Currently I have about a year and half left before I receive my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy. I am a research assistant working alongside doctoral students with their Neurofeedback therapy study. Research shows that neurofeedback can reduce high levels of anxiety. I was also recently offered a graduate assistantship position within the College of Education Graduate Affairs Office. The position offers tuition waivers per semester and biweekly stipends. I advise students at the graduate level, maintain records for our college and help trouble shoot student inquiries. Upon completion of my degree, I will begin my 1500 clinical hours as a registered intern with the state and look forward to becoming a licensed therapist in the state of Florida. I was initiated last spring into the Chi Sigma Iota Professional Counseling Honor Society. :)
I apologize for the late email.
Best,
Dimesha Suazo
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student
Florida State University Alumna
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Stephanie Cayon, Class of 2017
Gladiators, it’s safe enough to say that my senior year at the Gardens was bittersweet. Between my 7 AICE classes, my extracurricular activities, and balancing this between friends and family time, the constant “busy time” allowed me to have a great experience my senior year. Graduating with a 4.7 unweighted GPA and top 10% of my 2017 class allows me to boast about how proud I am to be a gladiator and a product of hardworking teachers and a family who pushes me to the limit.
Throughout my senior year, I was offered several scholarships such as a full ride at St. Thomas University and enough scholarships from NOVA Southeastern University to only pay a small amount per semester. This school year consisted of me coaching an elementary dance school team while focusing on my own dancing skill on Miami Dancity’s Competitive Dance Team. If you’re wondering how I balanced these things and still managed to graduate with honors and plenty of offers from universities and colleges, I tell you one of my mantras that allowed me to get through my senior year in one piece… hard work ALWAYS pay off.
Someone is always watching the grind you are putting into your goals and someone on the sidelines will always appreciate the dedication you give even when you feel discouraged. Sacrifices will need to be made in order to accomplish your goals but once that goal is met, it just evolves into a bigger and better goal. As of August, I will be attending Florida International University and majoring in Political Science. I expect to continue dancing whether it’s professionally or teaching at a studio or school. What can I say?
Something’s never change. Another peace of advice, always remember that family is the most important thing once you are in any dilemma. Never forget your roots and where you came from. Study hard, kids and stay strong your last year!
As of May 27: Stepanie is working as a dancer with the Miami Marlins!
Throughout my senior year, I was offered several scholarships such as a full ride at St. Thomas University and enough scholarships from NOVA Southeastern University to only pay a small amount per semester. This school year consisted of me coaching an elementary dance school team while focusing on my own dancing skill on Miami Dancity’s Competitive Dance Team. If you’re wondering how I balanced these things and still managed to graduate with honors and plenty of offers from universities and colleges, I tell you one of my mantras that allowed me to get through my senior year in one piece… hard work ALWAYS pay off.
Someone is always watching the grind you are putting into your goals and someone on the sidelines will always appreciate the dedication you give even when you feel discouraged. Sacrifices will need to be made in order to accomplish your goals but once that goal is met, it just evolves into a bigger and better goal. As of August, I will be attending Florida International University and majoring in Political Science. I expect to continue dancing whether it’s professionally or teaching at a studio or school. What can I say?
Something’s never change. Another peace of advice, always remember that family is the most important thing once you are in any dilemma. Never forget your roots and where you came from. Study hard, kids and stay strong your last year!
As of May 27: Stepanie is working as a dancer with the Miami Marlins!
Friday, May 19, 2017
Kassey Morales, Graduated w/AA before finishing high school
Future Psychology Major, English Minor. Ultimate goal is to earn my Ph.D. in Psychology and write self-help books with biblical guidance. Also, publish works ranging from poetry to short stories.
I remained within top 2% for most of my academic career. For many people, fixating on a number is not their cup of tea. They rather “enjoy” the high school experience and “chill.” My personality would not allow that. Always known as the busy bee and the stressed-crazed girl, I truly came into my own senior year. Hearing that out of over 700 students I was number 9 (or so) proved that my work was recognized.
Ranking is determined by GPA. Mine is 3.9 unweighted and 5.19 weighted.
