As we enter a new year, the promise of student success is even stronger.
Polk State College is grounded in every student we serve – our why and our purpose. I recently met with leaders of our Student Government Associations, clubs and classes to discuss their New Year’s resolutions and the opportunities presented by Polk State.
Their resolutions and stories surfaced as the challenges they face and the limitless possibilities they carry with conviction. Polk State has a responsibility to nurture, expand and champion these goals. One main theme emerged: Polk State opens doors of opportunities for all students.
Savannah Welch, student engagement specialist for the Winter Haven Campus SGA, candidly shared that if it wasn’t for Polk State and SGA, she would have dropped out of college. Now, she has her Polk State associate in arts degree and is preparing to transfer to a university to study astrophysics.
“I’m grateful for this school existing,” she said. “Really, really grateful.”
Maria Parra, secretary for the Winter Haven Campus SGA, is a first-year student from Colombia who shared that Polk State has not only helped her navigate college, but also a new country and new systems.
“Students don’t always understand that they can go to college without going into debt or without having money,” she explained. “I can’t work, but I can come here and learn. Polk State makes that possible.”
Subrina Akter, president for the J.D. Alexander Center SGA in Lake Wales, added that Polk State shouldn’t be viewed as a “gray area” between high school and a university.
“Polk State is not just a phase ― it has so much to offer,” Akter said. “I didn’t know that as a high school graduate with no cord or distinction of honor that I would be in a room with the College President, in Tallahassee meeting with legislators advocating for students or at national conferences accepting awards with SGA.
“Polk State is a very important milestone,” she said. “Here, you are a student with limitless opportunities.”
Joel Martinez, jurisprudence for the Winter Haven Campus SGA, added that Polk State should be considered a first-choice school. One of his New Year resolutions is to pass his anatomy and physiology course.
“The class is hard, but I love Dr. [Anthony] Rizzo,” he said. “He told me that he’s not going to teach us how to cheat, he’s going to teach us to understand anatomy. He’s going to help me be more confident moving forward toward my goal of studying exercise science.”
Sebastian Cardenas, president of the Winter Haven Campus SGA, echoed this trust in his professors.
“The faculty here are really great. The first-year teachers are so welcoming. Professor Bryan Rivers, before he retired, introduced me to all the clubs and his energy is so inviting,” Cardenas shared. “It led me to meet many amazing professors and staff members – Cary Cardell, Kim Simpson, Melvin Thompson and Chris Ly.”
The students’ testimonials mirror the data. The college boasts 100% licensure pass rates in several areas, including diagnostic medical sonography, early childhood and elementary education, law enforcement, nursing, paramedic, physical therapist assistant and respiratory care.
Polk State also has the highest employment and continuing education rate in the Florida College System for Associate in Science graduates at 93%. Polk State’s faculty and staff are preparing students for success as professionals and leaders for our community.
“I am proud to be an Eagle,” Martinez said. “Polk State is a first choice.”
As we step into a new year together, may we continue to open doors, lift each other up and recognize the extraordinary potential within every Polk State Eagle.
Our students are not just the reason we exist. They are why we strive. As Cardenas said, “in the new year, I want to have a stronger voice.”
Our Polk State College voice, as communicated through our students, will amplify only if unity propels us. As president, I am extremely proud of our students, faculty and staff. Our students are our why.
Angela Garcia Falconetti is president of Polk State College.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Why Polk State? Hear the voices of student leaders | Guest commentary
Reporting by Angela Garcia Falconetti, Guest columnist / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
