Scholarships

What Scholarship(s) do/did you receive?  

• Samuel & Muirene Wilke Memorial Scholarship
• Edward K. Roberts Scholarship 

I want to hear your story, start from wherever you feel comfortable to where you are today.  

I was born and raised in Land O’ Lakes/Wesley Chapel and am the second generation to live in the States on my mom and dad’s side. My mom is Mexican American and my dad is Syrian American so there was a large culture mix growing up. This variety allowed me to see the difference and beauty in each. I never had any siblings but I grew up with cousins, aunts, and uncles that were like my brothers and sisters. Until I was 8 years old, my parents and I lived with my dad’s side of the family. With 17 of us, there was never a quiet moment; some of my best memories are in that home. Family has always been a big part of my life. My parents and I grew up close. They raised me with an open mindset, and supported me through everything. I always say my dad added the edge and my mom added the nurturing touch. I would wrestle and fish one moment then go play dress up the next. Throughout middle school and high school, I struggled academically and personally. My junior year I was kicked out and came back my senior year. The friends I once spoke to weren’t a part of my life. I joined clubs for the first time, and school was somewhere I wanted to be. From high school, I came to PHSC and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. SGA was the first club I joined after a friend and I decided to go for senator together. Since then, I have met some of the most cherishable people, gained a plethora of new experiences, and represented my peers which has been one of my greatest honors. I hope to continue making memories, learn more, and represent my peers better than yesterday.  

How long have you been in Pasco or Hernando County? What brought you here?  

I lived in Pasco County until I was 8. After that my parents and I moved to Hillsborough County. Although I don’t live in Pasco, PHSC is the closest college to me.  

How did you hear about PHSC?  

It was commonly referenced many times throughout my school and my cousin went there before me. It happened to be close and after visiting I thought it would be a great fit.  

When did you decide to apply?   

Summer 2020 

Were scholarships a factor in your decision to apply?  

The affordability PHSC offers on top of their quality education was a big factor in my decision making. 

Do you have a favorite professor/staff member or part about your program?  

My first semester at PHSC was all online, yet one of my best semesters. I had two professors that year that have stuck to my heart. Professor Mcleod and Professor Faison. Mcleod taught English I. Before I knew it, questioning everything, giving my 100%, and MLA format was engrained in my head. Her expectations were high and her love ran deep. Anytime I needed support, she was there. Professor Faison teaches Psychology. Every student I come across that had him as a professor states a slogan he would drill us with every day. The moral of his sayings taught us to keep our mind strong and our awareness high. He’d say, “the only time you’re not in control is when you’re being eaten by a great white shark,” which sounds insane but it’s a way of telling you that more likely than not, you are the one who is able to control situations you encounter based on how you handle them. The world has so many moving parts and not everything will go our way. Keeping in mind what you can control is a way of grounding and releasing what you cannot. These are just a few great things about each professor. I always say it’s never the material that brings itself to life, but it is the professor who teaches the material. I still keep in contact with both till this day. 

Are you involved in student organizations or other campus activities?  

To me, Student Life and Leadership (SLL) has to be one of the best parts of PHSC. The extension of curiosity, growth, selflessness, and awareness grew in me when I became involved here. PHSC has many options, but my favorite club is Student Government Association (SGA). Along with SGA being the voice of students, I saw it as a road of supporting your inner power. My first semester, everything was on Zoom. Helping where I could and interacting with others became something I looked forward to. I continued to be involved after serving as senator, and later was able to serve as VP, to then be appointed College wide President. My peers and SLL faculty were a huge support. In between those semesters, any event I could join, I was there. Since then, my peers and I have been a part of a variety of events. From yoga, to peace week, to representing peers at the state capitol regarding bills that would affect students directly, to even creating events and seeing the process from start to finish. On top of the rich memories, all of these events tack on skills that we’ll utilize during our time here and after. I still am involved and now have the honor to represent my peers as student trustee. Helping others became my highlight once I saw what student life did for me. I want others to find the support they need, make memories, and explore the leader within themself. I saw great impact in this, not only within the person but the community. 

What’s your favorite PHSC moment or memory?  

There are so many great memories I can reference. Any event where I see a student break out of their shell, find someone to connect with, discover resources, and seek what they enjoy is an amazing thing to see. You see their body language change instantly. At any event, especially Student Leadership Retreat, I’ve seen this similar cycle occur. Everyone feels awkward at first, and slowly with ice breakers, different activities, and good food, people begin to mend and find what matches their vibe. Any experience can change to positive with a little bit of contagious energy and curiosity. All you need is the human race. 

What does life after PHSC look like?   

I plan to move on to a university, hopefully here in Florida so I can be close to my family. I want to get my bachelors in the field of public relations. Leadership and being involved in my community will continue to be a part of my life.  