How did I earn that amazing GPA? It was definitely not by opting out of the hard classes. Coming into high school, I had already formulated my plan. I was going to start Dual Enrollment at Miami Dade College the fall of my sophomore year to earn my Associates Degree. Initially, I enrolled in several AICE classes and thought to myself that perhaps only doing Dual Enrollment would be the best route for me. Little did I know that God had a greater plan. Not only did I graduate with my AA before graduating high school, I am currently on my way to getting my AICE Diploma. The Cambridge Program is an exceptional opportunity if you use it correctly. Although it does attract higher level schools in and out of Florida, its main perk is Bright Futures. If you obtain 7 credits (having passed the tests) and at least 100 hours of community service, you get 100% Bright Futures. Now, here’s what many people don’t know; Bright Futures ONLY works for public universities in Florida, like FIU, UF, UCF, and FSU.
My best advice to you all is to plan. Plan for your plan. Plan for when it fails. Plan for when it succeeds. Not to be afraid of exploring your full potential because you’re afraid of the greatness of your mind. For many hardworking students like myself, uncovering the greatness within is sometimes the scariest feeling. Know that being top 2%, having an Associates Degree, and earning an AICE diploma does not quiet the voice in your head saying, “You could’ve done more.” However, it is now your strength within to tell that voice, “I did more than I could’ve possibly dreamed.”
With much love and adulation for your future works,
Kassey Morales
Class of 2017
P.S. Below I attached my chicken scratch outline of the classes I took and how I actually graduated with my AA, seeing that is the question I frequently get asked by underclassmen.
(COMING SOON)
I remained within top 2% for most of my academic career. For many people, fixating on a number is not their cup of tea. They rather “enjoy” the high school experience and “chill.” My personality would not allow that. Always known as the busy bee and the stressed-crazed girl, I truly came into my own senior year. Hearing that out of over 700 students I was number 9 (or so) proved that my work was recognized.
Ranking is determined by GPA. Mine is 3.9 unweighted and 5.19 weighted.
How did I earn that amazing GPA? It was definitely not by opting out of the hard classes. Coming into high school, I had already formulated my plan. I was going to start Dual Enrollment at Miami Dade College the fall of my sophomore year to earn my Associates Degree. Initially, I enrolled in several AICE classes and thought to myself that perhaps only doing Dual Enrollment would be the best route for me. Little did I know that God had a greater plan. Not only did I graduate with my AA before graduating high school, I am currently on my way to getting my AICE Diploma. The Cambridge Program is an exceptional opportunity if you use it correctly. Although it does attract higher level schools in and out of Florida, its main perk is Bright Futures. If you obtain 7 credits (having passed the tests) and at least 100 hours of community service, you get 100% Bright Futures. Now, here’s what many people don’t know; Bright Futures ONLY works for public universities in Florida, like FIU, UF, UCF, and FSU.
My best advice to you all is to plan. Plan for your plan. Plan for when it fails. Plan for when it succeeds. Not to be afraid of exploring your full potential because you’re afraid of the greatness of your mind. For many hardworking students like myself, uncovering the greatness within is sometimes the scariest feeling. Know that being top 2%, having an Associates Degree, and earning an AICE diploma does not quiet the voice in your head saying, “You could’ve done more.” However, it is now your strength within to tell that voice, “I did more than I could’ve possibly dreamed.”
With much love and adulation for your future works,
Kassey Morales
Class of 2017
P.S. Below I attached my chicken scratch outline of the classes I took and how I actually graduated with my AA, seeing that is the question I frequently get asked by underclassmen.
(COMING SOON)
Monday, December 5, 2016
Patricia Fuentes, Class of 2017
My name is Patricia Fuentes and I will be graduating in 2017, and I will be attending Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a higher education and I would work to attend an Ivy League school. I remember being in Dr. L’s class my freshman year and she asked us, “Who wants to go out of state for college?” and I quickly shot my hand up with conviction.
