SJRCC - SPOTLIGHT

Nursing graduate Rafael Ramos >>

Hard work pays off for student athlete >>

Home-schooled student enjoys leadership opportunities >>

SJRCC student discovers true meaning of opportunity >>

Technician Jane Boles radiates compassion and independence >>

SJRCC dancer begins 'magical' career >>

SJRCC EPI program illustrates one Ponte Vedra teacher's change of art >>

Non-traditional student, Josiah Flint, redesigns career choice >>

Dual diplomas for dual enrollment student Emily Irizarry >>

Middleburg resident Joe Sheppard proves that it is never too late for college >>

Nursing Graduate Rafael Ramos

SJRCC nursing graduate Rafael Ramos, RN, EMT-P, said it is often difficult for an individual to explain the paths one chooses to take, but has come to terms that it is a calling. “Ever since I was a child, I always had a desire to help others,” Rafael said. “I have been blessed with a skill that allows me to help those in need.”

The Orange Park resident’s latest calling led him and a team of local doctors and volunteers to a remote village in Nicaragua last summer. “I truly believe that every health care worker should be given an opportunity to serve those who are in need,” Rafael said. “This service will reinforce the reason why one chooses the nursing profession or any other health care profession and allows him to understand how other cultures view Americans.”

Combining his previous skills as a paramedic with his new nursing skills, Rafael, along with the medical mission team, helped treat approximately 140 patients per day for various tropical diseases during his week-long visit. “Most of the patients were treated for malnutrition, worms and parasites,” he said. “Many walked three hours to see us.”

The 2008 graduate is currently teaching a certified nursing assistant program at the Orange Park High School Academy of Health Science as well as working as an agency nurse at the Florida Department of Corrections Reception and Medical Center (RMC) in Lake Butler. He plans to return to Nicaragua this summer.

During the mission trip, the 54-year-old said he learned that his name, Rafael, is derived from the Hebrew word meaning “God has healed.”

“Who knew that my mother had given me a destiny of helping others?” he said.

SJRCC student discovers true meaning of opportunity

Kim Traxler discovered her love for softball at the age of eight. Although she also excelled in volleyball and soccer in high school, softball was always her favorite sport. When it came time to select a college, she chose to become a Lady Viking. "I wanted to begin at home and then move on to somewhere else," she said.

Initially wanting to improve the season record for her hometown team, Kim confesses she has since learned that a winning season isn't everything. The lasting friendships she built with her teammates have proven to be far more valuable. Kim admits that the Lady Vikings are like a sisterhood, and her fondest memories of college thus far are of time spent travelling as a team. Kim adds that winning and losing are all a process of change, and the athletes who choose to play locally are a part of that process. "With a good school and a good program in your hometown, why go anywhere else?" she said.

Having begun her college career in the 11th grade as a dual enrollment student on the Palatka campus, Kim quickly learned the importance of studying and time management, especially for students involved in sports. By the time she received her high school diploma, Kim had accumulated nearly 30 hours toward her Associate in Arts degree. Interested in behavioral science, Kim said she has taken all but one of the psychology courses SJRCC offers and received her Associate in Arts degree last spring.

Kim recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for Palm Beach Atlantic University, a school she'd previously researched as a high school senior. "They weren't interested in me then," she said, adding that SJRCC, and in particular Coach Rebecca Bennett, helped her achieve her goal of signing with the university. Kim said that Coach Bennett makes phone calls, sends e-mails and uses every available resource to help her players advance to the next level.

Kimberly was named the 2010 female Student Athlete of the Year. The center fielder also played for Interlachen High School. Traxler lead the Vikings with a .331 batting average and 25 runs. She was 18 for 21 in stolen bases. Traxler's fielding percentage was .957. Kimberly said the recognition was rewarding. "Most people don't realize the hard work that goes into being a student and an athlete," she said. "As far as grades and time management, there's a lot of hard work, dedication and self-discipline that goes into it. It's nice to have it pay off like this."

Kim will leave for Palm Beach in August to complete her bachelor's degree in psychology. She plans to pursue a career in counseling, possibly combining her love of sports with her interest in human behavior to become a sports psychologist. Overall, Kim said she is glad she chose to attend SJRCC first and feels prepared, academically and athletically, for the next level.

