Student Spotlight: Brandon

Hometown: Winter Springs, Florida
Class: 2006
Major: Education

Notable Accomplishments/Awards: I was awarded an SCC Foundation Book Scholarship and the Rotary Club of Sanford Scholarship. I was also a guest speaker at the Foundation's Presidents' Club Breakfast in December 2004.

Why did you choose Seminole State? I chose Seminole State because it offers me the flexible schedule to continue working at my job in the evening. Also, the small class sizes provide students a more personal connection with our professors, which in turn, produces better results and better understanding of the subject matter.

How would you describe your educational experience at Seminole State? Positive in every aspect. As a soldier of the Florida Army National Guard, I was pulled out of school several times in the past few years, to support operations in and around Iraq and to help hurricane victims from the "terrible four" Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne. The SCC Foundation and College faculty have been extra caring and understanding when I, or my colleagues, are called to service.

What are your post-Seminole State/career plans? I plan to attend UCF or FSU on an ROTC scholarship/contract, with which I will receive my commission as an officer in the US Army or National Guard. My civilian-life goals include becoming principal of a high school, dean or president of a university and some day serving as a cabinet member or president of the United States.

How would you describe your "college" experience at Seminole State? There is little difference in the life of a Seminole State student and a "university" student. I have many friends at major universities around the country and the stories they tell are same ones I have lived here at Seminole State. The real difference is that in their English I class they had 220 classmates in an auditorium and I had 20 classmates in a traditional classroom.

What are your activities and hobbies? I enjoy golfing, fishing, camping, playing pool and hanging out with my buddies.

Why would you recommend Seminole State to a potential student? The programs offered at Seminole State are state-of-the-art and prepare students for the 21st Century, high-paced lives we live today. If you want to be it, they have it - teachers, nurses, fire academy, police academy, business and psychologist. The truth is you can come to Seminole State and not feel intimidated by big classes and stern, over zealous, professors. The people-and I call them people because that's how they treat their students like humans instead of numbers on a roll-that work here are among the most professional and understanding individuals with which I have ever worked. They understand that you have a life outside the College's walls, and probably work three jobs to support yourself or a family. The beauty of this College is that there are not just teens and young adults here; there is an array of ages. From 45-year-old Army retirees, to 17-year-old prodigies. Everyone wants to help, and will help; all you have to do is enroll.