Throughout high school, I have always been enrolled in Honors, AICE, and AP courses while taking Dual Enrollment classes at night and during the summer. I always took the highest-level class that was available in school and went beyond to take classes that interested me at Miami Dade College. Alongside maintaining my academic record, I have always been involved in extracurricular activities that have been closely related to my interests. I feel that everyone should find what they love and do it with a passion. It is more significant to do a few activities that you are very involved in, rather than being in dozens of clubs that your involvement is very minimal. When I entered high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of HOSA: Future Health Professionals and after my freshman year, I became inspired to do everything I could with this club. I became very involved by competing in the regional, state, and international level while becoming the President by my Junior year. But, you must stand out and be original! I then found out about running for a State Officer position, a position that HGHS had never held. I became elected my Junior year as the first student from HGHS to be in the Florida HOSA State team.
I want to become a neurosurgeon and I have always been extremely intrigued by the field of Neurology. The summer of sophomore year, I received the opportunity to shadow a neurologist from Palmetto Regional Hospital where I went on rounds, spoke to patients, learned to set up an EEG, and read MRI scans. By the end of the summer, the doctor recommended me to a professor at Florida International University because I had expressed my interest in epileptic patients and research. At FIU, I had an interview with the professor and then he took me in to do research with epileptic patients in his lab. This became one of the most impactful experiences in my high school years because I became very involved with patients, professionals, and medical students. I experienced the world I wanted to work in as an aspiring neurosurgeon and was able to share this with the universities I applied to. During this time, I went on to present my research, learn from other students, and spend my time at the lab during the summer while attending meetings during the school year. I recommend that if you know what you want to pursue in the future, do things in high school that will show colleges that you are passionate for that field or profession and that you are passionate enough to experience it so young. Most of the time colleges receive essays from students claiming how much they want to do “so and so” when they grow up, but they never did anything in high school that resembled that passion. So, if you know what you love or if not, always participate in clubs or experiences that you will be able to speak about with a passion because admission officers will see that in your essays!
I went through the application process for QuestBridge and that is how I was accepted in Princeton University with a full ride scholarship. I began this journey towards the end of my junior year when I applied to become a QuestBridge College Prep-Scholar and I was chosen! Then, I continued the application until the matching process and was fortunately matched to Princeton. I was also a part of the POSSE Miami group and was matched to Pomona College, but I opted out of this program before it became binding. However, this could be a great option for many because the schools POSSE offers are all great and could potentially be your dream school (even though they weren’t mine)!
At Princeton, I am planning to major in Biomedical Engineering because after working at FIU I realized I not only had a passion for medicine but I have a curiosity for subjects such as physics! My time in high school is quickly ending and I cannot wait to embark on this new journey ahead; however, reaching this point was not easy, I have had to sacrifice a lot in high school to be where I am today. Sometimes there are things in high school that we think are the most important, but you must stay focused on your future goals and do everything in your power to make it happen!
Throughout high school, I have always been enrolled in Honors, AICE, and AP courses while taking Dual Enrollment classes at night and during the summer. I always took the highest-level class that was available in school and went beyond to take classes that interested me at Miami Dade College. Alongside maintaining my academic record, I have always been involved in extracurricular activities that have been closely related to my interests. I feel that everyone should find what they love and do it with a passion. It is more significant to do a few activities that you are very involved in, rather than being in dozens of clubs that your involvement is very minimal. When I entered high school, I knew I wanted to be a part of HOSA: Future Health Professionals and after my freshman year, I became inspired to do everything I could with this club. I became very involved by competing in the regional, state, and international level while becoming the President by my Junior year. But, you must stand out and be original! I then found out about running for a State Officer position, a position that HGHS had never held. I became elected my Junior year as the first student from HGHS to be in the Florida HOSA State team.