Home-schooled student enjoys leadership opportunities

Madeline McGuigan says that one of the biggest misconceptions on being home-schooled is that students are more likely to miss out on opportunities that can prepare them for success. "Not so," she said, and her academic, civic and social life is proof. As an active church and community member, Madeline took no time fitting in at college. The ambitious English major found her niche as the student government president and as a student ambassador, Phi Theta Kappa officer and nature club member. "I loved my student leadership roles. ThereÕs a place for everyone at SJRCC."

While she admits that her first day as a college student was a little overwhelming, SJRCC's intimate atmosphere and smaller class sizes were reassuring. "Everyone was so friendly and welcoming," she said. "It's definitely more one-on-one. You really get to know your teachers."

SJRCC student discovers true meaning of opportunity

Like many students, Emmanuel Ercole grew up dreaming of college and the quality of life an education can bring to not only the aspiring professional, but to the community he serves. "College shows you there are other people doing great things for great causes," he said.

At the age of 12, Emmanuel's dream would come within reach when his family moved from Argentina to the United States. "For me, America meant that I would have a chance to earn a college degree and actually use it," he said. "With the opportunities presented by a new country and the support from new neighbors and friends, I found the means to pursue my dream."

With the influence of accelerated programs at St. Augustine High School, Emmanuel discovered he had a passion for biomedical engineering Ð the science of combining biology and medicine with engineering practices to solve medical problems. He had discovered not only an exciting career to pursue, but also a powerful way to give back to his new country and community. "The whole idea that someone could invent a solution to help a person walk again is incredible," he said. "I want to contribute to technology breakthroughs such as that."

Emmanuel's plan to earn the complex science degree first led him to St. Johns River Community College where he earned his Associate in Arts degree (transfer degree). He said he owes much of his academic success to his instructors at SJRCC. "After taking classes such as organic chemistry, physics with calculus and differential equations, I was ready for university-level courses," he said. "The professors and counselors at SJRCC were essential in helping me reach my goals."

Emmanuel's experiences outside the classroom were equally successful. He found that his local community college offered a student life rich with social and civic opportunities. Before graduating from SJRCC, Emmanuel served as a student ambassador, the student government president, and the vice president for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

"In the end, I discovered a school system that recognizes real learning is passionate learning," he said. "I discovered a curriculum that values questions above answers, individuality above conformity and excellence above standardized performance."

Today, Emmanuel is continuing his dream at the University of Florida.

Technician Jane Boles radiates compassion and independence

At the age of 45, Jane Boles was given the opportunity to "rethink" her life. The mother of four suddenly found herself at a crossroad. "I was happy being a stay-at-home mom, but when my marriage ended, my financial situation changed," she said. Although Jane had majored in economics some 20 years earlier, she decided it was the perfect opportunity to pursue the career she had initially desired Ð a career in health care. "I wanted to take care of people," she said.

In 2005, Jane enrolled in the radiologic technology program at St. Johns River Community College, a program she considered to be a perfect match for her professionally and personally. "In a way, being a parent is a prelude to the medical profession," she joked. However, on a more serious note, Jane added that the obstacles she endured when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer gave her a better perspective on the demands of health care workers. "It was a special calling to a profession that demands respect and empathy," Jane said. "Thanks to my experiences and training, my patient care skills are a strength I can bring to the table."

Jane also said that having a college close to home was the key to turning her dream of being financially independent and helping others into a reality. "As a working mom, I needed quality and convenience. St. Johns provided both," she said. "As a mom, you have to fill in every second. There was no time in my schedule to commute."

After completing the associate in science degree program, Jane said she felt prepared to pursue her certification and a new career as a technician at St. Augustine Imaging. "I felt prepared for the real world of radiology," she said. "In addition to the training and experienced faculty, the College arranged excellent clinical locations."

With a healthy family and a new degree, new career and new husband, Jane said life has settled down nicely, "I am enjoying the moment."

SJRCC dancer begins 'magical' career

Chally Rowjohn is one of those rare individuals who, by the age of five, knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life and pursued it. His dream of becoming a dancer, along with a degree from Florida School of the Arts, has led him to what many artists consider to be the ultimate dream destination - Walt Disney World.