Reflecting on your time so far at PHSC, and your plans in the future – how would you say receiving scholarships have impacted you and your life?  

Knowing that I don’t have to take out extra loans or work longer hours has helped tremendously. This has allowed me to hone in on my education, be involved, and experience all of the things in between to support me throughout my journey here at PHSC. I am extremely grateful!  

If you were able to talk to or meet the person(s)/family who funded your scholarship what would you tell them?  

Thank you for supporting and understanding the importance of education funding. I know my peers and I are appreciative of this opportunity we have to receive these scholarships; they are critical for our continued education. Not only is our education being funded but so is our time. With this support, we’re able to focus more on our goals in order to succeed in our endeavors.   

If you could share your message and your success story with people in a comparable situation as you, is there anything you would like to tell them, or words of wisdom to impart, that you wish would have been said to you?   

For those who feel they’re not equipped with the knowledge they need to take on the next challenge, you can do it and learn as you go. You never know what will happen, experience is much better than regret down the road. For those who feel that you need to fit in, be you, the rest will follow. For those who feel stuck and defeated, it’s all temporary. Just like the ocean, the waves fluctuate. Take life as it comes and make constructive and strategic decisions. For those who feel they don’t know what they want to do with their life, explore different paths, see what lights you up, and enjoy the journey. Don’t rush and jump because others told you it’s the right thing for you, only you know you best. Consider yourself and others when doing anything, everything we do has a domino effect. Never give up something you want for the comfortability of others. Put you first, without your cup full, you can’t be there 100%. And lastly, time doesn’t forgive, take yourself seriously and be mindful of where your energy flows. You are your own business and are in control of your story.  

What Scholarship(s) do/did you receive?

I have received scholarships from Mr. and Mrs. J. Wesley Richards, PHSC Tech Prep, and from the Musunuru Family.

I want to hear your story, start from wherever you feel comfortable to where you are today.

My story starts when I was first diagnosed with learning disabilities at a very young age. I wasn’t sure at the time what that was, due to me being so young, but once I grew older, I learned more about my disabilities. I wasn’t sure if I could play any sports or be successful in academics due to these disabilities. Once high school started, it was a very tough barrier for me because I did not feel confident in myself at the time. That mindset changed after a couple of months went by and I was able to achieve a 4.0 in my first semester in high school. After that first semester, everything changed. I was able to learn a new sport which was golf, but some days were better than others. Some days I just wanted to give up, but I was reminded that I can do anything when I put my mind to it. In two years of me playing golf, I was able to play in a regional tournament for the first time. At the end of my junior year, I was involved in a car accident. My memory was fuzzy at the time, I hurt my neck and I felt depressed. I told myself during that time “it doesn’t matter how far you fall; it matters how you get up.” After that time, I trained to be prepared for my senior year. I was still very successful in academics with my learning disabilities, and I was able to play golf again. I was recruited by many golf coaches to play for their team, and I was honored but COVID-19 hit. At the end of my senior year, we all had to go to remote classes and that had to be the most stressful time I had in my life, but I never gave up. I ended up with a 3.9 GPA at the end of high school and I did not know at the time what life would take me.

When did you decide to apply?

All colleges were still remote, and I wasn’t sure what I should do. So, I decided to attend PHSC in the fall of 2020 and that was a great decision. It was recommended by my high school guidance counselors to attend PHSC in the meantime. These past two years were tough for me because I was not used to any college classes let alone remote classes but with disabilities, it was even tougher. I was able to be on the President's List three times these past two years and my GPA ended with a 3.92 GPA. After all the barriers that came to me in life, I never gave up despite the setbacks and that’s why I’m applying for my bachelor’s degree at PHSC this fall.

Were scholarships a factor in your decision to apply?

Scholarships were somewhat a factor in my decision, but I just wanted to attend a college close to home and with smaller class sizes.

Do you have a favorite professor/staff member or part about your program?

I have to say my favorite staff member at PHSC has to be my academic advisor Jesse Balogh because he’s very supportive and he’s been there for every question I have had these past two years.

What’s your favorite PHSC moment or memory?

I would say my favorite memory at PHSC so far would be taking public speaking online with my friends because I never thought you would be able to do that!

What does life after PHSC look like?

Life after PHSC to me would hopefully have an internship or job with a sports team.

Reflecting on your time so far at PHSC, and your plans in the future – how would you say receiving scholarships have impacted you and your life?

Receiving scholarships has had the biggest impact on my life. With me being honored for my academics due to my disabilities it is just an honor and a privilege to be noticed for that.

If you were able to talk to or meet the person(s)/family who funded your scholarship what would you tell them?