I want to become a neurosurgeon and I have always been extremely intrigued by the field of Neurology. The summer of sophomore year, I received the opportunity to shadow a neurologist from Palmetto Regional Hospital where I went on rounds, spoke to patients, learned to set up an EEG, and read MRI scans. By the end of the summer, the doctor recommended me to a professor at Florida International University because I had expressed my interest in epileptic patients and research. At FIU, I had an interview with the professor and then he took me in to do research with epileptic patients in his lab. This became one of the most impactful experiences in my high school years because I became very involved with patients, professionals, and medical students. I experienced the world I wanted to work in as an aspiring neurosurgeon and was able to share this with the universities I applied to. During this time, I went on to present my research, learn from other students, and spend my time at the lab during the summer while attending meetings during the school year. I recommend that if you know what you want to pursue in the future, do things in high school that will show colleges that you are passionate for that field or profession and that you are passionate enough to experience it so young. Most of the time colleges receive essays from students claiming how much they want to do “so and so” when they grow up, but they never did anything in high school that resembled that passion. So, if you know what you love or if not, always participate in clubs or experiences that you will be able to speak about with a passion because admission officers will see that in your essays!
I went through the application process for QuestBridge and that is how I was accepted in Princeton University with a full ride scholarship. I began this journey towards the end of my junior year when I applied to become a QuestBridge College Prep-Scholar and I was chosen! Then, I continued the application until the matching process and was fortunately matched to Princeton. I was also a part of the POSSE Miami group and was matched to Pomona College, but I opted out of this program before it became binding. However, this could be a great option for many because the schools POSSE offers are all great and could potentially be your dream school (even though they weren’t mine)!
At Princeton, I am planning to major in Biomedical Engineering because after working at FIU I realized I not only had a passion for medicine but I have a curiosity for subjects such as physics! My time in high school is quickly ending and I cannot wait to embark on this new journey ahead; however, reaching this point was not easy, I have had to sacrifice a lot in high school to be where I am today. Sometimes there are things in high school that we think are the most important, but you must stay focused on your future goals and do everything in your power to make it happen!
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Alejandra Mena Attends Yale!
Hello! My name is Alejandra Mena and I am starting my junior year at Yale University. I graduated from HGHS in 2013, working hard in my honors, AP, and AICE classes to build up my preparation for a rigorous college curriculum. When I got to Yale, I took a few English courses, international relations courses, and Chinese courses. I started learning Chinese at HGHS. I continued to study Chinese my freshman year at Yale, eventually winning a fellowship to study in China for the summer. It was an incredible experience! I recommend study abroad to every college student. I became especially interested in Yale’s renowned political science department. I recently declared political science as my major and will concentrate in international relations and comparative government. This past summer I interned at a consulting firm in Minneapolis. My focus was non-profit consulting: researching and proposing effective practices and offering strategic planning for social service organizations. Non-profit work is appealing to me and I may explore it more. The current plan after graduation is to attend law school. Let’s see where the road takes me!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Jessica P, Class of 2011, Bachelors Obtained!
We previously spoke to Jessica and you can read that previous update here. Since then, Jessica has graduated from FIU. Here is her story.
Hello Gladiators!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re sitting in one of the desks that I sat in just a couple years ago. My name is Jessica Perez and I was a part of the inaugural class of 2011 at Hialeah Gardens High School. You might even see my picture hanging on the wall. This school holds a very special place in my heart because of the many activities that I was a part of and the friendships that I made, but most importantly because of the teachers, administration and staff that pushed be beyond my limits! So if you’re currently stressed out and overwhelmed because you’re in 5 clubs and are taking too many AP or AICE classes, you’re on the right path. Don’t give up! Those tough classes and activities you are a part of are the ones that are going to prepare you for your future. They are currently teaching you how to manage your time, how to work with others, how to study, and how to succeed!
After graduating from Hialeah Gardens High School, I attended the Honors College at Miami Dade College where I obtained an Associates of Arts Degree for FREE (yes, I said FREE!). The Honors College paid for my tuition and books while also providing a stipend (free money for maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA each semester). I actually made money going to school! From there, I transferred to the Honors College at Florida International University (FIU) to pursue my Bachelors Degree in Psychology on a full paid academic scholarship that covered the final two years of my undergraduate education. While at FIU, I was a research assistant at the Child Anxiety and Phobia Program (CAPP) from the moment I set foot on campus. While volunteering at CAPP, I began by merely stamping data to make sure it was complete. By my second semester, I had done such a great job and had learned so much, that I was calling families to schedule their appointments and shortly after was conducting my very own treatment sessions with children who struggle with anxiety. Not only was I a part of CAPP, but I was also a vocalist for the Honors College a cappella group known as HEARTbeats (Feel free to check us out: http://news.fiu.edu/2015/03/a-cappella-group-builds-community-within-honors-college/86503
). I was also a member of the Psychology International Honor Society (Psi Chi) as well as a tutor for elementary school aged children. Although I was involved in several activities while taking 15 credits per semester, I managed my time wisely so I wouldn’t burn my self out (time management is key!).