After being mesmerized by parade performers during his first visit to the Magic Kingdom, Chally said he knew he wanted a career in the entertainment business. "I knew I wanted to dance, and I wanted to dance at Disney," he said. Fourteen years later, Chally is performing in his first professional dance show in "High School Musical 3" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Chally recently graduated from the St. Johns River Community College arts school with a degree in dance entertainment and credits his instructors for preparing him for success. From choreography to costume design, from voice lessons to the meticulous details of technical theater, Chally said his education at FloArts was well-rounded. "All of my instructors helped me make it," he said. "FloArts brought out the best of my abilities and gave me a strong foundation. It not only prepared me for the audition process, but also matured me for the rehearsal process," he said. "I learned to be adaptive. I feel like I'm more of an asset now because I can pick up choreography quicker, and I do realize details." The Melbourne native was also named performing arts student of the year.

Chally said the first week of rehearsal at Disney's studios was surreal. "When they turned the music on, it all hit," he said. "I couldn't believe it was actually happening. I was in the type of show I've always aspired to be in, and I was with all the other people there who were sharing the same dream."

While his future plans include performing on cruise ships, national musical tours and Broadway, Chally realizes that a dancer's career can often be short-lived and plans to also continue his education. "Knowledge is power, but the timing must be right," he said. "I would love to come full circle with Disney and eventually be on the directing, producing and choreographing side. I love teaching and giving back to the community. It is my duty to do so."

SJRCC EPI program illustrates one Ponte Vedra teacher's change of art

Being the oldest of five children, Katie Corrigan was often told by her family that she had what it takes to become a teacher; however, it wasn't until the 38-year-old advertising professional became a mother that she learned she could combine her art degree and her nurturing disposition into a teaching career - all with the help of the St. Johns River Community College Educator Preparation Institute.

Now well into her first year of teaching art at Palmer Catholic Academy, Corrigan said it has been a worthwhile career change. "It's meaningful and rewarding," Corrigan said. "As a teacher, my day begins with smiling faces ready to learn, and when it ends, I feel like I've made a difference."

Corrigan recently completed the EPI program designed to streamline the process for obtaining a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate and turned her bachelor's degree in studio art into a teaching career. The Jacksonville Beach resident said the program took eleven months to complete and provided a class schedule that was a good fit for her busy life. "I don't know how I would have otherwise earned my certification. I didn't want to worry about what to do about daycare," Corrigan said. "I could take the online classes at 3 a.m. if I needed to."

"The program gives you credit as a professional when you enter," Corrigan said. "Everyone taking the program and teaching the program is very professional and understands the seriousness behind it."

Corrigan said the academy's principal, Linda Earp, initially told her about the EPI program after she began teaching a fifth grade class two years ago on a temporary certification. Corrigan said she was thrilled when the position to teach art to grades kindergarten through eighth became available during the third and final year of her temporary certificate.

Earp said Corrigan's positive interaction with the students, background in art, and having her temporary certification led to her current position. Earp said Corrigan's talents go beyond her artistic abilities. "She thinks outside the box, and every one of her projects is hands-on," Earp said. "She gives every child an equal chance to fit in and express their creative talents, regardless of artistic ability. She gives everyone the chance to succeed."

SJRCC's Alternative Teacher Certification Program, which is part of the EPI program, entails completing seven courses, passing the three parts of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam and submitting the required paperwork to the Florida Department of Education. Participants will be awarded a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate upon completion of the program. No other coursework is required, and the program can be completed in less than a year.

SJRCC offers the EPI courses online or at SJRCC's Palatka, Orange Park and St. Augustine campuses. In order to participate in the EPI program, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and possess the disposition suitable for becoming a teacher.

SJRCC will hold an EPI informational orientation on February 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the St. Augustine Campus. The session is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (386) 312-4242 or e-mail opencampus@sjrcc.edu

Non-traditional student, Josiah Flint redesigns career choice

For 14 years, Josiah Flint was content with his job as a pressman, printing various publications for a local organization. However, as trends in communication began to evolve into a cleaner, greener, electronic format, Josiah found out the hard way that technology was here to stay. At the age of 46, his career in printing became obsolete.

While he was fortunate enough to transfer into an entry-level surveying position within the same company, it became evident that without technical training, the opportunity to advance was unlikely. "At the time, I didn't know what my long-term plan was until someone in the department announced he was retiring," Josiah said. "I looked at the requirements for his job and realized I needed training."