If I could talk to anyone that funded my scholarships, I would just tell them this whole story and tell them how blessed I truly am to receive their scholarship. It honestly means a lot to me knowing that people believe in me and my academic endeavors.

If you could share your message and your success story with people in a comparable situation as you, is there anything you would like to tell them, or words of wisdom to impart, that you wish would have been said to you?

The words of wisdom I would give anyone in my situation is to just believe in yourself and shoot for the stars because anything is possible if you put in 110% effort. I just want to quickly thank PHSC and the PHSC Foundation for all the support they have given me these past two years and I can’t wait for what is to come in these next two years at PHSC.
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My name is Rebecca Ott and I am completing my Associates in Arts with PHSC. I will officially graduate this summer 2022 and attending USF in the fall.

What Scholarship(s) do/did you receive?

I received numerous scholarships through my time at PHSC by joining different school organizations and clubs such as the Human Services Club, NAMI, and student government. In reaching out to my financial aid officer, I received assistance from the PHSC Scholarship Foundation numerous times to complete my degree.

I want to hear your story, start from wherever you feel comfortable to where you are today.

I started with PHSC in the fall of 2015 after graduating high school. From there I struggled to stay a full-time student or even enrolled at all due life changes and not having the ability to pay for school. Over the course of two years, I managed to put myself through school by working two full-time jobs until I was roughly halfway done with my degree. Unfortunately, living independently other major factors including the cost of living, vehicles breaking down and being replaced, and the overall struggle of working full-time took priority over school and I did not return to PHSC until fall of 2020. I returned to school because I realized that graduating college was one of my life goals and I wanted to graduate for myself so that I could ultimately begin working in dream career as a humanities Professor. I reached out to numerous clubs to become more involved on campus and with the help of my current employers, I started prioritizing school and myself again. Still not being able to completely fund my way through college, I reached out to our financial aid department who then informed me about the Scholarship Foundation, and both were critical in my success and providing aid so I could simply work on my courses and not stress about how I would fund my education.

How long have you been in Pasco or Hernando County? What brought you here?

I was born and raised in Hernando County.

How did you hear about PHSC?

I have always known about PHSC since being from the area and visited the Brooksville campus often throughout high school.

When did you decide to apply? 

I applied during the last semester of my senior year of high school and started attending classes the following fall semester.

Were scholarships a factor in your decision to apply?

Scholarship played a huge part in where I decided to go to school and the cost of college overall. I chose a college that was conveniently located near me, had a variety of degree programs to get started with, and would not force me to take any type of loans out to pay for school.

Do you have a favorite professor/staff member or part about your program?

My favorite staff member at PHSC is Ms. Wendy Williams in financial aid. I reached out to her desperate and honest about my financial situation. She answered all my questions without judgement and went above and beyond to help me succeed. She acted as a friend and provided guidance throughout every step of my final year. She is one of the main reasons I have been able to complete my degree with PHSC.

Are you involved in student organizations or other campus activities?

I was involved in the Human Services Club, NAMI Club, and Vice President of the Spring Hill Campus with the Student Government Association. I also did various activities with the Rotaract Club and found that being more involved on Campus and in these organizations completed changed my experience at PHSC for the better. If I could do it all over again, I would have become more involved right away.

What’s your favorite PHSC moment or memory?

My favorite PHSC memory was being award the Felisha R. Barker award this past semester. Though over zoom, the award ceremony made me cry and so proud of not only my journey at PHSC, but the other student leaders who are so dedicated each and every day.

What does life after PHSC look like? 

Life after PHSC looks like three additional years of schooling at USF while continuing my current career in real estate. My goal is to graduate with my master’s degree, then continue working from home while obtaining my Ph.D.

Reflecting on your time so far at PHSC, and your plans in the future – how would you say receiving scholarships have impacted you and your life?

Scholarships have impacted me and my life immensely. Just this past semester, I was enrolling for this summer which is my final semester and reached out to financial aid for assistance because I could not afford paying tuition out of pocket and did not want to push graduating off another semester with already being accepted to USF. The Scholarship Foundation partnered with financial aid and told me not to work, it was taken care of and to just focus on enjoying my time left with PHSC. I cried.

If you were able to talk to or meet the person(s)/family who funded your scholarship what would you tell them?

I would want to tell them how much their donations mean to me and propelled my career, education, and life. Without this aid, I would never have made it this far or even dreamed of graduating.

If you could share your message and your success story with people in a comparable situation as you, is there anything you would like to tell them, or words of wisdom to impart, that you wish would have been said to you? 

I would pass along the message to other of ask for help. Sometimes, you may not want to ask for assistance or be open about for financial position, but there are always resources and people willing to help you without judgment. Also, if you want something and are willing to put the work it, it can be done. Don’t ever let people discourage you from learning or pursing your education. The more you learn, the more powerful you are.