*If you’ve never had a planner or a calendar, it’s time to start investing in one!
As of May 5, 2015, I graduated from FIU with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and will be attending Graduate School at FIU this Fall, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My goal is to be able to continue to assist those who are distressed and overwhelmed by anxiety on a daily basis. I also plan to return to CAPP to complete my practicum hours to obtain my license to practice counseling. With this license, I could open up my own practice, work at a school or in a hospital, providing evidence based treatment to children or adults.
Long story short, I am extremely grateful to HGHS for the recommendations and the help that was provided to me. Take advantage of your opportunities because they are right at your fingertips. Sacrifice a minute of your time to visit your CAP advisor, Mrs. Abesada or talk to your teachers. They were in your shoes once too (and trust me, they know what they’re talking about). I have two degrees and didn’t have to pay a penny thanks to some of the advice that was given to me! Now, all of the money that I saved, will help me pay for graduate school. Although it would’ve been cool to go away for college, I don’t regret staying in Miami one bit! I’ve networked with some awesome professors, made lifelong friends and saved a whole lot of money. Meanwhile, I'm still pursuing my dream! You can do the same!
I wish you all many blessings and hope that you can achieve your goals! Have faith that you can do it and you will! Go Gladiators!
Hello Gladiators!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re sitting in one of the desks that I sat in just a couple years ago. My name is Jessica Perez and I was a part of the inaugural class of 2011 at Hialeah Gardens High School. You might even see my picture hanging on the wall. This school holds a very special place in my heart because of the many activities that I was a part of and the friendships that I made, but most importantly because of the teachers, administration and staff that pushed be beyond my limits! So if you’re currently stressed out and overwhelmed because you’re in 5 clubs and are taking too many AP or AICE classes, you’re on the right path. Don’t give up! Those tough classes and activities you are a part of are the ones that are going to prepare you for your future. They are currently teaching you how to manage your time, how to work with others, how to study, and how to succeed!
After graduating from Hialeah Gardens High School, I attended the Honors College at Miami Dade College where I obtained an Associates of Arts Degree for FREE (yes, I said FREE!). The Honors College paid for my tuition and books while also providing a stipend (free money for maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA each semester). I actually made money going to school! From there, I transferred to the Honors College at Florida International University (FIU) to pursue my Bachelors Degree in Psychology on a full paid academic scholarship that covered the final two years of my undergraduate education. While at FIU, I was a research assistant at the Child Anxiety and Phobia Program (CAPP) from the moment I set foot on campus. While volunteering at CAPP, I began by merely stamping data to make sure it was complete. By my second semester, I had done such a great job and had learned so much, that I was calling families to schedule their appointments and shortly after was conducting my very own treatment sessions with children who struggle with anxiety. Not only was I a part of CAPP, but I was also a vocalist for the Honors College a cappella group known as HEARTbeats (Feel free to check us out: http://news.fiu.edu/2015/03/a-cappella-group-builds-community-within-honors-college/86503
). I was also a member of the Psychology International Honor Society (Psi Chi) as well as a tutor for elementary school aged children. Although I was involved in several activities while taking 15 credits per semester, I managed my time wisely so I wouldn’t burn my self out (time management is key!).
*If you’ve never had a planner or a calendar, it’s time to start investing in one!
As of May 5, 2015, I graduated from FIU with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and will be attending Graduate School at FIU this Fall, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My goal is to be able to continue to assist those who are distressed and overwhelmed by anxiety on a daily basis. I also plan to return to CAPP to complete my practicum hours to obtain my license to practice counseling. With this license, I could open up my own practice, work at a school or in a hospital, providing evidence based treatment to children or adults.