Josiah said he began searching for the technology and training that could prepare him for a position as a computer drafting technician. He needed training in AutoCAD, and St. Johns River Community College fulfilled that need. "The College had just started the drafting program, so I enrolled," he said, now one year into the associate in science degree in architectural drafting and construction technology.

Josiah also had another need - a need many non-traditional students experience. He needed to earn an education in addition to his other responsibilities and commitments. While Josiah admits that returning to college after 26 years has been challenging, SJRCC has given him the training, the flexibility of online and evening courses and the faculty support he needed to succeed. "Without my training at SJRCC, I wouldn't have been able to move into the position of drafting technician," he said. "It's not a good feeling when you are laid off, but it's worked out well in so many ways."

While Josiah will complete his college credit certificate in drafting this summer - an intermediate step toward the degree - he doesn't plan on stopping there. "I won't make the same mistake I made when I was younger," he said. "I want to continue my education and work toward my bachelor's degree in business."

Dual diplomas for dual enrollment
student Emily Irizarry

St. Augustine High School senior Emily Irizarry said that her life, thus far, has been influenced by passion and impact. So what does a teenager know about passion and impact? This spring, the dually-enrolled student will graduate with not only a high school diploma, but with a degree from St. Johns River Community College. As for the impact, Emily has a two-year head start on her college education. As for the passion, she plans to continue following her grandmother/mentor's advice: "If it's something you love, go after it."

Emily began pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher the summer of her sophomore year when she enrolled in SJRCC's dual enrollment program. After what she calls a little calculating, she soon realized that with hard work and dedication, she could be eligible to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate in arts degree at the end of her senior year.

"St. Johns has given me the chance to follow my dream in record time," Emily said. "I now can start working on my bachelor's degree right out of high school."

"I've always wanted to be an (elementary) teacher," Emily added. "That's the age in which you can help children craft the building blocks of life. That's when they evolve into who they are going to be. It's pretty special knowing that you can be a part of that."

SJRCC instructor Ann Masters, Ph.D., said that Emily is an exceptional student. "I really felt that she tried to prepare herself well for her future students - not for just a classroom assignment, but because teaching well is important to her. Her dream is to teach," Masters said. "Students like Emily remind teacher-educators like me that we are passing a torch, and it's grand to see some passion, like Emily's, on the receiving end."

Emily said she drew her inspiration to become a teacher from her grandmother, instructor Elizabeth Foster. "She's an incredible teacher," she said. "I've seen how much she has impacted kids' lives over the years. It's inspiring to see someone who has a passion for what she is doing."

Emily said the admiration is mutual. "My grandmother is proud of me," she said, adding that in addition to her academic responsibilities, she also works full time. And while her plans involve attending Flagler College in the fall and working on her baccalaureate degree, her immediate plans include attending two graduation ceremonies, with her grandmother (from Massachusetts) in the audience.

Middleburg resident proves it's never too late for college

When Joe Sheppard was in high school, he thought nursing would be a good career to pursue. "I like helping people, but I didn't take the step," Joe said. "Besides, I didn't see any men in nursing."

Throughout the years, Joe found ways to help people, either by volunteering or through his church; however, the idea of nursing never truly left him. After working for 20 years in sales, real estate and carpentry, Joe thought, "There's got to be something out there for me."

At the age of 38, and after testing the waters with courses in CPR and medical terminology, Joe decided to take the leap by enrolling in the nursing program at St. Johns River Community College. He graduated from SJRCC in 2006 and never looked back.

Now at the age of 45, Joe said he doesn't regret delaying his nursing career. "I am able to relate to my patients better and in a lot of different ways. I think it's because of my diverse occupational background," he said. "I find that I'm more in-tune."

Along the way, Joe discovered there's more to nursing than the physical and medical tasks. "It's assisting in the little things that make all the difference in the world. The little things count, too," he said. "Sometimes the best medicine is holding someone's hand and talking to them." As far as the male nurse stereotype, Joe said there are more male nurses now than ever.

Joe currently cares for critically-ill patients at Kindred Hospital - North Florida in Green Cove Springs. He also works part time at the Mental Health Center of Jacksonville.

Joe said his future includes working on his bachelor's degree and possibly a master's degree. "The human body is a very complex machine. I learn something new every day," he said. "You never stop learning."