CENTRAL

xonia"I made the decision to return to school because I understoodthat in America the competition for jobs is based on levels ofeducation. Once I reached 40 years of age, it became a realchallenge to receive job promotions without higher education. Ichose Florida Metropolitan University (now Everest University)due to its reputation for professional support to minorities."My first goal was to earn a Bachelor’s in Business Management,but while I was in the middle of obtaining it, the HomelandSecurity Bachelor’s program was initiated. Without a doubt inmy mind, I joined the new program. It was not easy becauseI accelerated my efforts by taking the maximum number ofclasses allowed per term, which involved many hours of studywhile working full time. I sacrificed time with my family whileconstantly overcoming the obstacles and barriers generated bymy age and language."Nevertheless, I wanted to achieve my goal as soon as possible. Iaccomplished it in three years. That effort paid off. I was the firstcivil citizen in the United States of America granted a Bachelorof Science in Homeland Security. This makes me a pioneer inthe field."Mr. and Mrs. President George W. Bush sent me acongratulation letter in which they wrote, 'When you can makea positive difference in the lives of others and inspire othersto do the same, you help our nation fulfill its great potential.'In addition, I received congratulations from Mr. and Mrs.Governor Jeb Bush, Secretary of the State Condoleezza Rice,Senator Mel Martinez, and David A. Bergeron from the U.S.Department of Education.Xonia JaenFlorida Metropolitan University (now Everest University)Homeland Security"By obtaining the Homeland Security Bachelor’s degree onMay 26, 2006, I am able to obtain a high-level managementposition. I am prepared to accept the complex challenges ofdeveloping and implementing tactics or strategies for differenttypes of catastrophic events that may face the nation. I amknowledgeable enough to work with businesses that requiredeveloping/implementing emergency planning in order toprotect critical infrastructure."I am qualified to manage security operations and implementthe training exercises that are needed to prevent and fightterrorists that threaten the public and the nation, as well asminimize risks and protect vulnerable targets by an improvedsystem of surveillance."I was honored by the national honor society Alpha Beta Kappaand am very proud of my Bachelor’s degree. I would like toencourage everyone to pursue higher educational opportunities.At FMU, you will find the training, skills and wisdom that canilluminate your road toward your career and personal success."I owe special thanks to my mother’s example; I raised mydaughter and my son by myself. Both are currently obtainingtheir college degrees, and I am in the process of achieving mynext goal, which is a Master’s degree." ◄To read more success stories, visitwww.CareerCollegeCentral.com/WhatsAtRiskStories orwww.APSCU.org/StudentSpotlight www.CareerCollegeCentral.com | 43