WCF Scholarship Program Answers: What's On the Mind of Central Florida's Youth?

July 23, 2010 - PRLog -- Global warming, universal healthcare, green industries and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) industries are just a few of the timely topics about which Central Florida’s high school graduates have clear and candid opinions.

Orlando-area youth participated in a recent WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA (WCF) scholarship competition that required graduating seniors from Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter Counties who were interested in pursuing STEM and healthcare careers to respond to one of six topics about important worldwide issues.

The following are excerpts from essays written by the 20 students who were awarded the $2,500 scholarships:

“A universal healthcare system should not be implemented. The decision of selecting their own healthcare provider lies in the hands of the individual patients. These decisions should not be influenced by the government. All citizens should have a freedom of choice in their selection of healthcare.”
- Anthony Phan, graduate of Seminole High School

“Global warming is one of the most difficult challenges of my lifetime. It will be my generation’s responsibility to educate ourselves in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to find a solution to this global problem. The importance and relevance of developing renewable energy resources, such as biofuels in a way that meets our energy demands without compromising our present and future generations must be of the utmost priority for future college students.”
- Matthew Girgenti, graduate of Boone High School

“The field of nanotechnology is the most interesting field I have ever researched, and constantly amazes me every day with the advances it makes in its technology. The idea of being able to miniaturize any technology we currently have today, and then improve upon it at a level so small that we can multiply its effectiveness by more than one hundred times is truly thrilling.”  
- Austin Perkins, graduate of South Sumter High School

“The more frequent use of patient simulators in the training of healthcare students has greatly improved patient safety not only in the United States, but worldwide. After continuous practice through patient simulators, I was able to go to my local hospital and nursing home where I performed all the nursing assisting skills with assurance and ease as the simulations helped me become more prepared for various scenarios and the real world.”
- Ashley Jaramillo, graduate of East Ridge High School

“Personally, I feel that no individual should have to suffer just because they cannot pay for the treatment, thus the United States desperately needs universal healthcare in these tough times. I realize that it is not an easy task to accumulate the funds for universal healthcare, but the United States has achieved so much in the past that nothing seems impossible. Our country went from being a self-destructive confusion after the American Revolution to a world-renowned power that has a strong influence in almost every international matter. If we can achieve this feat, then universal healthcare seems like an easy task.”
- Raza Master, graduate of Crooms Academy of Information Technology

“Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. To protect the health and economic well-being of current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our disposal in order to keep this planet going.”
- Kerry-Ann Gayle, graduate of Leesburg High School

“Some of the most exciting careers within STEM are in the medical fields. In my opinion, helping somebody in need leads to an exciting, selfless and moral life. Medicine is always growing and expanding and new technology is developed every day. The medical field is so interesting because it’s so unpredictable. I believe that if one wants a job that is always new, exciting and always has room for expansion, then the medical field is the way to go.”
- Joseph Chen, graduate of Lake Mary High School

“I strongly believe there should be universal healthcare for everyone in the United States for many reasons. Deprived Americans, along with their children, deserve healthcare and contagious infections could spread outrageously if medication is not given to patients because they have no money to pay for them.”
- Heather Loran, graduate of South Sumter High School

“Careers in STEM fields within the U.S. contribute so much to our society. They are one of the top, most advancing categories of careers. Everywhere you go there is math and science behind it, even if some goes unseen. Without math, the development of our technology and sciences would be nonexistent. So, in truth, math is the all encompassing factor. Not only that, but it also constitutes many other interesting subjects due to its omnipresence.”
- Cory Heck, graduate of Cypress Creek High School

“Although the negatives seem to outweigh the positives and there will continually be harsh effects of global warming throughout my lifetime, we all can make a difference by doing simplistic things such as reducing gasoline consumption, building our own solar oven, patronizing green hotels, and absolutely eating more vegetables. We need to protect ‘mother earth’ so future generations will enjoy her as I have done and will continue to do throughout my lifetime here on earth.”
- Shadai Sonya Martin, graduate of Ocoee High School

“Personally, I believe that some of the most exciting professions are among paramedics, ER doctors and general surgeons because, although the stress can be overbearing at times, the outcomes can be worth it. Without the endeavors of the individuals that invest their time in the fields of STEM, our country would fall apart and there would be no one left to help and save those in desperate need of their assistance.”
- Alexandra Manion, graduate of Mt. Dora High School

“Understanding how one action can lead to many reactions is very exhilarating to me. By researching and finding ways to help people in the United States, and the world, through science and technology, I believe is my way of giving back.”
- Kristine Carcione, graduate of Saint Cloud High School

“I believe having universal healthcare would destroy our country. It would lead to a socialistic government and ultimately, without economy the way it is today, bankruptcy. Universal healthcare does allow every citizen to be covered for health insurance, but you lose your right to choose.”
- Megan Thomas, graduate of Apopka High School

“Students should pursue STEM job fields for the rewards of finding solutions and improving the world they live within. There are many exciting careers such as aerospace, marine or mechanical engineering where a goal in the future can be accomplished as the student pursues a fulfilling career in their desired STEM field.”
- Jeremy Stovall, graduate of Wekiva High School

“…I believe that there should be universal healthcare for everyone in the United States. We must take care of the health of the people of America whether they are poor or rich. Without sufficient and proper treatment, there may be no United States of America. We all need to be healthy in order to continue the work that we are doing to find cures for the illnesses that attack our citizens.”
- Jessica Petion, graduate of Apopka High School

Since 2002, and including these 20 scholarships, WCF has awarded 90 scholarships to local students totaling $345,000.

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WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA is the Orlando area's workforce expert, an authority on workforce planning, programs and the labor market for the Florida counties of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sumter counties.