2023 Student Essay Winner Arnoudly Bossicot

Exploring the Unknown

Being the daughter of a mother and father with a fifth- and eighth-grade education, respectively, makes attending college almost unheard of. My college experience became more surreal as I pursued a career in STEM. I had to build a support system since I was going into a new environment blind. My advisor, Ms. Stephanie David, is someone who uplifted me despite the obstacles we faced. I could not imagine myself being a student-leader without the assistance and love I received from Stephanie.

Upon entering college, I felt like a fish in a sea of sharks. Despite the academic successes I accomplished in high school, I had no plans of being a college student. Graduating in the top 10 percent of my class should have been a big accomplishment for me, but it was not. I had to think of how my parents were going to fund my education while supporting my siblings. I was fortunate enough to be handpicked among thousands of applicants for the inaugural Rising Black Scholars class. I was offered an opportunity to receive an education without accumulating debt. I then felt like I could do both: Be a student and take advantage of my resources.

I met Stephanie on a busy Wednesday afternoon on campus. The then-student life specialist had a voice of authority as she guided her staff effortlessly. Her presence screamed confidence and self-assurance; it demanded attention. I wanted to follow in her footsteps at that moment. The leadership skills I wanted to obtain called for a strong woman to lead. Stephanie granted me my first speaking opportunity at Miami Dade College which was hosting the First Year Convocation, an event meant for first-time college students. Although I had no prior experience hosting an event, I received a series of intensive training from Stephanie that prepared me for my duties. After completing that task, she encouraged me to explore more ways to develop my leadership skills.

With her guidance and words of wisdom echoing in my head, I had the urge to explore my interest in the Student Government Association. It happened to be her jurisdiction as she was the club advisor. I became her right-hand man, aiding in any way I could with the tedious tasks. I later ran for the vice president position with the hopes of continuing the work I started around campus, providing a safe place for students to share their concerns. I was elected as the Student Government Association vice president where, I targeted the problems of food insecurity and the declining mental health of college students.

Within my first year of being in college I had the opportunity to meet state officials, the president of all eight Miami Dade College campuses, and most importantly, I became the voice of reason on my campus. Stephanie was later promoted to student life director. We both grew together in an environment tailored to learning. Without Stephanie David’s teachings, I would not be the powerhouse student-leader I am today.