Note: This is the text of the speech student Leticia Aguilar-Perez gave at the annual alumni reception held at the Big E.

I am incredibly honored and humbled to be here with everyone. I have attended Springfield Technical Community College for the past two years and am currently in my Senior year of the Nursing Program. After completing the nursing program at STCC, my end educational aspirations consist of obtaining my master’s degree in nursing and becoming a Nurse Anesthetist.

Attending STCC was one of the easiest decisions I have made because I was able to identify with their unique mission. It is a well-rounded college full of diversity, culture, student resources, a variety of unique programs, passionate faculty members and an assortment of club and organizations; just to name a few reasons why I chose STCC. The college prepares and sets every student up for success, setting STCC graduates apart in the eyes of companies in the region that are hiring.

For as long as I can remember I have been passionate about helping other people and always eager to lend a listening ear. Throughout the years, I have volunteered at the Jewish Geriatric Services, Mercy Hospital, the YMCA and my local church. Volunteering is an essential part of my life, because giving back to the community is always important. I have worked in the healthcare field for the past 8 years and throughout those years, I have learned so much. The dedication and sincere concern with which the nurses were treating their patients left an everlasting impact on me, making it clear to me that I had found my calling. Nursing would allow me to use my strengths and skills to make a positive difference in the world, especially in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of society. Becoming a registered nurse would significantly expand my scope of practice and I loved the numerous career paths that the profession offered. However, there was a major obstacle that would prohibit me from continuing my educational pursuit and that was the financial burden of tuition and cost of books.

Many students feel hopeless at the thought of not being able to afford a college education, and many give up looking for sources of assistance. I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship foundation at Springfield Technical Community College and the wonderful committee and donors who allow for students to pursue a higher education. Your investment in students, the future of our world, is a great asset. I am particularly appreciative of the Askew & Barden Scholarship, Dan Roulier Neonatal Scholarship, Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship, and the Sheila M. Bowler Scholarship for selecting me as a recipient of your scholarship. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support in my education as well as my colleague’s educational adventures. I hope one day to also help struggling students reach their goals in higher education by assisting in the same way you are helping me. I also look forward to giving back to the community once I begin my nursing career. To all who make the STCC Scholarship Foundation possible, thank you very much for your generosity, confidence, and willingness to help achieve the goals of many students.

NOTE: Leticia Aguilar-Perez is a Senior at Springfield Technical Community College where she is pursuing nursing. She is the recipient of the Askew & Barden Scholarship, Dan Roulier Neonatal Scholarship, Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship, and the Sheila M. Bowler Scholarship. Leticia is a Student Nurse in the ICU as well as an Inpatient Phlebotomist at Baystate Medical Center. Upon completion of her studies, she intends to apply to Westfield State University and progress towards a bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as her master’s degree in Nurse Anesthetist.