourself in two sentences or less.
“I’m living proof that giving someone a second chance in life can make all the difference.”
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Lauren Levine – Ammerman Campus
LIU Post - Economics
Lauren worked three jobs while going to Suffolk full-time, successfully completed
over 40 credits of Honors classes, earned a 4.0 GPA, and still managed to find time
to be involved on and off-campus. This academic powerhouse and future CEO was an avid
member of the Honors Club, PTK, and Business and Accounting Club on campus, and has
been a top volunteer at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for the past three years.
Who inspires you?
“My mom inspires me to be the best person I can be. She passed away when I was 14
years old and I always do everything with the thought that she is watching over me.”
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Corianna Lipira – Ammerman Campus
Stony Brook University - Social Work
As a recipient of both the Get There From Here scholarship and the 2019 SUNY Chancellor’s
Award for Student Excellence, Corianna was a major presence on campus. She spoke with
potential incoming students as an Orientation Leader, and led her fellow students
as the secretary of the Student Government Association, and member of the Community
Service Club and Undocumented Student’s Task Force. Corianna plans to obtain her Juris
Doctor Degree and become a prisoner’s rights attorney to advocate on their behalf
and change laws that prevent them from reentering society with dignity.
Why did you choose this major/concentration?
“I chose this major because I want to act as an advocate for others. I recognize that
I can use my voice and my skill set to make a positive change in the life of another,
and I feel that it is my purpose to do so.”
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Jose Lovos – Eastern Campus
LIU Post - Business Administration
One of Jose’s proudest achievements while at Suffolk County Community College was
to accept the invitation to become a part of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society.
Through his position as the VP of Scholarship for PTK, he grew as a leader, mentor,
friend, and scholar, and was able to take part in PTK Feeds NY among other initiatives.
He credits his father with inspiring him to work hard without complaining and to never
quit, qualities he hopes to pass on to others on their college journeys when he becomes
a college dean.
Other than financially, how has winning a SoLII/NYSPT Scholarship affected you?
“Thanks to the SoLII, I will have the opportunity to live on campus at LIU Post and
have the traditional college experience, while still receiving a top notch education.”
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Sydney Mackenzie – Eastern Campus
Stony Brook University - Molecular Biology
Growing up Sydney always had an interest in biology, and after learning more about
a hereditary genetic disorder in her own family she became inspired to become a genetic
counselor. Interestingly enough, Sydney also has a license in cosmetology, and she
actively uses her skills as a stylist to volunteer at multiple charitable events.
Most notably, she offers nail and hair services to young women at the Southampton
Fresh Air Home for physically challenged youth, which puts on an annual prom.
What advice would you give to future SoLII/NYSPTS applicants?
“When you’re filling out your application, speak in your own voice. Yes, make sure
your essays are professional and scholarly, but be honest with yourself and have fun
with them. Don’t doubt your abilities and when you think you’ve made everything perfect,
do one more draft.”
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Jay Mauro – Eastern Campus
Five Towns College - Musical Theatre
Returning to college after a 25-year hiatus was daunting, but undeniably the right
choice for Jay to pursue his passion to be on stage. This gifted artist was a part
of the Suffolk team that brought the original musical “THAT Night Before Christmas”
to life, and he has even performed at world-renowned Carnegie Hall to support Hope
House, a ministry that is near to his heart.
What are your long-term career goals?
“To use my God-given gifts combined with what I learn for a purpose, not just a paycheck.
I’m not sure how that path is going to unfold but I believe if I pay attention, take
risks, and follow my heart, the possibilities are endless.”
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Shannon Mellas – Eastern Campus
Adelphi University - English
Inspired by her grandmother’s intelligence and grit, Shannon came into her own at
Suffolk, presenting at the 2018 Creative Writing festival and being chosen as the
Eastern Campus commencement ceremony student speaker. As a part-time student, she
maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and contributed three poems to the East End Elements
literary magazine of Suffolk County Community College, all while being a full-time
caregiver for her elderly grandmother.
What are your long-term career goals?
“While reading is my companion in life, writing is my soulmate. I’m a shy person
and I’ve always felt that I’m most myself in writing. I have a particular penchant
for storytelling, which is why my goal is to become a published novelist someday...
As an author, it’s my hope that I’ll be able to give back some of the hope and light
I’ve found in books. I want to use my words to help others find their voice.”
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Christopher Ottusch – Michael J. Grant Campus
Hofstra University - Computer Science and Cyber Security
When he wasn’t in class maintaining his 4.0 GPA or working at his full-time job, Chris
volunteered his time with The Refuge food pantry as well as educating lower income
schools and communities about basic finance and banking skills for the Community Reinvestment
Act. His long-term career goal is to help educate consumers on how to protect their
information in such a vulnerable digital age.
Who inspires you?