Long story short, I am extremely grateful to HGHS for the recommendations and the help that was provided to me. Take advantage of your opportunities because they are right at your fingertips. Sacrifice a minute of your time to visit your CAP advisor, Mrs. Abesada or talk to your teachers. They were in your shoes once too (and trust me, they know what they’re talking about). I have two degrees and didn’t have to pay a penny thanks to some of the advice that was given to me! Now, all of the money that I saved, will help me pay for graduate school. Although it would’ve been cool to go away for college, I don’t regret staying in Miami one bit! I’ve networked with some awesome professors, made lifelong friends and saved a whole lot of money. Meanwhile, I'm still pursuing my dream! You can do the same!
I wish you all many blessings and hope that you can achieve your goals! Have faith that you can do it and you will! Go Gladiators!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Ibis, Class of 2011; Bachelors Completed!
We first posted about Ibis back in October 2013. Click here to read her first update. Since that time, Ibis has graduated and provided us with a new update.
To My Proud Gladiators:
My name is Ibis Iser; proud Gladiator. I was truly fortunate to be the Vice President of the first graduating class— Class of 2011. Gazing back at my high school memories and observing how time has passed so rapidly brings me a feeling of nostalgia. It also brings joy and pride to recognize all I have accomplished within the last four years started right there, in that very seat you could be sitting in at this precise moment.
I recently graduated from St. Thomas University with my Bachelors in Biology and a Specialization in Research. Prior to that I completed my A.A at Miami Dade's Honors College in 2013. Currently for the summer I will be preparing myself for the MCAT through the University of Miami MCAT Prep Program at the Miller School of Medicine. My goal for the next few months is to study harder than ever and do outstanding on the MCAT and apply to Medical School.
It is a long and daunting process but it is totally worth the wait and struggle if it’s your dream. It was not so long ago when I was in your shoes so I understand how this road may seem like an endless horizon at your age but eventually you’ll see land, and that’s a promise. My advice is, study and take advantage of all the perks our school –Hialeah Gardens has to offer, because I know that without the education and educators I would not be where I am today. Truthfully speaking, you all are at the prime of your lives; this is the time to plant the seed that you would like to see flourish ten years from now. I would like to end with this quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then it’s not big enough”. Don't be afraid to dream big, study hard, have fun and do not forget to get involved!
Lets go GLADIATORS -Dream BIG!
P.S. If any of you are interested in Medical School or achieving a Bachelors in Science please feel free to contact me at the email below, and I will be more than happy to answer any questions, good luck to all: ibisiser@gmail.com
To My Proud Gladiators:
My name is Ibis Iser; proud Gladiator. I was truly fortunate to be the Vice President of the first graduating class— Class of 2011. Gazing back at my high school memories and observing how time has passed so rapidly brings me a feeling of nostalgia. It also brings joy and pride to recognize all I have accomplished within the last four years started right there, in that very seat you could be sitting in at this precise moment.
I recently graduated from St. Thomas University with my Bachelors in Biology and a Specialization in Research. Prior to that I completed my A.A at Miami Dade's Honors College in 2013. Currently for the summer I will be preparing myself for the MCAT through the University of Miami MCAT Prep Program at the Miller School of Medicine. My goal for the next few months is to study harder than ever and do outstanding on the MCAT and apply to Medical School.
It is a long and daunting process but it is totally worth the wait and struggle if it’s your dream. It was not so long ago when I was in your shoes so I understand how this road may seem like an endless horizon at your age but eventually you’ll see land, and that’s a promise. My advice is, study and take advantage of all the perks our school –Hialeah Gardens has to offer, because I know that without the education and educators I would not be where I am today. Truthfully speaking, you all are at the prime of your lives; this is the time to plant the seed that you would like to see flourish ten years from now. I would like to end with this quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then it’s not big enough”. Don't be afraid to dream big, study hard, have fun and do not forget to get involved!
Lets go GLADIATORS -Dream BIG!
P.S. If any of you are interested in Medical School or achieving a Bachelors in Science please feel free to contact me at the email below, and I will be more than happy to answer any questions, good luck to all: ibisiser@gmail.com
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