“The person who smiles with the less fortunate and who can see the suffering in greed,
who offers knowledge in spirit to those that seek it.”
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Fatima Parvez – Michael J. Grant Campus
LIU Post - Medical Imaging
Inspired by the advanced technology and her Human Anatomy classes, Fatima’s goal is
to launch her own medical practice dedicated to saving lives through imaging. As the
first in her family to attend college in the United States, this Pakistani native
made the most of her time at Suffolk County Community College, becoming a Peer Mentor,
Vice President of the Muslim Student Association, and Social Media and Marketing Senator
for the Student Government Association on the Grant Campus. She also initiated and
coordinated the very first interfaith dialogue at Suffolk.
Describe yourself in two sentences or less.
“I am highly motivated by my goals and my dreams. I love to look at the brighter side
of things, take new opportunities and accomplish phenomenal deeds with a full spirit.”
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Kayla Reynolds – Michael J. Grant Campus
St. Joseph's College - Child Study
As a transfer student, Kayla applied to and was immediately accepted into the Honors
program, where she earned the J. Robert Fisher Memorial Honors Scholarship. As a member
of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Club, and Aspiring Teachers’ Club, she was part of
the initiative that spent time with the young children at the Michael J. Grant Campus’
Kid’s Cottage, teaching them about the five senses through crafts and other activities.
Why did you choose this major/concentration?
“Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to be an elementary school teacher.
I would practice teaching my stuffed animals and give them math problems “to do” and
I would grade them. Special education is very near and dear to my heart because I
have a cousin with Down syndrome. Growing up around him, I’ve always known that I
wanted to help those with special needs.”
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Jesly Rodriguez – Ammerman Campus
St. Joseph's College - English Education
As a member of the National Honor Societies for math, science, and art in high school,
Jesly continued her academic excellence at Suffolk County Community College by becoming
an active member of the Honors College and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She also
taught ESL students language skills and computer skills at the Ammerman Campus language
and reading labs, and was recommended as a tutor for the campus Writing Center. She
plans to become an English teacher that her students can trust and count on for help
to reach their full potential.
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Edward Rodriguez – Michael J. Grant Campus
SUNY Old Westbury - Accounting
With a natural inclination towards numbers, calculations, and problem-solving, Edward
changed his career focus from professional baseball to accounting. Once he found accounting
at Suffolk County Community College Edward flourished, becoming a member of PTK and
the Business Club, volunteering at beach cleanups and open houses, and participating
in countless other college events as a member of the Student Government Association.
Besides winning this scholarship, what achievement in your life are you most proud
of?
“Being in the position I am today: only the second person in the family to graduate
from college, with the ability to support myself… It was a miracle that I even made
it through high school, I couldn’t imagine myself being in my current situation two
or three years back.”
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Melissa Smith – Michael J. Grant Campus
Molloy College - Social Work
As a mother of two, working four jobs and offering her time to people in need, starting
college was a challenge for Melissa. The sheer determination and will to succeed which
she learned from her father helped her not only achieve her dream of graduating, but
also motivated her to finish Suffolk County Community College with a near perfect
GPA. Suffolk has been a very important stepping stone for Melissa to realize her goals
and continue her education with Molloy.
What advice would you give to future SoLII/NYSPTS applicants?
"Make your time at Suffolk a priority above all. Do your absolute best and accept
nothing less from yourself. Make yourself proud."
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John Michael Torns – Ammerman Campus
St. Joseph's College - Secondary Education; Mathematics
This father of two and future math teacher dreams of being a role model and mentor
to guide today’s youth down the right path. At Suffolk County Community College he
was a stellar Get There From Here Scholar who was involved in intramurals, the chess
club, and BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ.) He was also an orientation leader
and student tutor in the math learning center on the Ammerman Campus.
What advice would you give to future SoLII/NYSPTS applicants?
“Utilize all the learning centers and your professors. You will find that everyone
on campus is there to support you.”
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Michelle Wilcox – Eastern Campus
St. Joseph's College - Accounting
As a Get There From Here scholar, peer mentor, and the President of three honor societies
at Suffolk County Community College (Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Beta Gamma, and Alpha
Sigma Lambda), Michelle has left an indelible impression on the Eastern Campus. She
organized the PTK Feeds NY Thanksgiving Food Drive and 2018 Cedar Beach Polar Plunge
among many other initiatives, and somehow found time to volunteer at a local animal
shelter. It’s no wonder she was chosen as the recipient of the Outstanding Student
Leader Award and SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. After she obtains
her MBA in Accounting, this natural leader plans on becoming a future controller and
CFO of a company.
Describe yourself in two sentences or less.
"I’m the person who will not quit until the job is finished. The leader I am today
has learned that once I accomplish something, I have the willingness and eagerness
to share that knowledge with others, and I do exactly that!"
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Our past SoLII scholarship recipients!
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